Getting Started

We like to start all of our projects by meeting with you (either via zoom call or in person at the property) to discuss all your wants and needs for the house or building.

Once we understand your goals, budget and any site limitations, we are happy to give you a no-obligation quote for our services. We have set out the services of a typical project below.

Get in touch via our contact form to get started today.

1

Feasibility and Options

The first stage of a project is always to explore the options that meet your aspirations and budget. This is the exciting bit where we show you early 3D images of our ideas.

We like to work collaboratively with our clients and we always invite you to send any Pinterest boards or image precedents you like to inform the design proposals, if you wish to.

The feasibility stage takes around six weeks, in which period we instruct measured surveys, form initial design ideas, produce 3D images, and prepare a feasibility report to help you decide on your preferred way forward.

We may meet a couple of times during this stage to allow for client feedback and further design exploration.

2

Once we have chosen a direction for the design, we develop the proposal in order to submit it for planning permission.

Sometimes, we may suggest submitting a pre-planning advice application to the council if the property is in a conservation area or may challenge any of the planning constraints. A pre-planning advice application takes 4-5 weeks and a formal planning application takes 8 weeks, (however complex planning applications may take longer).

Depending on the nature of your application, we may need to appoint other specialist consultants to assist with the planning reports, but we can advise on what is appropriate for your project.

Planning

3

Before we start on site with a contractor, it pays to get as much as possible agreed upon first. This includes appointing a structural engineer and setting out the nuts and bolts of the building's technical design, as well as the internal finishes, lighting, and electrical layouts.

During this stage we can show you samples and develop the materials palette. We go through all the rooms that form part of the project and schedule out the work required so a contractor can price this accurately.

We then prepare detailed drawings sufficient to satisfy Building Regulations Approval and allow for a competitive pricing tender.

Detailed Design

4

Once the technical design is complete, we issue the drawings to a few carefully selected contractors so they can provide a competitive price, using our pricing schedule.

Once we receive the costs, we review their submissions and prepare a schedule comparing the options for you.

Alternatively, if you have a preferred contractor, we can enter into negotiations with them to confirm the scope and budget.

Tender

5

We love to see the project taking shape, and during construction, we visit the site regularly, usually weekly, to review the work as it is completed.

We discuss the upcoming work with the contractor to ensure they have what they need and help resolve issues if they arise. This helps keep progress on site running smoothly and ensures that the design is not altered during the work without your knowledge.

We also draft and administer the building contract if required. This involves reviewing the builder’s monthly estimates and ensures you only pay for work that has been carried out, providing you with greater financial protection.

Construction

6

We ensure the building can be handed back to you safely following construction. We assist with addressing any snagging defects and are also available for advice should any post-construction issues arise.

Handover and Aftercare

  • "We are so happy we approached Sharpe Architecture"

    “We are so happy we approached Sharpe Architecture for an extension project and would recommend their services to anyone. Frances was very attentive to all our needs, wants and every detail throughout the project. There were challenges, being in a conservation area but Frances put together excellent proposals and handled a successful planning application. The design is beautiful and far exceeded what we thought was possible. Professional. Talented. Brilliant

    -Batten House Client-

  • "A pleasure to work with and come very highly recommended"

    “We are thrilled with our new kitchen/diner snug, which is all thanks to Sharpe Architecture. Fran helped us at the building design stage, coming up with some excellent ideas to create clean lines and improve light in our north- facing space. She produced plans and a specification, helped us select our builder by reviewing quotes, arranged structural engineer input, obtained building regulation approval and provided an invaluable design brief on which we were able to build. She listened carefully to what we wanted and showed great flexibility and patience in the face of our lack of experience and indecision!”

    - Rusthall Remodel Client -

  • "We can’t speak highly enough of Sharpe Architecture"

    “They have exceeded every expectation we had, and the results speak for themselves. Frances has a lovely eye for design, and yes, all gone to plan with no major hiccups at all. Sharpe have been the dictionary definition of professional, responsive and their input has been enormously valuable from first concept proposal, to planning approval to now. I would strongly recommend having them administer your build contract. A cost we weren’t sure about, but having been (and lived in the house!) through it, it’s money very well spent. Indeed I’m sure their involvement will have saved us money overall.”

    - Ferndale House Client -

  • “Sharpe Architecture were fantastic throughout."

    “From inception to delivery, Frances and Simon helped us to realise what we set out to with the project, and they were always on hand to offer their advice and support.”

    - Stack House Client -

  • “Very happy with the work of Sharpe Architecture."

    Sharpe Architecture saw our project through from concept, detailed design, construction to completion. Built a good working relationship with the main builder but also pushed back when construction was not as planned or expected. Overall 10/10”

    - Wedge House Client -

  • "Sharpe Architecture rescued us"

    Sharpe Architecture rescued us when we were floundering with the renovation of our 3 bed 1930s semi in South East London. The property had been “improved” over the years with a number of features that made the dated layout even harder to work with for modern family life.

    Our budget was tight, and Frances and Simon were careful to ensure that we got the best, most liveable space that we could afford. The layout isn’t one we’d have maximised on our own, and their suggestions and guidance have been invaluable.

Let’s discuss your project.

We’d love to hear from you to discuss how we might work together.