Starting a project
Before committing to a project of this scale, it’s important to understand what is realistically possible — and where the constraints sit.
Why projects become more complex than they need to be
Most projects don’t run into difficulty because of the design itself.
They become more complex when key decisions are delayed, or revisited later in the process when more information has already been developed.
This can lead to:
unnecessary changes
loss of clarity
increased cost and programme pressure
A clear way to begin
A short initial conversation is the best way to understand your project and identify the right next step.
We begin projects with a focused feasibility stage.
This allows us to properly assess the site or property, test the key ideas, and identify any constraints before you commit further.
It’s a measured first step that brings clarity early — and avoids much more complex decisions later.
What this stage includes
Review of the site or existing property
Initial meeting to understand your brief
Assessment of planning context and constraints
High-level design direction
Advice on scale, scope and budget alignment
Identification of key risks and opportunities
Clear recommendation for next steps
What you receive
At the end of this stage, you will have a clear understanding of what is possible and how to proceed.
This typically includes:
a concise written summary
any supporting sketches or diagrams where appropriate
a clear recommendation on next steps
A clear first step — not a full design
This stage is designed to establish direction, not to fully design the project.
Its purpose is to ensure that any further work is based on a clear and considered foundation.
Fee
This stage is designed to provide clarity before any larger commitment is required.
We work on a fixed fee basis, depending on the scale and complexity of the project:
£2,000 + VAT — straightforward sites
£3,500 + VAT — typical residential projects
£5,000 + VAT — more complex sites
We will confirm the appropriate level based on your project.
What happens next
Following this stage, you will be in a position to proceed with confidence.
Where appropriate, the next step is to move into the design stages with a clear brief and direction already established.
If you’re thinking about a project
A short initial conversation is the best way to understand your project and identify the right next step.