1. Enquiries and Survey

MTY Architects will visit you to discuss your initial ideas and advise on how best to proceed to get the most out of your property. A fee proposal is then prepared based on the initial briefing. MTY architects work to a transparent fee arrangement which is applied to all projects. Detailed measured surveys of the building are carried out in order to produce accurate existing plans and elevations from which to work from. This can be done by us but more often an independent surveyor is commissioned. If necessary, a land survey will also be commissioned to determine levels across the site. The more accurate the information gathered at this stage, the less likely any issues will arise later. This will also be necessary to support planning application to show how the building presently exists.

2. Sketch Design

Discussion with client to establish requirements and brief. Interpretation of requirements. Investigation of options, preparation of a scheme design to answer brief showing floor plans, possibly perspective sketches and/ or elevations to demonstrate character and style of the proposals. Initial Cost advice (from Quantity Surveyor if appointed).

3. Planning Application

Development of the design to show all elevations, relevant floor and roof plans, design and access statements, application documentation and submission to Local Authority. Coordination with other consultants: for instance Arboriculturalist, Bat reports, appointed party wall surveyor, etc. The same level of drawing is required at this stage whether or not planning permission is required.

4. Building Regulations

Planning Permission is received, Development of construction details to demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations. Direct appointment of engineer for supporting structural calculations Submission of application to Local Authority. Coordination of external consultants input. Client will be advised of any specific input or areas where direct orders (Public utilities) are required.

5. Specification and Tenders

Preparation of detailed specification based upon client’s requirements for finishes and fittings etc. with the necessary detailed drawings to obtain quotations from builders. This will consist of a written specification indicating the conditions under which the contract is to be undertaken, standards of work, schedules, layouts and provisional items where final decisions have not yet been taken by the client. This information will form the basis and reference for the building contract. It is necessary to specify the project as comprehensively as possible in order to control and accurately identify cost. Liaising with Quantity Surveyor to prepare Bill of Quantities if required.

6. Contract/ Site Administration

A Pre-Contract meeting is held and the Contractor is appointed. Contract Documents are prepared. Building works commence, regular site visits are held to monitor progress, answer site questions and inspect works to maintain quality. Valuations are prepared (usually monthly) and checked and certificates are issued by the Architect for payments to the contractor. There are no advance payments. Variation costs if relevant are checked and the projected final sum payable is updated as necessary in order that client is kept aware of ultimate costs. The client’s appointed specialists for kitchen etc, AV installations etc. will be coordinated.

Note items supplied by the client and permanently fixed as part of the building will be included in the cost for calculating fees.

Fees are not normally charged on the cost of a kitchen installation if this is by a specialist appointed directly by the client but any time spent on coordination or special meetings will be charged on a time rate. If the installation is part of the contract and certified this will be as part of the general building cost.