Working with Homeowners

From the sketch design we can develop the proposals into a more detailed set of drawings. We can advise you on whether planning permission will be required and how the whole process works, along with advice regarding Permitted Development rights. We make sure this stage is handled with care and we use our local knowledge when dealing with the local authority and their specific policies. Once the design has been agreed, we can prepare and submit all the relevant forms along with the required drawings and documents for Planning; and where required, Listed Building Consent applications. We prepare all of the material required to submit the strongest application possible and manage this process for you.

Once planning approval has been received, we can further develop drawings. We can provide tailored advice for making your statutory application as well as providing a full set of technical drawings for Building Regulations. This includes working with other consultants as necessary, such as structural engineers and services engineers and we can obtain quotes on your behalf. We can prepare all the technical drawings and specifications and deal with Building Control on your behalf. This information can also be sent to several contractors to cost for the project. We can also prepare a full set of construction drawings and assist the builder with any specialist detailing.

For work on site, we can tailor our service to suit your needs. We can advise on the most suitable type of building contract for your project, and we are able to administer these contracts as well as inspect and certify work during construction, to ensure that the process runs as smoothly as possible and that the end result is of the highest possible standard.

Throughout this stage we develop a number of design options to fulfil your brief. This stage is open-ended, and this gives us freedom to explore the best design options to meet your needs. The sketch options can then be developed through ongoing consultation with you, to produce a series of images exploring the agreed proposals in 2D and 3D. During this stage, we may consult with local planning authority as part of the planning strategy.

Once the concept design and coordination is completed we develop a full set of planning drawings, and collate all relevant documentation with the help of other consultants, which together will comprise a full planning submission. We engage with the Local Authority and manage the application through the planning process.

Following a successful planning application, we can complete the technical design sufficiently for tendering and construction purposes. This typically involves the preparation of a number of drawings, schedules and written specifications. This stage includes discharging outstanding planning conditions, ensuring Building Regulations requirements can be met. As Architects, we typically take the role of ‘Lead Designer’ and encouraging a collaborative and coordinated approach between consultants. Technical information can be collated and tendered to contractors.

Following acceptance of a successful tender, we can assist with the drawing up of an appropriate building contract and works can commence on site. We generally take on the role of ‘Contract Administrator,’ and undertake regular site meetings and visits. This ensures that construction work is being inspected at regular intervals, and the contract is being adhered to.

We will undertake a final inspection of the site, and create a defects or ‘snagging List’ which schedules all uncompleted work, or items which are not up to the standards set out in the tender documents. These works will then need to be addressed by the main contractor prior to handover.

With our projects we aim to demonstrate that creative, intelligent design of buildings can vastly reduce the energy and cost needed to run them. Our emphasis is on creating low energy buildings that focus on the occupant.

We are certified Passivhaus Designers and our ethos is embedded in the earliest stages of the design; where the greatest impacts can be made at minimum cost. We have specific knowledge and expertise in designing and detailing to highest thermal and airtightness standards to create buildings that are enjoyable, comfortable and low energy.

We are lucky to be based in two cities with rich architectural heritages, in Newcastle and York. As such, we regularly work with historic buildings, listed buildings and buildings in Conservation Areas.

At Carve Architecture, we have a great deal of experience and knowledge when dealing with all aspects of Heritage architectural projects. We regularly undertake conservation specific training and are able to work with our clients, local authorities and trades people to deliver stunning projects which work with and improve the historic built environment.