Architectural services provided

We offer a free initial consultation. This is to determine your broad aspirations and discuss whether these are achievable in practical, financial and planning terms. The session aims to build trust and a rapport to establish whether both parties are suited to working with one another. We use this time to determine how LSAD can best add value to your project and which services might be appropriate.

Listed below are some of the architectural services which we offer. It is only after an initial conversation or meeting, that we can understand exactly what a client is after and then can tailor a service to their requirements. Every client and project combination is unique. I want clients to be excited about their projects and look to provide them with inspired personalised solutions.

Some initial investigations can be invaluable in determining specific site opportunities or constraints. Exploring how local planning policy relates to National Planning Policy Framework and identifying precedent can, for example, give an indication of what is likely to be supported and ultimately gain approval. Other potential risks associated with utilities and likely ground conditions can also be identified and further build a case for or against. 

Concept drawings are generally invited to translate your brief into a visual representation and to prompt further discussions. Generic cost estimates are applied to the concept design to see how your design aspirations compare against your budget and other aspects of your brief. 

This initial piece of work is intended to answer the fundamental question of whether your goals can be realised whilst limiting a clients exposure to professional design costs in the process. 

Clients commonly state that they struggle to visualise a design proposal when presented with the more traditional 2D plans and elevations. To best communicate our design proposals and help inform your responses, we utilise modern software to model your building in 3D. At the earliest opportunity, we engage our clients in the design process, explore options together and therefore minimise the risk of abortive design work or costly alterations when a project is up and running.   We also provide you with the tools to view, orbit and interrogate your model in your own time meaning you have the opportunity to digest before providing considered feedback. As our testimonials confirm, this is invaluable to our clients and adds great value especially in  applying for planning permission.

In summary, visualisation brings your proposals to life! Ensuring that room layouts, fenestration orientation, daylight studies, material selection, etc., can be considered and refined prior to scheme finalisation.

The specifics of your project will dictate the best strategy for gaining a positive planning outcome where permission is required. Our services are tailored to providing the right level of information based on your particular project.

Building the dream! We offer a full range of services which can take you from inception to completion. From establishing your brief to full site appraisal and then working with you, local and National Planning Policy and Neighbourhood Plans to determine a proposed scheme to put forward. Agreeing a living space ratio brief, developing floor plans enhanced through 3D visualisations in order to develop complete information submitted for planning.

Barn Conversions: 

Working to gain change of use for an existing agricultural building into a residential dwelling. Understanding site challenges or Listing restrictions is key to a successful conversion and where visualisation work really helps support ‘seeing’ the finished building.

Loft Conversions:  

Converting un-used loft/attic space can often be a great way of gaining living space with lowered construction costs per square metre - compared to extending a property. Understanding structural considerations, head-heights and stair access are key to establishing a successful conversion. 

Often people want to stay put in their existing house, but the room layout or arrangement simply doesn’t fit well with their requirements. Home extensions, where permissible, can provide the perfect solution, giving a fresh feel and much improved function to a home. Gaining an understanding of a clients lifestyle, reviewing floor plans with them and the different space ratios they require is key to making an extension work. 

A structure within a garden space can often provide a great addition to a dwelling – whether it be office space, playroom or a guest suite! These can still require planning permission dependent on plot location and restrictions such as use class and being within a Conservation Area.

Having built a rapport with our clients, and demonstrated our rigor through the planning permission stages, technical design is about moving beyond the more graphical images and clearly communicating how the building is meant to go together. This can not only be used to demonstrate that your project meets with the current Building Regulations, but it also allows a prospective builder to cost your built with a greater degree of certainty.

Our design, technical and presentation skills are often transferable into landscape design. The external spaces of your project are as important as the bricks and mortar and so we work to design garden spaces that suit your needs and which create that seamless link from inside to outside.

Any building work being carried out in the UK is governed by a set of regulations known as CDM. We will advise you of your duties under the act as well as what you roles and responsibilities you should expect from other parties.

The Community Infrastructure Levy is a charge that local authorities can set on new development in order to raise funds to help fund the infrastructure, facilities and services - such as schools or transport improvements - needed to support new homes and businesses. We will advise as to whether the scale of your works are relevant in CIL terms or where exemptions apply.