Architectural Services London
Architectural services, guided by Chartered Architectural Technologists, transform visions into reality, blending innovation and expertise to shape the built environment with precision and purpose.
Planning Permission
Planning permission is vital to make your project a reality. At AC Design Solution, we simplify the process. Our experts help your project align with local design guide for a hassle-free experience, whether it’s residential, commercial, or an extension.
With our local expertise and a strong track record, we’re your trusted partner.
We offer tailored solutions, from consultations to application submissions, saving you time and money. We have extensive knowledge with Conservation area, New Building, Apart Hotels and Prior Approval applications. .
Architectural Services offered:
Construction Drawings
Upon approval of your planning application, we proceed to the technical design stage, where your vision becomes a ready-to-build reality. You’ll receive detailed documentation, including building regulations and construction drawings, specifying materials such as doors, windows, Insulation types and more. We also provide a 3D walkthrough model for a vivid preview. We’ll then Help recommend reputable contractors to bid on your project, guiding you in balancing time, quality, and cost.
Project Management
Hiring a Chartered Practice for build management can help avoid common construction pitfalls. While Building Control inspects critical elements, our services ensure comprehensive quality control. We pay attention to every detail, maintaining the project’s alignment with the original design and quality standards. Additionally, Chartered Architectural Technologists excel in identifying and mitigating construction-related risks, reducing the chances of future problems or disputes, offering a more secure and worry-free construction process.
Conceptual Design
Chartered Architectural Technologists kickstart the project’s creative genesis, giving birth to essential design concepts. During this phase, they engage in brainstorming, space planning, site analysis, and collaborate closely with the client to ensure alignment with their vision. This early groundwork not only promotes efficient design development but also serves as a foundational, cost-effective path toward project realization. It’s a pivotal phase that streamlines the project for greater clarity and cost efficiency.
Sustainable Property Design
Sustainable Design and Architecture are now fundamental principles driving property construction in London. These principles apply to new builds, site developments, renovations, and existing homes. The focus is on achieving zero carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and utilizing sustainable materials. These sustainability principles are central to modern architectural design and top-quality refurbishments, reshaping the construction landscape throughout the city.
Download Sample Architectural Floor plan
Why implement sustainable property design?
Welcome to a new era in property construction, where sustainable design is at the forefront. Whether you’re embarking on new builds, site developments, renovations, or enhancing existing homes, our primary focus is sustainability. We’re dedicated to minimizing environmental impact and fostering responsible practices, ensuring a greener and healthier future for all.
Implementing sustainable design is driven by our collective responsibility for the environment. Through sustainable practices, we reduce carbon emissions, preserve natural resources, and combat climate change. It’s more than just construction; it’s a way to safeguard our planet for generations to come.
Yet, the advantages extend beyond environmental stewardship. Sustainable design translates into cost savings. Over time, you’ll benefit from reduced energy bills, lower maintenance costs, and potential incentives. It’s a prudent financial choice for both homeowners and businesses, ensuring long-term viability in an ever-evolving market.
Furthermore, sustainable design enhances the quality of living and working spaces. Anticipate improved indoor air quality, better thermal comfort, and an overall boost to well-being. Sustainable buildings are resilient, marketable, and in tune with contemporary values, making them a wise choice for those embracing a brighter and more sustainable future.
Architecture is the artful craft of shaping spaces, harmonizing aesthetics, function, and sustainability, while evoking purpose and fostering human connections.
A Chartered Architectural technologist plays a vital role in the construction process, acting as the visionary who transforms ideas into tangible structures. They bring expertise in design, spatial planning, and regulatory compliance. A Chartered member are skilled problem solvers, ensuring the seamless progression of a project. Their role encompasses not only aesthetics but also long-term functionality and efficiency. In essence, architects are the cornerstone of a successful project, translating aspirations into enduring, purposeful, and beautifully crafted spaces.
The main difference between Conceptual Design and Planning Permission
Conceptual Design
– Conceptual design is the initial creative phase where architects and designers generate high-level ideas and concepts for a project. It defines the project’s aesthetics, functionality, and overall vision
– Content: It includes sketches, diagrams, and abstract representations of the design, emphasizing the project’s concept, layout, and spatial organization.
-Timing: Conceptual design is typically one of the earliest phases, occurring before detailed plans or specifications
– Our conceptual design phase marks the creative inception of your project. It’s where we craft the high-level ideas, aesthetics, and functionality that will define your vision. This early stage shapes the project’s essence and layout, offering a glimpse of what’s possible.
Planning Permission
– Purpose: Planning permission, also known as planning approval, is a legal. It involves obtaining official consent from local authorities to proceed with a construction project.
– Content: It includes detailed architectural plans, site surveys, environmental impact assessments, and compliance with local zoning and building regulations.
– Timing: Planning permission is a later-stage process that occurs after the conceptual design phase. It often comes after the design is refined and developed to meet regulatory requirements.
– Planning permission is a crucial step to ensure your project aligns with local regulations. We offer the detailed plans, surveys, and assessments required for official consent. This process follows conceptual design and sets your project on the path from concept to realisation.
What is difference between Building Control drawings and Construction drawings?
Purpose: Building Control Drawings, also known as regulatory drawings, are created primarily for submission to local building control authorities. These drawings provide a detailed illustration of the proposed project to ensure compliance with building regulations and safety standards.
Content: These drawings focus on safety, structural stability, and adherence to regulations. They include information about fire safety, structural integrity, accessibility, and other aspects required for regulatory approval.
Building Control Drawings are generic in nature, offering both builders and building control inspectors an overview of a project’s basic components. They aren’t custom-designed for your specific building, which can occasionally lead to complications. These drawings, while vital for initial approvals, aren’t ideal for precise pricing or tendering. For accuracy in these areas, it’s crucial to supplement them with comprehensive construction drawings that provide specific, detailed instructions and specifications tailored to your project.
Construction Drawings
Purpose: Construction Drawings, often called working drawings, are intended for use during the actual construction phase. They provide comprehensive guidance to contractors, subcontractors, and builders on how to physically construct the project.
Content: These drawings are detailed and specific, including information on materials, dimensions, building techniques, and all aspects of the construction process. They cover architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical details.
Timing: Construction Drawings are created after receiving regulatory approvals and are used throughout the construction phase as a practical reference for building the project.
In summary, Building Control Drawings are focused on regulatory compliance and safety, whereas Construction Drawings are detailed guides for the physical construction of a project. Both types of drawings are essential for ensuring that a construction project is completed safely and in accordance with regulations and design intent.
Why do I need Project Management ?
Chartered Architectural Technologists and builders each have distinct roles in the construction process. Architects excel in design and project management, making them valuable project managers. Here’s why an architect as a project manager can be advantageous:
Design Continuity: Chartered Architectural Technologists maintain the project’s design intent, ensuring faithful execution during construction, preserving the project’s aesthetic and functional integrity.
Regulatory Compliance: Chartered Architectural Technologists understand local regulations and navigate permits efficiently.
Problem-Solving: Chartered Architectural Technologists are adept at addressing design-related issues, making on-site decisions that align with the project’s vision.
Quality Control: Chartered Architectural Technologists oversee quality, ensuring materials and workmanship meet or exceed standards.
Budget Management: Chartered Architectural Technologists provide cost control, maintaining design goals within budget.
Client Communication: Chartered Architectural Technologists bridge the gap between client vision and the construction team.
Timeline Adherence: Chartered Architectural Technologists monitor schedules, reducing project delays.
Design Expertise: Chartered Architectural Technologists enhance overall design quality.
Sustainable Design: Chartered Architectural Technologists integrate sustainable principles, promoting energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Holistic Perspective: Chartered Architectural Technologists consider the broader design concept and client goals, providing comprehensive project management.
What is required for a sustainable property Design
Insulation: Central to our designs, effective loft, wall, and floor insulation create a balanced climate. By retaining warmth in winter and promoting coolness during summer, we significantly reduce energy costs and align with specific U Values for maximum energy savings.
Triple Glazing: Our commitment to energy efficiency extends to our triple-glazed windows. Not only do they insulate the glass, but they also employ a specialized, low thermal conductivity gas to fill the gaps. This boosts a new build’s energy performance by approximately 5%, striking the perfect equilibrium between heat conservation and loss.
Air Source Heat Pumps: As we strive to meet ‘Net Zero’ carbon emissions by 2050, we’re leading the way with sustainable solutions. Heat pumps are the future, replacing fossil-fuel heating systems to provide hot water and space heating. Their efficiency promises lower energy costs, especially when replacing outdated systems, and they’re the ideal choice for well-insulated homes.
Mechanical Ventilation (MV) Systems: Recognizing the significance of efficient ventilation, our designs incorporate Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems. These systems minimize heat loss and enhance energy efficiency, prioritizing energy conservation without sacrificing comfort.
Water Efficiency: We promote water conservation through low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and efficient irrigation systems.
Passive Design: Our designs integrate passive principles, optimizing energy efficiency and comfort through proper orientation, natural ventilation, and shading.
The Process of obtaining planning Permission
At AC Design Solution, we’re Hybrid Chartered Architectural Technologists dedicated to making your planning process easier. We blend the convenience of online interactions with a single in-person meeting. During our initial discussion, we gather all the project details, your ideas, and your unique vision.
This first call helps us provide an upfront written quote, ensuring clear costs and a solid grasp of your project. Our main goal is to ensure a seamless match between us and you, assuring your project is in capable hands.
Now that we understand the importance of a structural survey, let’s delve into the typical process involved. It’s essential to hire a qualified and experienced chartered building surveyor to conduct the survey. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what you can expect during a structural survey:
Initial Consultation
Our surveyor will visit your property equipped with our state-of-the-art 3D Scan to BIM Laser system, ensuring an impressive 99% accuracy. During the survey, they will capture both interior and exterior photos of your property and neighbouring structures to comprehensively analyse their relationships..
On-Site Inspection
The surveyor will visit the property to conduct a thorough on-site inspection. They will examine the structure, both internally and externally, paying close attention to key areas such as walls, floors, roofs, foundations, and load-bearing elements. They will also assess any visible signs of dampness, subsidence, or other structural concerns.
Teams Meetings
After our site inspection and meticulous drawing preparation, we offer you a Teams meeting link. This virtual meeting allows you to explore your plans in immersive 3D detail and delve into the proposal. Together, we’ll fine-tune the design to align perfectly with your preferences. Following this, we’ll provide you with a detailed plan for your review.
Reporting
Planning permission reports are essential documents submitted to local authorities when seeking approval for construction or development projects. These will vary depending on the complexity but the usual documents are Design access statement and planning statement other reports can include
Environmental Impact Assessment: If necessary, an assessment of the project’s potential environmental impact and mitigation measures.
Transport Reports: A report addressing transportation and access issues, including parking provisions and traffic management.
Submission
Once the report is ready, the surveyor will schedule a follow-up discussion to go over the findings in detail. They will explain the implications of the structural issues, answer any questions you may have, and provide expert advice on how to proceed. This discussion is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the property’s condition and make informed decisions.
