Some of the pressures of a lack of or inefficient space may be all too obvious—let us help you find some ANSWERS.
5-step live design session
Through our exciting 5-step live design session, we can quickly define the scope of your home improvement project. You’ll be able to understand design, costs, and planning approval, minimising stress, time-wasting, and escalating costs on your residential architecture project.
Frequently asked Questions
What is the 5-Step Kick Start?
The Kick Start is a “no-obligation” “stand-alone” "collaborative design workshop" which is firstly a way for us to introduce ourselves to you and for you to introduce your project to us.
Together we will begin to formalise a brief to give us a clear understanding of "what you want" and "why". Then again together identify and agree on a viable design response, putting you in a position to decide if it is worth your while proceeding further.
What happens during my 5-Step Kick Start?
Once complete the 5-steps will have defined a possible outline / strategic scope for your project and a possible way forward by having explored four issues:
- What might be possible?
- How much "could" it cost?
- How long might it take?
- Who could build it?
How long is the 5-Step Kick Start?
Depending on the size of the project, the session usually takes about 1-2 hours. It just depends on the complexity of your project and how much we have to discuss.
Back in the office we then tidy up any sketches produced and send them back to you in PDF together with any other relevant documents
What do I get from the Kick Start?
Please remember that the Kick Start is only an initial "strategic definition" of your project and will not be a fully resolved proposal. However, normally at the end of the consultation, you will have:
- **A 1:50 scale outline sketch plan/layout proposal **
- An idea of indicative costings.
- Advice on procurement options and finding the right builders.
- We will have discussed any necessary statutory consents, party wall agreements etc.
- How to move your project forward with a possible programme.
How much information should I provide beforehand?
Information is key.
Before we meet, we will have researched things that could have a bearing on the project, for example, checking local authority planning policies, is your home in a flood area and much more.
We will also have asked you to fill out a one-page questionnaire in which you will have had a go at putting down a 100-word statement of need, any design style preference, sustainability aspirations, total anticipated budget and desired timescale etc.
Will I need to provide plans?
There is a surprising amount of information already online, be it Google Earth, old sales brochure layouts on Rightmove or historic planning application drawings etc.
What is the cost of the 5-Step Kick Start?
This stand-alone service is charged on a flat fee of just £650.00 inclusive of VAT.
What happens after the 5 Step Kick Start?
The 5 Step Virtual Kick Start Consultation relates to Stage 0 of the [RIBA's Plan of Work 2020]. These are eight key stages for a typical project:
- Stage 0 Strategic Definition
- Stage 1 Preparation and Brief
- Stage 2 Concept Design
- Stage 3 Developed Design
- Stage 4 Technical Design
- Stage 5 Construction
- Stage 6 Handover
- Stage 7 Use
As part of the 5 Step Kick Start Consultation, we will explain how this works and how we see your project moving forward.
Do you offer consultations for other types of building projects?
Yes. We have similar tailored consultations if you are a home buyer, a self builder with a site or if you want to unlock the value of a house or land you own.
Likewise we offer similar to commercial clients
kick start consultation — 5 steps to project success
1. listening
Let us understand your frustrations with and vision for your existing property.
Via an exciting Architect lead one-to-one live design session at your property, we will walk and talk about the areas you want to adapt and extend. We aim to ask guiding questions and listen to you so we clearly understand your frustrations with the existing property and your vision for the future.
2. Analysis
We’ll help you understand the property opportunities and constraints. We’ll look at a variety of factors including the existing building and it’s physical context, planning history, relevant local and national planning and building control policies. What about legal and tax implications, freeholder consents, development taxes and VAT? Through this process we can flag up potential opportunities and pitfalls and ensure that the foundation is in place for a successful planning application.
3. Design
We’ll sketch out your ideas and our suggestions so you can visualise the outcome. The tracing paper comes out and we start bringing your dream to life. We’ll use existing plans, estate agent layouts or our own hand sketch of the existing property plan to then draw out new designs. Through and interactive and iterative process you will be able to see what your new home could look and feel like and you will have an agreed concept design by the end of your Kick Start Consultation. We take these sketches back to the studio, tidy them up and send them back to you in as a PDF.
4. COST & TIME
Get a feel for how much your project may cost with a priced concept design. It is important to understand what project elements are fundamental and what you might be willing to sacrifice. What can be done in any given project is determined by budget and any building or site constraints. We help you clarify the possibilities and challenges related to things like space, topography, planning and budget. We also ensure you consider less obvious aspects of your project. Understanding your hierarchy of needs indicate the solutions to focus on. This feeds into a detailed project brief which is used to accurately scope, plan and price your project.
5. WAY FORWARD
Understand the next steps such as planning permission and finding a builder. During the Kick Start Consultation we’ll explain planning permission, building regulations and statutory consents related to your specific project. We’ll go through what steps you will need to take next, including an outline of how to find the right builder and manage your project going forward.
Google reviews
“Came across the Kick Start Consultation service offered by Harvey Norman Architects through a Google search for a local architect. It has been the answer to getting me passed that impasse of not being quiet ready to ‘go the whole hog’, but needing a professional to help me move forward. Our house needs help; it is a very ordinary home in need of bringing into the 21st century but I was very unsure about where to begin. The Kick Start Consultation has provided an opportunity to take that 1st step to begin pulling thoughts together. Ian’s consultation was fabulously informative about how to achieve my ideas, contributed ideas and vision that I hadn’t thought of.... and productive in making a plan of action.”
“We approached Harvey Norman Architects to get a better understanding of the viability of an extension. The offering of their Kick Start product allowed us to sit down and assess the viability, without having to engage in the full process. The time that Ian spent with us was invaluable, and the offer of sound and realistic advice was allowed us to make better decisions. Despite being an informal session, we were presented with representative drawings and budgetary advice after the session, which was very useful.”
Video testimonial
Caroline on the benefits of commissioning our Kick Start Consultation (1.5 minutes).
ABOUT THE KICK START CONSULTATION
Considering the possibilities and options related to projects like extensions, conversions and self-builds can be mind-boggling. The Kick Start Consultations gives you the guidance you need. We help you untangle the possibilities, options and challenges of your project. Our popular Kickstart Consultation has been designed specifically to give you the guidance, information, reassurance, ideas and inspiration you need to validate your plans and define the scope of your project. By the end of the session you will be able to decide how to move forward. Deliverables include hand drawn sketches, lead times, project length, indicative costs and statutory requirements.
residential architecture services
THE RECOMMENDED STARTING POINT FOR A RESIDENTIAL EXTENSION OF NEW BUILD PROJECT IS THE KICKSTART CONSULTATION. FOLLOWING THAT WE OFFER A RANGE OF ARCHITECTURE SERVICES. THESE ARE:
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING
We'll develop your outline into a full scheme design. Our focus is guiding you through the right Planning application process.
BUILDING REGULATIONS
Here we focus on your Building Regulations application, drawings and approval. We work with you to ease the process, provide support and ensure all regulatory requirements are met.
INTERIOR DESIGN AND TENDER
We help you bring the building to life with interior design concepts. We'll also help you choose the right builder through a carefully managed selection process.
CONSTRUCTION
Finally, we administer the construction contract. Our project management and quality control skills will take you through to your all new build or extension.