About dRAW

Occurring pre-appointment, we carry out an initial appraisal to establish the client’s project scope and design ambition. Thereby, allowing the client to understand and gage what we have to offer. We will assist in the development of the Initial Project Brief and understand the personal priorities of the client. It is important at this stage to understand budget limitations, planning policies and the site context. Whereby, then an early project programme will be constructed.

After the initial appraisal has taken place we are able to assist in the development of the initial project brief. Pre-application planning discussions can be considered with the local authority, helping to guide the specific design criteria. A measured survey can then be carried out on the property, including any relevant feasibility studies and risk assessments.

After the survey is carried out we will produce schematic designs which are the drawings submitted to the local authority. We invite the client into our studio to discuss the proposals, allowing feedback were we can further amend and finalise designs according to the initial brief. These conceptual stage drawings will also include and provide a preliminary indication of the structural requirements, building services and specifications that maybe required.

Over the last few years we have submitted hundreds of planning applications all over London, from Householder applications to Listed Building Consents and have a good understanding of the local authorities’ guidelines. We will liaise with the local authority through the course of the applications. If your building is listed or located in a conservation area, we will carry out a Design & Access statement, explaining the needs for this development and how it takes its context into account.

Once planning applications have been approved we can proceed the project forwards by refining all existing design work in preparation for the application of drawings and documentation for tendering. In order to receive competitive tenders we will produce detailed drawings, schedules of works and specifications. Moreover, we will submit a document to the either a Building Control Body or an approved inspector on your behalf. With many previously used contractors, we are able to provide suitable, well established companies to use for construction.

Party wall surveying involves managing and resolving disputes or agreements between neighbors regarding shared walls or structures. A party wall is a wall, fence, or structure that sits on the boundary between two properties and is commonly shared by both owners. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (applicable in England and Wales) provides a legal framework for handling these matters.

The specification can then be used to administer the contract. We will prepare the relevant documents and hold a contract meeting with the client, nominated contractor and ourselves at our office. Once work has started on site we will can administer the contract through the build process, to help ensure the project is importantly completed on time and on budget. We will visit site fortnightly and always be on hand to deal with any design queries to make the construction phase as stress free as possible.

We undertake the role of the client’s contract administer and manage the contract between the client and the client’s nominated contractor. We visit the site every fortnight and meet with the client and the contractor on site. We provide remote project management. We visit the construction works and respond to site queries as required during construction.

We will issue a certificate, whereby the final handover from the contractor to the client will take place, occasionally with a commissioning occurring. Between 6 to 12 months after the handover was completed the contractor may come back on site to rectify any issues that may have occurred over the period of defect liability. As architects and contract administers, we can help with communication and schedule of defects. We conclude the activities listed in the Handover Strategy and review the project performance, project outcomes and research and development aspects.

Architecture is the art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. It is a discipline that combines creativity, technical expertise, and an understanding of the environment, culture, and human needs.