OUR APPROACH
SERVICES

We recognise that different projects and clients require different levels of service which is why we have developed two methods of delivering architectural services. We would be very happy to discuss the different options available and help you choose which is right for your particular project.

FULLY MANAGED SERVICE

With this method of service we will be with you throughout the process from initial concept design stage through to the completion of your project build. We will act as the main co-ordinator of your project ensuring everything runs smoothly and any issues or problems are navigated and brought to a satisfactory conclusion. As part of a fully managed service we will typically prepare your designs, deal with your local authority to get the necessary consents, prepare a schedule of works to allow accurate comparisons of quotes from builders, prepare the detailed contract drawings that explain to a builder exactly how to build it. 

MODULAR SERVICE

For those clients who would like the input of an architect but would like the flexibility to choose the level of input our modular service can be a way to achieve this. Our modular solution breaks down the stages into initial concept design, statutory consents and build stage costing documents enabling clients to choose the service that meets their project requirements and budget. We can and will be there as and when you may require us. 

NEEDS ANALYSIS

Whether you are a homeowner looking to carry out a loft conversion, a kitchen extension, or a basement conversion, a developer looking to build apartments or a shop owner looking for a fit out our thorough needs analysis process aims to get a detailed understanding of your requirements as well as a detailed understanding of the site and property. This forms the basis of the brief from which the initial concepts are developed.

If you are a homeowner looking to extend an existing home or build a new home we will gather relevant information about what you are hoping to achieve, your lifestyle and your budget. For developers we will gather information about the type of scheme, target market and the financial aspects of the project. This information forms the basis of the brief that the architect will use to create initial designs.

INITIAL DESIGN

At Urbane Design we believe that unlike the traditional approach to architecture, this important design stage should be carried out as an interactive session. Your input into the design is encouraged so that you fully understand the process and can make informed choices.

For homeowners looking to carry out extension or remodelling works to an existing property we provide several different options and sit down with you in your home to discuss these options, giving you the chance to input into the process and often combine elements of the different options to create a design that completely meets your requirements.

PLANNING PERMISSION

As part of the design process we will establish whether you need planning permission or for homeowner projects, if your work can be done under permitted development. Urbane Design has a great deal of experience submitting planning applications and has and extremely strong history of successful outcomes with Local Authorities.

Obtaining planning permission can be one of the main challenges when embarking on a project whether it is a kitchen extension or loft conversion or a new build property and needs to be given serious consideration from the beginning. We will take care of planning application submissions and subsequent dealings with the planning officer and make any necessary adjustments to reach a satisfactory conclusion.

TENDER PROCESS

We advise that all projects should be tendered to at least three building companies. We encourage clients to only use contractors who can demonstrate previous projects to clients, that have carried out similar projects before and who provide references.

If you need help selecting and appointing a builder we will be able to guide you through the tender and contract stage advising you on the most appropriate method for your project.

BUILDING REGULATIONS

Almost all projects require building regulations approval. There are two methods to achieve building control approval under the Building Regulations Act

BUILDING NOTICE METHOD

The is method Is the simplest but is only appropriate for alterations or extensions to residential buildings. You would require a little more detail adding to your planning approved drawings for this. To do this the builder completes a Building Notice form and submits it to your Local authority Building Control Department or an independent building control company. Once the build starts, a Building Control Officer will visit the site and make arrangements with the builder to visit at specific points through the progress of the works to check that the works are up to the minimum standard that the regulations required. When work is finished, you will be issued with a certificate.

FULL PLANS METHOD

This method of application requires the submission of more detailed drawings. It is suitable for new build houses and larger projects. Urbane design will advise in consultation with the builder of the preferred route at the time. We can also assist with listed building consents, landlords consent and party wall act notices.

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

The key stage of any project is the build phase when your plans are turned into reality. Whether you choose to use us for a fully managed service or whether you have opted for a modular service we will be available to ensure you project is delivered to the highest standards.

If you have opted for the fully managed service we will act as the project co-ordinator and contract administrator ensuring excellent contractors are appointed, suitable building contracts are put in place covering you and your chosen builder for such things as insurances, completion dates, retention sums, payment details and building work is being carried out to the highest standards. We carry out regular site visits to ensure any potential problems are dealt with quickly and architects instructions issued to the builders when required. We approve how much they will be paid at key stages of the build, and check they are following the contract drawings and documents.

If you have opted for the modular service you can choose to select the necessary level that you feel you need. All services will be available on a pay-as-you-go basis. Prior to every stage of work we carry out we will quote how many hours we think a project is going to take and ask for your authority to progress before starting each stage. Typically any project can be broken down into five key stages.

Stage 1.0 The measured survey
Stage 2.0 The feasibility sketch design
Stage 3.0 The planning/permitted development application
Stage 4.0 Tender action and building regs submissions.
Stage 5.0 Contract administration and site inspections.

Throughout the process from concept to finished project, Urbane Design will be there to help as much or as little as you want.  We are able to help you decide which level of service would be suitable for your project and budget.

To discuss your next project call us on 020 8996 0601

URBANE DESIGN ARCHITECTS

Residential architecture, we deliver projects across London and the South East. Discuss your next project call 020 8996 0601.

e. robert@urbanedesignarchitects.com

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GOOGLE REVIEWS
Urbane Design
5.0
Based on 8 reviews
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Yolanda
Yolanda
14:03 24 Apr 20
Robert offers a very professional service. His vision for the space was aligned with ours, so that is why we wanted to work with him to fully... renovate our house. He advised us that we could reconfigure the loft conversion under permitted development and go down the planning application route for the single story rear extension. He drew up plans, providing various different options, and was open to our suggestions for changes. Robert drew up our plans, submitted our applications and ran our tender process to select an appropriate builder. We were very happy with Robert's services.read more
David Jones
David Jones
14:43 07 Apr 20
We worked with Urbane Design during the renovation of our house in West London. They exceeded expectation, had great ideas during planning, great... support during the build and the finished product is better than we even imagined it would be. Would highly recommend.read more
Chris Stenzel
Chris Stenzel
11:18 06 Apr 20
We decided to engage Urbane to design, submit planning and arrange the tender process with builders after speaking to a number of local architects... and builders. The project involves an internal redesign, extension to rear, side and loft. Robert has come up with amazing design ideas, bearing in mind our budget and focused on how we wanted to use the space. Project is currently in build phase Happy to recommend and provide a reference.read more
Ross Nicolson
Ross Nicolson
08:41 06 Apr 20
We used Urbane Designs to renovate and extend our house. From initial consultation to completion, Robert was a pleasure to work with. We'd never... taken on a project like this before, but Robert was great at setting out each stage of the process, with transparent, itemised costs for each. He was also very responsive and helpful with our (many) questions, and of course came up with an excellent design for our home.read more
roland oakshett
roland oakshett
14:11 25 Sep 19
We've used Rob Speight and Urbane Architects twice over the last 10 years. Once to do a ground floor extension and refurbishment and then once to do... a loft and first floor extension.On both occasions Rob was clear and responsive in communication and thoughtful and adaptable in design. We certainly wouldn't have used Urbane a second time if they had not done a good job the first time round (and we did encounter problems with some of our contractors first time). Recommended.read more
Simon Oldham
Simon Oldham
10:05 05 Jul 19
Were great to work with and provided 3 great builders to work with. We could not recommend them more highly for kitchens and extensions.
Deborah Armstrong
Deborah Armstrong
13:39 27 Jun 19
Urbane Design Architects are a wonderful team to work with. Over the course of 18 months they supported us with feasibility, planning permission,... tendering the job, building control approval and contract administration with the builder. Together we carried out a major renovation including a basement, ground floor and 1st floor rear extension. Robert Speight & his team were incredibly responsive throughout, producing exciting and effective designs with lots of detail.I would have no hesitation in recommending Urbane Design Architects to my family & friends, they were a great pleasure to deal with throughout.read more
Dianna Pierce Burgess
Dianna Pierce Burgess
11:06 18 Jun 19
Most definitely 5 stars! We had a great experience with Urbane Design Architects and their team when we recently extended and reconfigured the... ground floor of our Georgian terraced house in Chiswick W4. Robert Speight was our project architect. He listened to our brief but then made us consider some alternative, exciting ways of thinking about the spaces and materials. He combined his experience of local planning policies, working relationships with local suppliers and our budget to deliver a new home that we are in love with! When we were going through planning permissions and the tender process, the team walked us through all the requirements step by step with us, which was great. Very highly recommended and sensibley priced!read more
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