RENOVATION

When renovating, we look for what is worth preserving and what needs to change. Older buildings have a character of their own and often unexpected qualities that would be a shame to lose. The needs of their future occupants, however, are decisive. We try to meet new requirements with the most sensible degree of intervention.

Below, we outline the usual process of renovating a house or a substantial part of a building. Both preparation and construction can vary considerably depending on the building's condition, the scope of work and the permits required. Some issues only become apparent once work begins. We therefore recommend allowing time and budget contingencies, as well as room for decisions that cannot be made in advance.

1. Existing conditions

We begin by visiting the building, reviewing available drawings and checking its actual condition. Accurate measurements and an understanding of the structures, services and previous alterations are essential. Where the existing information is insufficient, we recommend further surveys or consultations with a structural engineer and other specialists.

2. Brief

We want to understand how the building works today, what does not suit you and how it should be used in the future. Together, we establish priorities, a budget and a timeframe. For larger buildings, it may make sense to divide the renovation into stages so that individual interventions follow one another logically.

3. Feasibility study

For more complex renovations, we first look for an overall strategy. We examine possible changes to the layout, ways of using existing spaces and the extent of necessary building work. This may result in several options that help determine what should be done now and what can be left for the future.

4. Design

We develop the selected option into an architectural design. We address the spatial arrangement, the appearance of the building, its relationship to the existing structures, materials and interior atmosphere. We discuss the proposal as it develops. Drawings and visualisations help convey the building's future form and refine the estimated costs.

5. Permits

Depending on the scope of the work, we establish which permits and approvals are required. Changes to load-bearing structures, the building's volume or its appearance may call for additional documentation and specialist input. The approval process has its own procedures and timescales, which must be taken into account in the schedule.

6. Documentation

We develop the approved design into a detailed set of drawings for construction. We work through how the different parts of the building fit together, paying particular attention to the relationship between old and new. These drawings help contractors understand the project, estimate costs and coordinate their work. The more questions we resolve in advance, the smoother the construction process will be.

7. Contractors

We prepare documents for approaching construction companies, help compare quotations and clarify the scope of their work. Depending on the project, joiners, craftspeople and other specialists may also be involved. A realistic schedule and sequence of work are then developed with the selected contractor.

8. Construction

Renovations often reveal conditions that could not reliably be identified beforehand. The design and contractors must respond to the actual state of the exposed structures. During construction, we can check the work against the design, attend site meetings and help resolve changes. The scope of our involvement is agreed in advance.

9. Completion

In the final stage, finishes, bespoke joinery, lighting and furnishings are completed. We check how the details come together and help resolve outstanding questions. In phased renovations, completing one part can also indicate how best to proceed with the next. Above all, the building must be good to use.


Planning a renovation? Tell us where the building is located, what condition it is in, what you would like to change and your approximate budget and timeframe. We would be happy to meet and discuss the possibilities of working together.


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