Design Process

OUR DESIGN PROCESS

We start each project trying to understand you, your values and the reasons why you want to build something. We come to the table with no set agenda but rather, to offer creativity, solutions and technical know-how. We love sketching in the early concept design stages, creating lots of ideas and options that we can develop with you. Despite this we are not precious about our designs, if you don’t like one idea we carry on until we find one that you love. Great design is an iterative process that becomes richer when it is collaborative.

We have great relationships with engineers, other designers and consultants and we welcome the early appointment of the wider design team so that the project is well considered.

WHA can provide a full architectural service, from project inception, concept design, planning, tender and construction packages to site delivery and contract administration. We really love to take a project all the way through to handover as we believe that this gives you the best quality but we do understand that this is not always how projects are set up. That’s fine by us, we help and support you in any way that we can.

We follow the RIBA Plan of Work, developed by the Royal Institute of British Architects, which sets out the stages of a project from your first ideas right through to completion.

Stage 0 – 1 Preparation & Brief

We begin by understanding your home, your lifestyle, and your goals.

Initial consultation and site visit

Discussing your ideas, needs, and budget

Reviewing planning constraints and opportunities

Creating a clear design brief

Surveying and creating existing drawings

Outcome: A defined brief and a clear direction for your project

Stage 2 Concept Design

Here’s where ideas come to life.
We explore different layout and design options to help you visualise the possibilities.

Sketch designs and concept drawings

Early cost guidance

Initial planning advice

Outcome: A preferred concept design that reflects your goals and style

Stage 3 Developed Design

We refine your chosen concept into a design ready for planning submission.

Finalising layouts and materials

Coordinating with other consultants

Preparing and submitting your planning application

Outcome: A design suitable for planning approval and early cost estimation

Stage 4 Technical Design

Once planning permission is granted, we produce the detailed drawings and specifications your builder will use to price and construct the project.

Detailed construction drawings

Coordination with engineers and specialists

Assistance with tendering and selecting a builder

Outcome: A complete technical package ready for construction

Stage 5 Construction

If you’d like us to stay involved during the build, we can oversee progress and help manage the contract.

Regular site inspections

Managing design queries

Approving builder payments and ensuring quality

Outcome: Peace of mind that your home is built to the agreed design and standard

Stage 6 Handover & Close Out

As your project finishes, we help ensure everything is completed and documented properly.

Final inspections and snagging

Certificates and documentation

Practical completion and handover

Outcome: Your completed home, ready to move into and enjoy

Stage 7 In Use

Once you’ve settled in, we can review how your home performs and offer advice on any fine-tuning or future improvements.

Outcome: A home that continues to work beautifully for you

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