What is an Architectural Technologist?

An Architectural Technologist specialises in the technology of architecture, focussing on the design of buildings to promote optimum use and performance.  They are qualified to manage construction projects from design development and approvals through to construction completion.

Do I need statutory approvals for my project?

Before you can commence any project it is essential to consider planning permission and building regulations and whether or not they apply to your build. 

Planning regulations seek to guide the way our towns, cities and countryside develop.  This includes the use of land and buildings, the appearance of buildings, landscaping considerations, highway access and the impact that the development will have on the general environment.  The majority of small extensions and alterations to residential property fall within the scope of permitted development, and do not require planning approval.

Building regulations set standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the health and safety for people in or about those buildings. They also include requirements to ensure that fuel and power is conserved and facilities are provided for people, including those with disabilities, to access and move around buildings.  In the majority of cases, building control approval will be essential.

Planning and building regulation guidance are available from the Government's online planning and building regulations resource, the Planning Portal, however an Architectural Technologist will be conversant with the relevant legislation and will be able to guide you through the relevant procedure.

Is there a fee for consultations?

Our consultations are free of charge and without obligation.

What does a consultation involve?

Your initial meeting with an Architectural Technologist would typically involve a discussion regarding what you like and dislike about your property, what it is you hope to gain from any alterations, and your budget. It is helpful if you can provide images of designs that you particularly like.

Consultations will take place at the property to allow identifications of any potential complications and any statutory approvals relevant to your alterations will be outlined to you during this meeting.

Following your consultation you will be provided with a detailed quotation and a written summary of the topics discussed.

What does the design process look like?

Should you wish to proceed, the next stage will be to conduct a detailed survey of the property. At Steph Small Design we like to draw up initial floor plans on site to minimise errors, which will later be developed to produce existing and proposed sketch plans and elevations.

These are then submitted to the Client for comment, and a process of amendments and alterations takes place, until the design drawings are finalised.

If planning approval is required, the finalised existing and proposed floor plans and elevations, and a site location and block plan are submitted along with your application to your local planning authority. The decision period is typically 6 weeks.

Most projects will require finalised design drawings to be upgraded for a Full Plans building control application, with the addition of a sectional drawing showing construction and materials, 1:10 construction details, critical dimensions and electrical and plumbing layouts. A specification will also be produced, describing construction methods, workmanship and materials.

Your local authority will check your plans and specification and consult any appropriate authorities (e.g. fire and sewerage), with a decision typically issued within five weeks. Following full plans approval, the full set of drawings will be issued to contractors by the Client for quotation.