Although it’s preferable to employ your architect throughout the project; I am also happy to provide assistance at any stage of the project; The costs would vary with the level of service required and we work to an Agreement between Client and Architect (amended from the RIAI Domestic version) which sets out all that you can expect from your architect.

If you require any further information or you would like to book an initial consultation then please do not hesitate to contact us.

You can also see more information about the services we provide and more information about the Practice in the ABOUT US… section of the website.

The Process:

To start a project involves a consultation that sets out what you are looking to achieve; this is commenced by completing the form below:

The completion of a construction project where you’re looking to extend, renovate or refurbish your home or even to build completely anew starts with a single, exploratory thought. And you could be now making that first thought and would like further information on each stage of the process that takes you on a journey to your completed project.

I compare the creation of an architectural project to the finding, cutting and polishing of a diamond. You start with the initial thought of digging for a diamond; that is the thought that you’d like to extend, renovate or build something that will improve your lives.

The first stage is to form a brief; the architect carefully listens to the clients requirements and interprets their practical and ‘look and feel’ requirements. I tend to formalise this brief so that both the client and architect can see what we are trying to achieve in a written format. All of the following images, photos and drawings come from the same project as an example of The Process – a two storey contemporary extension to a traditional farmhouse in County Roscommon. The important thing to bear in mind is that this solution was perfect for this client and your solution will be completely different.

The first idea from the architect is rough and unpolished, the working model may be chopped around a bit and the sketch drawings may have a few wobbly ‘sketch’ lines:

Sktech model that is frequently chopped, changed, glued and reglued

This first stage is effectively RIAI Work Stage 1 – Initial Design (Sketch proposals):

Initial sketch plan with ‘wobbly lines’

The next stage following analysis of the sketch design in relation to the brief, progresses the sketches to a more Developed Design. This frequently culminates in the submission of a Planning Application. Below is the same plan as submitted for planning permission with it’s accompanying front elevation. The planning application will also include site location/layout drawings, sections, details of effluent management etc…. This is effectively RIAI Work Stage 2 – Developed Design.

The design progressed and amended for a planning application

The accompanying front elevation. The planning application will include all elevations (even if unchanged) and sections through the building.

The next polishing of the drawings (remember the diamond analogy) is to progress the drawings further to include ALL the information for a contractor to accurately price and then construct the project. This is effectively RIAI Work Stage 3 – Detail Design. The ‘tender package’ will also include schedules, specifications, details etc…

One of the construction drawings for the project

You’re now at the stage where you can compare tender prices from contractors and choose the builder for your project. The final stage in The Process for the architect is to inspect and certify the construction to completion. This usually involves certificates for interim payments from client to contractor, bank certificates to ‘draw-down’ monies for a financial institution and finally to certify that that building is constructed in accordance with the planning permission, Building Regulations and with the construction drawings, details and specifications. Then, when all is finished the diamond is given one last final polish and you move in and enjoy the property:

Two storey modernist extension to contemporary farmhouse

This is RIAI Work Stage 4 – Construction (Inspection, Valuation, Certification & Contract Administration).

Mark Stephens Architects are very flexible in their approach; we can provide either ALL of the process or just a few of the stages. You will get the best benefit from your architect if he/she is appointed for the entire process but sometimes we provide a partial service. Please CONTACT us if you think we can help…

Other services also available include:

+ Land Registry Maps

+ Energy Assessments, BER (DEAP) and Passivhaus PHPP calculations

+ Retention Planning Permissions

+ Expert Witness Reports

+ Sun path and shadow analysis

+ U-Value calculations

+ Airtightness Analysis and testing

+ Thermal Bridge and condensation risk analysis

+ Structural design

+ Site percolation tests

+ Landscape and garden design including specification of trees, plants & shrubs for planning applications and onward design