Creative architecture thrives on personal service. Gelareh works with you to understand your brief and help assist with ideas before working up designs that bring out the best in your site; providing you with spaces you didn’t think possible. This deep belief in the client being part of the process creates a design unique to you- opening eyes and sharing experiences along the way. Creative architecture offers a full service from consultation and feasibility, planning submission, and building regulations drawings through to material specification and tender details.
If you've found a site or a house which you think is ideal for your needs, it's worth having a second look with a professional. An initial feasibility study can be crucial to determining the viability of a project, and may involve consultation with planning, roads and service providers. Investigation into ground conditions, sewerage and water solutions.
At Creative Architecture a feasibility report is combined with photographic and desktop survey of the site. Creative Architecture works with other specialist consultants where required, producing information on the most cost efficient and appropriate ways of developing a site or building. As a result, clients are armed with the knowledge that they can plan ahead with confidence.
Before design can start a strong brief is essential to the process. Helping the client develop the brief is one of the first things Creative Architecture will do at the start of a project. While many people who approach us will have thought long and hard about what they want, it is always best to review this. Often an architect can suggest ideas that a client will not have thought of - perhaps the topography of a site will suggest a different approach - or a client may come forward with an idea that inspires the architect.
Making sure the brief is in line with the total budget is also very important. It is far better to be realistic from the beginning so as to avoid surprises or disappointments at a later stage. This will not only be about the spaces required, it will look at the approach to the site, the type of construction and the material finish, all of which have a bearing on the construction cost. In some situations, what might become apparent is that a large extension is not required after all - a remodelling of the existing house can provide all the necessary room and transform the use of the existing space.
Once the brief and budget are established, the design process is a highly enjoyable and collaborative stage - at Creative Architecture, we do not try and impose our ideas on the client - it is about exploring designs based on a response to the site, the climate, the materials and the client's needs - all with an understanding that the design will have to meet the requirements of local planning and building control regulations. This can be done through sketches and models - so that the best possible result is produced within the client's budget.
Creative Architecture has developed a strong rapport with many planning departments in and around Kent, who appreciate the approach we take to design and our respect for the built and natural environment. Working with planning departments rather than fighting against them is usually the best approach, leading to reduced timelines and reduced cost. Below we have developed a rough guide which will let you know some of the terms and issues involved in obtaining planning and building consent approvals.
Outline Planning Permission
When purchasing land it is crucial that the land is sold with an outline planning consent. This means that the council has given approval in principle for a house to be built on the site, but the design of the house has not been approved. Check also for attached conditions; these are known as reserved matters and must be met when a full application is lodged.
Detailed Planning Permission
Full planning consent gives approval for the design of the house. It will also show where the house is sited, how the access is configured and how sewerage and storm water is dealt with. The council will consult with other statutory bodies, such as the water authority, during this application. If your proposal is in a sensitive area, government agencies such as English Heritage, the National Trust and a variety of other "quangos" may get involved. Remember, there is never a guarantee that you will get full planning permission, as it is dependent on the policies and opinions of local authorities and their officials. Pre-Planning consultation should be undertaken before any application is lodged to maximise chances of success.
There is a wealth of information about the Planning system and links to local authorities (who are responsible for administering the Planning system within a given area) online.
Once you have full planning permission, the next step is building consent - meaning approval by your local authority's Building Control department. These drawings elaborate on planning drawing, produced at a larger scale to incorporate details of the structure, the internal layout, electrics, plumbing and heating system.
As well as data illustrating the energy efficiency for the house, the Building Control department requires to an Engineers report to confirm that the proposed build meets all the required structural standards. This certificate covers all elements of the build, including the foundations and other structural elements.
We will provide detailed drawings to an external engineer to provide this information. The energy efficiency (S.A.P. Test) calculation for the house will also be done by an independent assessor. We will arrange both of the above.
Statutory Consent Fees
Building Control fees are based on a sliding scale relating to the assumed cost of your house.
Professional Advice
No matter what type of property you are hoping to build in most cases statutory consents will have to be given before building work can commence. Local knowledge is invaluable, and appointing a professional agent to act on your behalf is advisable.
At this stage all materials and methods of construction are finalised in the construction drawings, giving larger scale detailing where required. A written specification is also provided to the contractor. This stage of the works sets down in drawing and written instruction, clear information for the contractor to follow. This makes it easier for the contractor to price the job and successfully build from the information given. This minimises mistakes and passes clear responsibility for quality delivery on to the contractor.
At Creative Architecture accurate technical drawings are generated by working closely with manufacturers, the consultant engineers and other relevant consultants. Our determination is to deliver comprehensive production information ensuring accurate tendering and uncomplicated construction.
Creative Architecture can help you with your ambitions to meet the carbon challenge. We will always work closely with a heating engineer on our projects, as there is now a bewildering array of components on the market, and an ever-changing energy tariff system. Our advice to our clients is to invest in the building fabric first, and to design with an understanding of the impact of local climatic conditions - so reducing the dependency on technology for heating the building.
When deciding on the best heating system for your house we would recommend that a heating engineer is engaged to specify and design the most suitable heating system for your house. This will depend on your budget, location and satisfying Part P of the Approved Documents
