RDAarchitects

Initiation

We are aware that a lot of clients will find the idea of a first time construction project a bit daunting – but it shouldn’t be. Here at RDA Architects we strive to make the process as straightforward and rewarding as possible.

Every design project and architectural solution is unique and the process from inception to completion is never the same. That’s what we love about being Architects.

Preparation

Involving a Chartered Architect in the early stages is the safest option to ensure you have satisfaction in a project, whether you already have a property or site you wish to develop, or are looking for something new.

As Architects we can provide you with the important evaluation necessary to help you decide how to achieve your aspirations, or if you already know what you want and need, we may be able to provide more functional and/or cost-effective solutions. This process is known as briefing.

Concept

Once we establish and agree your brief we will help you develop an outline design taking cognisance of the site conditions, existing buildings, neighbouring properties, planning legislation, building regulations, budget expectations, etc.

We tailor each project individually in order to suit your requirements, ensuring an understanding and complete satisfaction of the design is provided throughout, whether this be initial sketches and/or 3D visualisations of options for discussion.

Design

Once a design concept is agreed and developed, we work with local authorities to ensure the relevant consents are gained. This may include planning permission in principle, full planning permission, listed building consent, advertisement consent, tree preservation works consent, etc. Some smaller domestic projects may fall under householder permitted development rights and therefore benefit from a certificate of lawfulness application. The statutory planning determination process is typically 8 weeks.

Technical

As well as designing a proposal that suits your requirements both functionally and aesthetically, we can also advise on and co-ordinate the other design team members such as engineers, quantity surveyors, specialists and contractors, depending on the complexity of the project, to prepare the more technical design elements.

This information is used to prepare and develop a set of technical design drawings and specifications for building warrant consent to comply with the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations, which is the second requisite approval process from the Local Authority.

Construction

Once the required Planning and Building Warrant consents are obtained, with or without a quantity surveyor depending on the scope of works, we can prepare and issue documents for competitive tendering contractors to submit a price. This will include any specific phasing of the works where applicable to ensure your property remains usable throughout the construction phase or where staged finances require to be controlled. We can advise on suitable tendering contractors, or take your suggestions, and also advise on suitable forms of contracts.

Once tenders are received, we can analyse and help determine the correct contractor for your project, and then arrange a pre-start meeting to establish project parameters and ensure all parties are in agreement.

During the construction process we offer assistance throughout, from visiting site to inspect the quality of works, check progress, certify payments, and control any variations to the contract.

Handover and Moving In

After construction is complete we further liaise with the local authority to ensure a completion certificate is achieved. We will also manage the retention and defects liability period where money is held to deal with any issues that may become apparent in the building when in use.

Fees

Like the majority of architects, we do not have set fees. Each fee is tailored depending on the project requirements and to provide best value for money. We typically agree either a fixed lump sum fee or an agreed percentage of the build cost. This will all be discussed, agreed and set out at the start of a project.