A typical engagement – Part 2

Should a client decide to proceed with Gruhe Architects, we first sign a contract. This should go in the project file (and may never be a need to refer to it again), but it is an important document that contains a minimum of specific matters (that as architects we must include as set out in the ARB Code of Conduct), including our responsibilities, the clients role; our scope of work and fees. Although lengthy, it is designed to be as clear and comprehensive as possible to protect both our client and ourselves.

We must state at this point that we prefer to work on a survey of the site (or building). There are great benefits in using the 3D survey that works with our Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) package – better accuracy and flexibility of use are a couple of them, however that is another blog of its own.

Going back to ‘A Typical Engagement – Part 1’, if the sketch design process has not taken place or a project would benefit from some alternate ideas / further investigation of a design, we offer an Options Appraisal which is a process of sketch proposals using the same brief but exploring other practical, value adding solutions which the client may have not considered before.

Having carefully considered the options, a preferred solution is picked and finalised prior to being taken forward and detailed on CAD to be prepared for a statutory submission.

The applications are numerous and specifically designed with relevance to the size, type and location of a project, or simply to obtain endorsement toward a much larger scheme.  

Once submitted, the registration process (following payment) can take a little while. Following validation, the council decides on the lengths of time depending on the size / scale of the application – 8 weeks / 13 weeks. 

While we check the progress periodically and respond to any queries, the council may raise, there have been instances when the planner has requested further information or an alteration to the design. Where we have felt that such a request is unfair, could compromise the intentions of the design or has failed to recognise the merits of the submission, we have prepared detailed responses (always aiming to achieve approval for the vision of the original scheme).

There are an array of planning application forms, which all have a specific relevance of course.  We can advise you in this regard and will expand further here next time.  In the meantime all application forms can be found on your local council’s website and the Planning Portal (https://www.planningportal.co.uk).