Domestic Architecture
3D Images & Visualisations
3D visualisations are an excellent means of exploring design options and enable you to see your new space come to life. If you are interested in finding out more about this additional service, please mention this at your initial meeting or call the office for a chat.
How we can help
STAGE 0
Initial Meeting
Get in touch to arrange a meeting at your home to discuss your requirements and to develop a strategic brief for the project. Our first visit is a free, no obligation consultation, during which we will discuss the design brief, provide some project ideas and advise upon the scope of work and services required. Following our meeting we will provide a quotation tailored to suit your requirements.
STAGE 1
Survey & Existing Drawings
The next stage of the project will be to provide a measured building survey and to document the existing condition of the property. There is also further opportunity for us to discuss project ideas whilst we are on site and to refine the project brief.
STAGE 2
Concept & Design Development
We help to bring your ideas to life by presenting a range of design ideas based on your project brief. We will work with you to produce a refined design proposal and will enable you to achieve the best possible design for your project. We provide recommendations and advice based on our professional expertise and knowledge of the planning and construction process.
STAGE 3
Submission of Planning Application
We have a very strong and successful record for obtaining planning permission. We will submit your planning application and liaise with the local council on your behalf. It can take several weeks for the planning department to approve a planning application. During this time we recommend that you appoint a structural engineer so that the technical design can be progressed. We have excellent working relationships with local engineers and can assist with recommendations. We can also help if you have had planning permission refused as we offer a planning appeal service and have an exemplary track record of successful planning appeals.
STAGE 4
Technical Design
Following planning approval, we will produce technical drawings for building regulations submission and construction. This is the stage where concept designs are developed to provide technical details required for building performance and materials are specified to achieve the finish you want. At completion of this stage we can also manage the tender process to help you to appoint a competent contractor and to achieve a competitive price for the building works.
STAGE 5
Construction
Hickman & Smith Architects offers a contract administration service and provide ongoing support throughout the construction stage. This is an important stage in the process to manage variations and costs. We also report on the site progress and build quality.
STAGE 6
Completion
Upon completion of the building works we conclude the administration of the Building Contract and, importantly, check that construction has been completed to recognised standards.
STAGE 7
In Use
This final stage includes a post-project review and occupation services where we can provide advice on defects rectification, maintenance and facilities management.
The approachability of Adam, David, and their colleagues was very helpful for us. It was useful to have their take on our ideas-validating them or where they felt necessary challenging them. This was done in a constructive way.
My experience of Hickman and Smith could not have been better. The result of their effort is just terrific.
Outstanding service. Professional and innovative. Listened to our wishes. Great results. David and Adam provided a very professional service throughout our project.
They were innovative in their approach and suggested a range of design and layout options that my wife and I had not even realised would be possible.
We used Hickman & Smith for our project. They came up with a number of ideas to create the space and feel we were after. David Gladstone was unfailingly patient. Fees were fair and transparent.
No hesitation in recommending to others.
My go to architects for any project of any size.
Brilliant from day one to completion.
Hickman and Smith have creatively designed us a comfortable 3 bedroom home including very usable rooms with storage upstairs where we only expected a loft space.
The end result is a very special ‘forever’ home in a lovely rural setting.
A picture tells a thousand words, and seeing our project come to life in the virtual reality suite knocks the spots off a thousand pictures.
It is clear to see exactly how Hickman & Smith Architects are converting our vision into reality.
