Reigate Architects
– “A Surrey architects studio committed to designing attractive buildings sympathetic to their surroundings and forward-looking in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability.”Reigate Architects
– “A Surrey architects studio committed to designing attractive buildings sympathetic to their surroundings and forward-looking in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability.”
Reigate Architects Wins LABC Building Excellence Award 2023
We are delighted to announce that Reigate Architects is the south-east regional winner of the
Reigate Architects Wins LABC Building Excellence Award 2023
We are delighted to announce that Reigate Architects is the south-east regional winner of the
Services
Measured
Surveys
The measurement of existing buildings and sites and the production of scale drawings
Sketch
Designs
Ideas and drawings to help refine clients requirements and for the exploration of design solutions
Building
Design
Scale drawings of agreed designs for submission of planning applications and for budget pricing
Building Regulation
Drawings
Drawings and information showing sufficient information for building regulation applications
Construction
Drawings
Detailed drawings and other information for use in tender documentation and building contracts
Site
Inspections
Schedules of conditions and visits to inspect works on-site
Contract
Administration
Contractor appointment, project management, handovers and settlement of accounts
Interior
Architects
Detailed drawings and specifications for interior finishes/fittings and soft furniture
Sustainable
Architects
Energy and renewables strategies, Passivhaus design and low energy refurbishment
The Process
Step ONE: Initial visit
At this visit we will discuss your building requirements and timelines in general terms. Broad advice will be given and, following the meeting, we will confirm our fee proposal to you in writing for your consideration. RA does not charge for this visit, but in line with our increasing commitment to sustainability we request a donation of £20 to Just One Tree, who will plant a new tree for every £1 received. We will let you know how to make the donation when you contact us to arrange the consultation.
Step TWO: Survey visit
Following our appointment and before we can start designing it is usually necessary to prepare a survey of all or part of your site and buildings. We will carry out a measured survey and prepare drawings of your property as existing.
Step THREE: Briefing and design
We will meet to discuss your project requirements in some detail. This will include confirmation of your space requirements and discussion of appropriate architectural styles and appearances. From this briefing we will prepare 'sketch designs' for your consideration. A final design will usually be achieved via an iterative process. Once the design is relatively settled a meeting with the planning department of the Local Authority may take place to gauge their reaction prior to making an application.
Step FOUR: Planning application
A planning application will be prepared on the basis of the approved design and will be submitted to the Local Authority. Although approval can never be guaranteed a planning application is usually determined within eight weeks of submission. Certain smaller extensions may not require planning permission. In such cases we would normally apply to the Local Authority for a Lawful Development Certificate. Such applications also take eight weeks to determine
Step FIVE: Building regulation application
A building regulation application will be prepared on the basis of the approved design and will be submitted to the Local Authority. Supporting information may be required from a structural engineer or other consultants and this will be coordinated into the design. We will advise on the need for other such consultants- who are normally appointed directly by the client. It is often sensible to delay work on a building regulation application until planning approval is granted. A building regulation application is usually determined within six weeks of submission.
Step SIX: Contractor selection
We will advise on the selection of a builder capable of carrying out the proposed works. We will advise on the most appropriate forms of contract and will provide full construction and tender information. We will obtain quotations for the building works from a number of contractors. It is often sensible to delay the appointment of a contractor until building regulation approval is granted.
Step SEVEN: Siteworks
We will administer all aspects of the building contract from site set-up through to completion of the works. Some clients prefer to appoint us to building regulation approval stage only and to then make all further arrangements for procuring the building works themselves. If you intend to do this you should note that the information provided for a building regulation application is less than that normally needed to 'safely' enter into a building contract. This is because the building regulations do not cover all the works necessary to complete a building and because the terms of a building contract need to be separately agreed.
About Us
Reigate Architects was incorporated in 2011 by architect Simon Walter. Simon has an MSc. in Environmental Design and is a member of the Green Register of Construction Professionals. Reigate Architects are not tied to any other organisation and provide a friendly, independent and impartial service.
Our team of six residential architects and commercial architects plus support staff have experience of a wide range of new build and refurbishment projects both in the UK and overseas. We see every commission as an opportunity to improve the quality of our built environment.
In the UK the title ‘architect’ is protected by law and only those professionals who have undergone rigorous training and are fully qualified can call themselves architects. Individuals and companies who describe themselves as architectural designers or similar are usually not qualified architects. You can check whether an individual is a qualified architect by searching the UK Register of Architects.
