1. Fixed or Pre-Agreed Fees
We typically work in three key stages, and at each stage, we’ll provide you with a fixed fee quotation and a clear list of deliverables. Click through to our approach here to see how we stage our work flow.
Studio Arkell calculates fixed fees on a project by project and stage by stage basis. We find this to be the most straightforward and transparent method, which also allows for easy budgeting.
After our Initial Consultation we will send you our Fixed Fee Quote, outlining exactly what we will deliver at the discussed stage for the price quoted. Along with this will be our Contract for you to sign and return in order to engage us for the quoted stage of work. On receipt of your signed contract, Studio Arkell will issue you an invoice for 50% of the total quoted fee. This invoice falls payable immediately, and once funds have been received work will commence. The remaining 50% balance becomes payable on completion of the work quoted for. This final instalment falls payable 14 days from the invoice date. Once the final payment has been received the completed work will be sent to you.
2. Fees Charged as a Percentage of the Overall Project Cost
Sometimes, if you are engaging Studio Arkell for a large, complete or the majority of a Project, then the fees could be calculated as a Percentage of the overall net cost of the project.
All projects are assessed individually and therefore vary, but as a guide the chargeable percentage rate would be between 8-15% depending on the scale and complexity of the scheme.
The fee would be charged at monthly intervals over the term of the project.
3. Fees Charged on a ‘Time Spent’ Basis
If your project is a small one or you only require Studio Arkell’s services for a part of the build process e.g., Planning Consent, or you decide to appoint Studio Arkell on a task-by-task basis, then Studio Arkell may charge the fees on a ‘time spent’ basis, e.g. hourly or daily rates.
An estimate of the amount of time likely to be spent on a smaller project can be given in advance as a guide only for budgeting purposes, and any change to this guide would be discussed as it arose so that there are no nasty shocks!
50% of the proposed fee would be payable prior to commencement of work, with the balance being payable at the end of the project.
Studio Arkell will always raise an invoice for fees due, whether for a staged payment or on completion of a project. The terms of settlement of any invoice raised is within 14 working days. Work will not commence until the initial invoice is settled. Completed work will not be sent to you until the final invoice is settled. Late settlement will attract interest, cause delay to subsequent work due and potentially result in legal action being sought, something nobody wants to happen, so we respectfully request that all invoices are settled promptly please.
Studio Arkell is VAT registered in the UK with Vat Number GB386920165, meaning that VAT will be charged at the current rate on all invoiced fees.
Built with
We can also assist with interiors specifications — for example, kitchen layouts, bespoke joinery, finishes, and fittings.
We can prepare a tailored quote based on the level of detail and input you’d like from us. The more information we specify upfront together, the smoother the build process will be, and the more accurate your contractor’s costings will be, helping to avoid unexpected costs.
This scope would be agreed under a fixed fee.
If the proposed scheme is particularly large, complex, or potentially contentious, we may recommend submitting a pre-application enquiry to the local planning authority before proceeding with a full planning application. This can help clarify requirements, identify potential issues early, and improve the chances of a successful outcome.
This scope would be agreed under a fixed fee.
After planning approval, the final stage is Technical Design, where we create detailed Building Regulation Drawings (BREGs).
A few important notes:
You’ll need Building Control sign-off for the build. This can be done through the local authority or privately, with fees paid directly to Building Control.
We can introduce you to trusted local structural engineers, or we’re happy to collaborate with any chartered engineer of your choice. Their fees are separate and payable directly to them.
We can also introduce you to reputable builders we regularly work with, if needed.
Our fees are split into two payments: 50% upon instruction and 50% upon issue of the drawings to Building Control.
Once you’re happy with the proposed design, we’ll prepare your planning application pack.
A typical planning submission includes:
Location & Block Plan
Existing Plans & Elevations
Proposed Plans & Elevations (including coloured elevations)
Proposed Site Plan
Design & Access Statement
We’ll handle the submission on your behalf and liaise with the council throughout, keeping you updated every step of the way.
Our fees are split into two payments: 50% upon instruction and 50% upon submission of the application.
This is the exciting part — shaping a design that’s perfectly suited to you.
After our initial consultation, we’ve prepared a brief and a list of drawing deliverables. Here’s how this stage works: We start with a site survey to produce accurate existing plans and elevations. We then develop proposed design drawings based on the agreed brief. Once ready, we’ll invite you to our office for a design review. We’ll refine the design based on your feedback and issue a final drawing pack for you to sign off. Our fees are split into two payments: 50% upon instruction and 50% upon issue of the drawings.