Our Services

Planning Applications and Consultations

Outline Planning Applications

Permitted Developments

Change of Use

Specifications and Schedules

Building Regulations

Project Management

CDM Co-ordination

Site Managment

Contract Administration

The Drive Northwood

Process

Further details are available on the RIBA Website why use an architect guide but a typical programme for a project is represented by the diagram above and the explanation below. The diagram shows weeks in relation to work stage from Stage AB through to the site start in stage HJKL. The construction period is omitted for clarity as this varies from job to job. Bright orange squares denote our work, with the paler orange representing response times from third parties (planners, building control and contractors) White squares are where the programme could be affected should the client or third parties submit quicker or slower responses, and also denote the period running up to the site start represented by the bottom right orange square.

ARP offer a free initial consultation, during which we will begin to formulate a brief based on your requirements and produce initial sketch options. Back at our offices we produce a Stage A/B appraisal document that includes the initial sketch options together with our fee proposal and appointment document. We aim to issue this package within a reasonable time of the initial consultation. If you are happy we proceed with a Stage C.

Stage C begins with a dimensioned survey of the building and/ or site. We will then use that information to produce an accurate set of existing drawings. Proposed drawings are then developed based on the initial concept sketches to arrive at an outline design. We aim to issue this drawing package within 7 to 14 days of the survey information being completed, with a further meeting arranged to receive client sign off in order to proceed with stage D.

Stage D develops the outline design information to planning application level, where layout, massing and materials for the building are confirmed. The scale of the project has an effect on timescale, but we will typically produce the planning application information within 14 days of Stage C sign off depending on the scale of the project. Once submitted, we can expect a response from the local authority within 8 to 10 weeks.

Following receipt of planning consent, during Stage E we will develop the information and produce calculations which show how the proposals comply with the current Building Standards Regulations. Construction is not normally permitted to commence without statutory approval. Again, subject to scale, we aim to produce this information within 14 days of receipt of planning consent. These drawings are then submitted to the local authority  or a private building control body who typically respond within 8 weeks. Drawings are also submitted to the separately appointed consultants who produce their own coordinated building control information. ARP Associates have no control over other consultants scheduling, but typically the consultants information is provided within a month of receipt.

Stage F and G involves the production of tender documentation, where finalised technical drawings are supplemented with a detailed NBS specification of materials and components in order for a contractor to accurately price the job. (An example of an NBS specification can be found in the download section of this website.)
We aim to produce this information within 14 days following completion of Stage E, and once complete the documentation is issued to a number of contractors to tender for the work. Typically a contractor will want between 3-6 weeks to price a domestic job (depending on scale) but our aim is always to get the tenders returned at the same time as the building warrant so we are not waiting for one or other. This information together with the contractors quote will form the contract documents for the final stages.

Stages H to L are when the contractor is appointed, the contract between builder and client is signed and the project starts on site. The role of ARP Associates in these stages is crucial as we act as contract administrator, making periodic visits to site to inspect the progress of the work to verify it is being constructed in accordance with the contract documents. We answer queries as they arise, issue instructions and certify contractor valuations, and if necessary reject unsatisfactory work on the way to completion of the project.

The overall timescale of a project is contingent upon factors largely outwith the control of ARP Associates. The pace at which the client and other consultants respond to information, response times from Planning and Building Control and the scale of the proposal itself all contribute.