ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
BGA Architects provides architectural services from early feasibility and concept design through planning, technical design, tender and construction.
Our appointments can be tailored to suit the requirements of each project, whether we are providing advice at a particular stage or working with the client and wider design team from inception through to completion.
Each project is led by a dedicated member of our team, providing a consistent point of contact and continuity as the project develops.
01-FEASIBILITY AND ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
Every project starts with understanding the site, the brief and the opportunities available.
We work with clients to explore ideas, identify constraints and develop a clear architectural response before progressing into the statutory and technical stages of the project.
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Feasibility Studies
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Site Appraisals
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Concept Design
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Space Planning
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Development Advice
We prepare and coordinate planning applications for projects ranging from individual homes and extensions through to residential developments, commercial projects and work to historic buildings.
Our approach considers the planning context from the outset so that design decisions are informed by the opportunities and constraints of the site.
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Planning Applications
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Design & Access Statements
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Listed Buildings & Conservation
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Change of Use
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Planning Appeals
02-PLANNING
03-TECHNICAL DESIGN & BUILDING REGULATIONS
Following planning, we develop projects into coordinated technical information suitable for Building Regulations approval and construction.
We work closely with structural engineers and other specialist consultants to coordinate the wider design, resolve technical requirements and provide clear construction information.
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Building Regulations
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Technical Design
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Consultant Coordination
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Construction Details
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Specification
04-TENDER AND PROCUREMENT
Where required, we can prepare and coordinate tender information, assist with contractor selection and provide advice throughout the procurement process.
This helps clients obtain comparable contractor prices and understand the scope of work before entering into a building contract.
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Tender Packages
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Contractor Selection
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Procurement Advice
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Tender Analysis
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Value Engineering
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Contract Documentation
Our involvement does not have to end when construction begins.
Where appointed during the construction stage, BGA can administer the building contract, monitor progress and provide architectural support as the project moves from drawings into built form.
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Contract Administration
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Site Inspections
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Progress Reporting
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Interim Certificates
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Defects
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Final Account Coordination
05-CONSTRUCTION AND CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
06-SURVEYS, VISUALISATION AND SPECIALIST SERVICES
Alongside our core architectural services, BGA provides a range of complementary services to support the design, coordination and delivery of projects.
Surveys
Measured surveys, point cloud and laser surveys, as-built drawings and condition surveys.
Visualisation
3D visualisation, CGI, animation and other digital presentation tools to help clients and design teams understand proposals as they develop.
Specialist Services
Legal, lease and title plans, conservation-related surveys and Principal Designer services where appointed.
We were left in awe at the work Rob did to help us develop and bring our home to life. The Trunk Bay - BVI property is challenging due to the contours and environment but he captured everything we needed, wanted and much much more. We cant wait to continue the journey!
James Drury - Private Client
COMMON QUESTIONS
I am new to this. What does the architectural design process involve? The first step is to tell us a little about your property or site and what you would like to achieve. We will review the information provided and prepare an initial budget estimate for our architectural services. If the estimate is suitable, we will arrange a no-obligation consultation to discuss the project, your requirements and the next steps in more detail. Following this meeting, we will provide a formal fee proposal setting out our recommended scope of services. Once appointed, we will normally arrange a measured survey where required before preparing the initial design proposals for your review. Depending on the project, BGA can then assist through planning, technical design and Building Regulations, tendering and construction.
How long will it take to receive the initial design drawings? For many projects, initial design proposals are typically prepared within approximately 4–6 weeks following completion of the survey and receipt of the information required to begin the design. Timescales will vary depending on the scale and complexity of the project, our workload and whether information from other consultants is required. Your project leader will confirm the anticipated programme when your project commences. Prompt client feedback throughout the design process will help us maintain the agreed programme.
Do BGA Architects submit the planning application? Yes. Where appointed to do so, BGA will prepare and submit the planning application and supporting architectural information on your behalf. We will monitor the application following submission and keep you informed of significant updates, requests for further information and the eventual decision. Planning decisions are made by the local planning authority and therefore BGA cannot guarantee that planning permission will be granted.
What is the difference between planning permission and Building Regulations approval? Planning and Building Regulations are separate processes. Planning is primarily concerned with whether development is acceptable in principle and considers matters such as appearance, scale, use, neighbouring properties and the wider planning context. Building Regulations deal with how the building is designed and constructed, including matters such as structure, fire safety, energy efficiency, ventilation, drainage, accessibility and other technical requirements. Obtaining planning permission does not normally remove the need to comply with Building Regulations. BGA can provide both planning and technical design services as part of the same project.
Will I need a structural engineer? Many projects require input from a structural engineer, particularly where new structural openings, beams, foundations, retaining structures or significant alterations are proposed. BGA does not employ an in-house structural engineer. Where one is required, we can assist in obtaining quotations from independent structural engineering practices with whom we have previously worked. Unless specifically agreed otherwise, the structural engineer is appointed directly by the client as a separate consultant.
Can BGA assist during construction? Yes. Where appointed, BGA can provide construction-stage architectural services and can act as Contract Administrator under an appropriate building contract. Our role may include attending site, responding to architectural queries, reviewing progress, issuing contractual instructions and certificates and assisting with defects and completion. The precise scope will depend on the form of contract and our appointment.
