Building Connections: The Importance of the Initial Consultation in Architectural Design

A topic usually overlooked in architecture is the importance of the initial meeting and why you should book a consultation with an architect.

Having an initial conversation with an architect before instructing them will be incredibly beneficial for all involved. Designing and building a home is an immensely personal process, so you will want to make sure that you are working with a team that aligns with your values and visions.

At Studio Arkell, we never start a project without meeting you first. In this blog, we explain the benefits of this and why it is our process.

Get To Know The Team

The biggest benefit of booking an initial consultation is that it provides the opportunity for you to meet the team you are looking to work with.

Putting faces to names can make the process feel more personal, improving communication as each side remembers they are working with other humans, not robots.

This meeting also enables you to speak to the team members and learn a little more about them and their experiences.

Assess Their Capabilities

Part of the initial consultation will likely involve the architects sharing their portfolio of work with you so that you can see their abilities and style.

No matter the size of your project, you will want to know that it will be handled with care and done to the best of everyone’s abilities.

Seeing examples of previous work will give you the opportunity to assess their capabilities in line with what you are looking for. Can they create the vision you have? Have they got the experience to do it?

Assess Their Values

Different architectural studios will have differing values, with some focusing on sustainability, some specialising in functionality, and others prioritising innovation and technology.

You will also have values that you want reflected in your project, which is why it is important to find a studio that shares them.

If everyone working on the design is aligned, implementing your values will be enhanced, weaving its way into each element of your space.

Discuss Your Vision With Experts

Another reason you should book an initial consultation with architects is because it gives you time to discuss your vision with experts, who are then able to provide feedback on the practicality of your desires.

This is invaluable to the rest of the process as it can set expectations and will heavily shape your project.

An initial consultation will be able to nip impractical or impossible ideas in the bud, providing time to amend your vision so you go into the process with a realistic expectation of what will be achieved.

Scope Out Work And Costings

A final benefit of an initial consultation with an architectural studio is that as you share your vision, the architects will be able to give you a better understanding of what they might entail.

It starts to create a scope of work, which can also lead to conversations around the cost of producing your dream.

Book An Initial Consultation With Studio Arkell

The team at Studio Arkell values initial consultations and will always invite you in for one before we progress with your project, no matter if you are looking for interior decorating, a garden room and landscaping, or a fully managed architectural service.

We provide a comprehensive service that covers:

We find these meetings are just as beneficial for our team as they are for you. This is because they allow us to get to know you before understanding your project.

This allows us to provide a quality service, resulting in a project that meets your visions, expectations and needs.

From our years of experience, we have learnt the importance of everyone being on the same page before beginning a project, so we utilise this initial meeting to align our abilities, knowledge and understanding with your dreams and visions.

If you are starting a project and looking for a trusted architectural studio in Bournemouth and Christchurch, book an initial meeting with us today.

Call us on 01202 232423 or complete our online contact form to request a callback from one of our team.

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01202 232423

5 Castle St, Christchurch,
Dorset, BH23 1DP

info@studioarkell.com

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Interior Design

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.

Pre Application

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.

BREGs

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.

Planning

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.

Concept

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.