From Concept to Completion.
Whatever the size or type of project we provide all the services you will need: design, planning, building control, renovations, extensions and interiors. We have built up excellent working relationships with a number of contractors such as builders, landscape gardeners, plumbers, electricians and other specialist consultants to provide a fully comprehensive service.
How We Work
Every project is different, but our services follow a clear and structured process. From the initial consultation through to Planning and Building Regulations, we work closely with you at each stage to develop your project and ensure the design meets your requirements.
Here’s a brief breakdown of our process and how we can help you.
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An initial consultation with our Managing Director to discuss your ideas, explore design options, assess feasibility and provide guidance on planning, Building Regulations and budget.
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A dedicated technician will be assigned to your project and visit your property to carry out a detailed measured survey. We will accurately record the existing building, including its dimensions, layout and key features, to provide a reliable basis for the next stage of your project.
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Using the information gathered during the measured survey, we will prepare accurate existing plans showing the current layout and key features of your property. These drawings provide a clear record of the existing building and form the basis for developing your proposed design and submission to Planning.
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Working closely with you, we will develop the proposed design around your ideas, requirements and budget. Through an ongoing process of discussion, revisions and refinement, we will tailor the design to create a scheme that works for you and your property.
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With many years of experience in planning, we understand what local authorities are likely to accept before an application is submitted. We will assess your project against relevant planning policies and any site-specific considerations, including conservation areas, listed buildings, Green Belt, National Parks, AONB, trees and other designated constraints. Where required, we will also arrange relevant reports and information to support your application, helping to give your project the best possible chance of approval.
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Following Planning, we will prepare the technical drawings and specifications required to demonstrate compliance with the Building Regulations and submit these on your behalf to the relevant Building Control authority. Throughout this stage, we work closely with experienced structural engineers to ensure the structural elements of your project are properly considered and incorporated into the design.
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Once your commercial project has been designed and all appropriate planning and Building Regulations approvals are in place, our core architectural role will usually come to an end. However, we can continue to support commercial clients through the construction process with additional services, including tender documentation, tender procurement and on-site project management. With over 20 years' experience managing projects on site, we can tailor our level of involvement to suit your requirements.
“The whole experience with MAS Design Consultants was pain free - they were so helpful on design ideas and pricing”
YOUR INITIAL DISCUSSION
One of our experienced team will meet with you to discuss your project, understand your ideas and talk through your requirements. We will explore the options available to you and provide advice on the most suitable approach for your property and circumstances.
At this stage, we can provide guidance on the likely planning and Building Regulations requirements, assess the initial feasibility of your proposals and discuss whether your ideas are achievable within your available budget. This gives you a clear understanding of the opportunities and considerations before moving forward with your project.
A MEASURED SURVEY
Once you decide to proceed, one of our experienced architectural technicians will be assigned to your project and arrange a visit to your property. During the measured survey, we will accurately record the existing building, including room layouts, floor levels, openings and other relevant features. This is also an opportunity to discuss your project in more detail and answer any further questions you may have.
Where accessible, we will inspect relevant features such as manholes and drainage runs, water and electrical services, loft and attic spaces, along with other aspects of the existing property that may influence the proposed works. The survey provides us with a detailed understanding of your property and ensures the information used to prepare your existing plans and develop your proposed design is accurate and reliable.
DRAWING EXISTING PLANS
Following the measured survey, we will prepare a detailed set of existing plans to accurately represent your property as it currently stands. These drawings will show the existing layout, room sizes, floor levels, openings and other relevant features, providing a clear and accurate record of the building.
The existing plans are an important part of the design process and are also required as part of most planning applications, allowing the proposed works to be clearly assessed against the existing property. We will ensure the drawings are accurate, appropriately scaled and provide a reliable basis for developing your proposed design.
DESIGNING A FEASIBILITY
At this stage, we take the information gathered so far and begin turning your requirements into a detailed design proposal. We will develop the layout, appearance and practical requirements of the project, while factoring in relevant planning requirements, policies and site constraints from the outset.
The design will be developed with your input throughout, with drawings shared and discussed so that we can make adjustments based on your feedback. We will explore different solutions where appropriate and consider any potential planning or technical constraints, helping to establish a clear and achievable design before progressing to the formal planning stage.
SUBMITTING TO PLANNING
Once the feasibility design has been agreed, we will develop the proposals into a complete planning application. We will review the design against the relevant planning policies and requirements, taking into account any site-specific considerations or constraints that may affect the proposals.
We will prepare the necessary planning drawings and supporting information and submit the application to the relevant Local Authority on your behalf. Throughout the process, we will monitor the application, respond to any queries raised by the Planning Officer and keep you informed of its progress through to a decision.
PREPARING BUILDING REGULATIONS
Following planning approval, we will develop the approved design into a detailed technical package suitable for Building Regulations approval. This involves producing the necessary technical drawings and specifications to demonstrate how the proposed works will comply with the relevant Building Regulations and construction standards.
We will coordinate with the relevant Building Control authority and, where required, work alongside structural engineers and other specialist consultants to incorporate the necessary technical information into the design. The completed package will then be submitted on your behalf, with any queries or amendments addressed as the application progresses.
COMMERCIAL SERVICES
Beyond the planning and Building Regulations stages, we can continue to support commercial clients throughout the delivery of their project. Whether you operate in hospitality, retail, leisure, healthcare, veterinary, office or another specialist sector, we can tailor our services to suit the specific requirements of your business and development.
Our additional services can include tender documentation, tender procurement and on-site project management, providing practical support from obtaining accurate construction costs through to overseeing the works on site. With over 20 years' experience managing projects, we can provide the level of involvement that best suits your needs and gives you confidence throughout the construction process.