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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE THE I + A STUDIO?

We are a small personal design studio totally committed to creating the best for our clients spaces.

We are not about ‘out of the box’ design solutions or just adding maximum square meters. Every clients aspirations and space are considered individually and we look at how any alterations can benefit your space in its entirety.

 

Every project will be run by at least one partner and reviewed by another. We are not little cogs in a giant machine, we are personally invested in the success of our projects and client relationships.

WHY DO I NEED A DESIGNER?

We naturally have quite a lot to say on this matter, so much so we've written a blog post here on it but here's the summary:​

  • Our analytical eye can see the potential in a space

  • We’ll bring consistency and clarity in realising your vision

  • We can advise where your budget is best spent to have the most impact

  • We’ll be objective and help with decision making

  • Advise on functionality and practicality

  • Coordination of all the trades and elements that come together in building

  • Knowledge of required statutory approvals and permissions

  • Guidance through the design and building process

  • Support and questions answered

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

It really depends what you want from us. We tailor our service to your specific needs so you don't pay for anything you don't need.

We work on a flat hourly rate with totally transparency from day one and fixed price quotes for each stage so you stay in control.

DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?

Not always.

There are a number of different ways you can do work on your home without needing planning permission. For example internal alterations rarely need planning permission unless they affect the external appearance of the building.

If you are planning to extend there are other options such as 'permitted development', a pre-approved allowable development, within specified parameters. You will still need to submit drawings to the Planning Authority for a certificate of lawfulness but its a shorter process.

We'll be able to advise you of the specific requirements once we understand what you want from your project, but we’ve also written a short blog post here if you want more information.

WHAT ABOUT BUILDING CONTROL?

Building control approvals will be required in almost all works.

The purpose of Building Control is to ensure that your building work complies with the National Building Regulations. The Building Regulations are a set of approved documents that bring together aspects of design, construction and standards relating to building. The Building Regulations are designed to ensure safe, hygienic and durable buildings.

Building Control inspections and signoff can be carried out by your Local Authority or a private inspector.

 

There are two routes; A Full Plans Inspection or Building Notice.

 

We can advise you on the best approach once we understand what you want from your project, but we’ve also written a short blog post here if you want more information.

HOW DOES THE DESIGN PROCESS WORK?

Our design process follows the RIBA Plan of Works

RIBA Stage 0

The design process starts with a briefing meeting and on site. Following the meeting we respond to you with our understanding of the, project specific client brief, budget, timeline and our fee estimate for each stage. If you agree and accept we proceed to survey and preparation of existing information.

​RIBA Stage 1

From the brief and the survey of existing we start to prepare the concept/ feasibility options for the project with outline cost estimates per m2, for review and feedback. Following feedback we will develop the preferred concept scheme, mood boards and visuals as required.

​RIBA Stage 2

Development of the concept scheme with outline structural information, power and lighting layouts for review with the client. On most projects this would be the point to submit a planning application.

​RIBA Stage 3-4

Development of agreed scheme to produce detailed pack of technical drawings and specification for Building Control Approval and issue to 3-5 contractors for pricing. 

RIBA Stages 5-7

This is the construction and handover phase, our role in this phase would be managing and supporting. Visiting the build at agreed intervals to check progress against the drawings and answering builders and clients queries.

HOW LONG WILL THE DESIGN TAKE?

Once we've received your enquiry, we'll get back to you within 2 working days to find out a bit more about the project and arrange an initial survey and briefing meeting. The timeline for the work will vary from project to project but we've included a guide to turnarounds below for a small to medium project:

​RIBA Stage 1 Preparation of client brief and fee proposal - 1 Week 

RIBA Stage 1 Survey and preparation of existing drawings - 1 Week 

RIBA Stage 2 Concept scheme (3-4 Options) - 2 weeks

RIBA Stage 2 Development of preferred scheme for client sign off - 4 Weeks

​Planning Application - 12 Weeks (the design can be developed during this period at risk)

​RIBA Stage 3 Detailed Design Drawings for Building Regulations and Tender - 4 Weeks

​These are estimates dependent on timely approvals and continuous progression through the stages. If there is a significant break in the design programme we may require additional mobilisation time and your project may have to be scheduled back into the office diary.

WHICH ARE THE SPECIALTY AREAS THAT THE I + A STUDIO WORKS IN?

We work across all sectors from residential to commercial, education to hospitality. We believe that this keeps our work interesting and our ideas fresh.

DO YOU DO LISTED BUILDINGS?

Yes! The requirements and restrictions are a bit different for listed buildings but that shouldn't mean you can't get the space that you want. Lucy, our Architect, has a passion for conservation, regeneration and adaptive reuse and has worked on some prestigious listed projects. Lucy is also an active member of The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB).

CAN YOU HELP US GET PRICES FOR THE WORKS?

Yes, our Detailed Design drawing packages and Specifications can be issued to 3-5 contractors for pricing.  We can help you review the tender returns and prepare questions for your contractors to make a decision.

CAN YOU SUPPORT ME IN THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE?

We understand that the construction phase can be an overwhelming prospect so we can be there to offer guidance, check progress and work with you and your contractor to keep the project on the right path.

WHAT ABOUT CLIENT SIGN OFF?

We will be in constant contact throughout the project, discussing every aspect of the project through meetings and issuing documents via email for your approval. We will work with you at every stage to make sure you are completely satisfied with your scheme before we move on to the next phase. We will never proceed without your OK.

HOW WILL YOU ISSUE DRAWINGS?

At The I + A Studio we are committed to doing business sustainably so we will issue your documents by email. We will bring printed A3's to meetings to discuss and markup. 

If you require full size prints we can arrange this at additional cost. Generally your builder should print these from our email issue.

I’VE GOT AN UNUSUAL IDEA, CAN YOU HELP?

Yes! We love a challenge and the chance to do something unusual, if you’ve got an extraordinary plan we’d love to hear about it.

If you don't see your question here then please email us, Instagram us, Facebook us- We’re really very friendly and would love to hear from you, we'll get back to you within 48 hours.

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