AR Architecture provides a full range of Architectural and a broad spectre of Consultancy and Management services in residential, commercial, mixed-use and hospitality sectors. Every project is unique, and our professional services are always tailored to the needs of a particular client.
They can include any or all of the following:
Nestled in the heart of Hampstead, North London, we provide services across the entire London, with a primary focus on the Hampstead, Camden, Belsize Park, Primrose Hill, Swiss Cottage and NW1, NW3, NW5, NW8 areas.
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
On most of our projects, we provide full Architectural service throughout all RIBA work stages, from inception to completion.
Sometimes we may be asked to limit our involvement to the early stages of the project or, alternatively, take it over at an advanced stage.
No matter how big or small is the job and its budget, we would always aim to design it to the highest standard. You can read more about our design philosophy here.
See our projects
LEAD CONSULTANT ROLE
At all stages of the project, we would act as the Lead Consultant, coordinating design input of the other members of the design team. At the beginning of the job, we would help the Client put together the Technical brief, outlining the requirements to the project.
This service is typically included in our base fee.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Where required, we can help the Client manage the project, or do it on their behalf.
We would prepare a detailed project programme, monitor it and report to the Client on the progress. Project risks would be identified and managed. If and when issues arise, we would advise the Client as early as possible and suggest mitigation measures.
Together with the Cost Consultant (QS) we would help the Client control and manage the project costs.
Read more about project costsAt the beginning of the project, we can help the Client put together the professional team – engineers, surveyors etc. We would suggest 2-3 suitable candidates, issue the briefs, run mini-tenders, give our recommendations and assist with the appointments. In the course of the project, we would advise the Client on the Consultants’ performance and their applications for payment.
When the design is ready, we would organise a tender and assist the Client in appointing the Main Contractor.
STATUTORY CONSENTS
Most building works require permissions from various authorities to be granted before they can go ahead. Depending on the extent of the work, the location and type of the property, it may be one or more of the following: Permitted Development, Planning permission, Freeholder’s consent, Conservation Area consent, Listed Building consent, Party Wall awards, Building Regulations approval etc.
At the beginning of the project, we would always advise the Client what consents and approvals may be required. In complex cases, we would recommend applying for a pre-planning advice before submitting a full planning application.
At appropriate stages, we would prepare and submit applications on the Client’s behalf to the statutory authorities. We would monitor their progress, provide additional information and, if required, negotiate with the authorities. In complex cases, we may involve reputable planning, heritage and other specialist consultants.
Read more about Statutory Consents
CONSULTANCY
If you are considering buying a property or a site, we can help you assess its condition and potential, research its planning history and advise on any limitations.
For commercial clients, we can develop a quick concept – “feasibility study” – to estimate the future building’s parameters and development value.
The consultancy services are usually chargeable on a time basis.
CONSTRUCTION STAGE SERVICES
During the construction, we would oversee the building works on a regular basis, checking them for compliance with our design, answering the contractor’s queries and, if required, providing additional information. Upon completion, we would inspect the works, prepare a list of defects and monitor their rectification.
Where appointed the Contract Administrator, we would act as the Client’s agent managing the construction contract, reporting the Client on the progress, controlling variations to the scope of the works, assessing the Contractor’s applications for payment and issuing interim certificates. At the end of the works, we would issue the Certificate of Practical Completion and help the QS prepare the final account.
When a project is completed, and the client is in occupation, we sometimes are asked to monitor the performance of the building, advise on any further modifications and minor adjustments and assist in the post-contract evaluation of the project.
Read more about design variations
INTERIOR DESIGN
We often collaborate with Interior Designers and have developed great working relationship with many leading London and international studios. However, on some projects we do the design ourselves, and have accumulated substantial in-house expertise in this area.
Offering Architecture and Interiors as one package makes a lot of sense, particularly where the design is an integral part of a minimalist contemporary space. On the practical side, it dramatically improves coordination and provides significant cost saving as a lot of duplicate work can be avoided.
Optionally, we can help select the loose furniture, art and decorative items, and procure them on behalf of the Client. As a professional practice, we have access to significant trade discounts, which we are happy to share with our Clients.
BIM
At AR Architecture, we use Building Information Modelling (BIM) on most of our projects.
The software, Autodesk Revit, allows us to create a virtual 3D model of the building that is shared with other design consultants, Structural and Mechanical engineers. The model can be explored and manipulated much further than any 2D drawings can.
Crucially, BIM gives us a better understanding of how elements of the project work together. With BIM we can walk through the internal and external spaces, see relationships between materials, plant and structure. Budgets are much easier to prepare and keep on target. BIM allows us to detect potential problem areas so that we can produce a competent schedule and specification for each aspect of the project.
We offer BIM-based design services as standard without any increase to our fee. In order to fully benefit from the BIM technology, we would require a 3D laser scanning of the building rather than a traditional 2D measured survey.
Read more about measured surveys
