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Your guide to our Architectural process

The architectural process marks the creative first steps of your self-build journey. An opportunity to lay the initial building blocks to your new home and watch your vision come to life. For anyone new to the process, this guide will tell you what to expect from working with an architect.

Once you’re introduced to your Architect / Architectural Designer, they’ll help you establish your brief, budget and the requirements of your new home, before guiding you through the process.

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What is Architectural Design?

Architectural Design is how your vision and requirements are crafted into a unique structure - one that will soon become your forever home. Your Architect/Designer will guide you throughout the process, ensuring all your needs and the expectations of your local planning authority are met, and that you’re happy with how your design is coming together.

Factors like planning permission and Building Regulations will be considered, as well as the practicalities of your build. Pair this with your aesthetic and you’ll have a beautifully bespoke home design that will leave you feeling even more excited for move-in day.

Read about our Architectural Services

Your step-by-step guide through our Architectural Design process

Initial meeting and Desktop study

A member of our Architectural team will arrange a meeting with you to discuss your needs and aspirations for your build. This is followed by a free desktop study where we research the likelihood of gaining planning permission on your plot and help determine the best planning strategy.

Site visit and concept sketches

Your Regional Homes Specialist and Architectural team member can visit your site free of charge. Looking at the topography of your site we assess the best position for your home, accounting for aspect, views, prevailing wind, existing trees and a material palette. We will then present concept sketches, incorporating your wish list, local planning requirements and budget.

Design fee proposal

Refining your brief, we’ll then gather research on your plot alongside any concept sketches, site layouts, floor plans, elevations and recommended planning strategy. If you love your design we'll get to work putting together a full architectural design fee proposal.

Design contract

If you’re happy with our design proposal and eager to move forward with your project, we’ll draw up your design contracts for you to sign.

Design development

At this stage, our design team will develop your initial concept sketches into refined drawings that include plans, elevations, sections and site plans.

Planning process

From our initial research of your plot and, local planning knowledge we produce drawings that include site plans, floor plans, and elevations. We'll submit these along with your Design and Access Statement to your local planning department and eagerly await their planning decision.

Building Regulations drawings

Once planning is approved we'll create your Building Regulations package. These are detailed drawings covering safety, durability, integrity and approved standards, which will then be sent for consent.

Ready to take your first steps?

No matter what your idea of a dream oak frame self-build, extension or outbuilding looks like, our expert architectural team is on hand to help you craft a vision worthy of calling home. Get in touch today to discuss the specific needs of your home, explore available plots for sale and bring your concept to life.

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Ready to take your next step?

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