Setting up Practice
New Office Launch
We certainly managed to pick a memorable day to celebrate the opening of our lovely new offices in Christchurch town centre, as our celebrations coincided with the blustery arrival of Storm Eunice!
Our wonderfully supportive client’s and contractors were undeterred by the high winds though, as some fifty, rather wind-blown guests were determined to help celebrate our office launch and share a glass of fizz, (or two), with Hannah and her team.
The new office suite buzzed with party atmosphere, and our guests were full of compliments for our recently completed and beautifully appointed design studio. The whole team loves working in our brand new, light and airy workspace, which is handily located between several great coffee shops to help maintain our caffeine levels!
The office launch also doubled up as our second birthday party. We can’t quite believe it’s been two years since we started out, working from home, (before #wfh was a thing), and just as the world went into unprecedented, COVID induced lockdown.
In some ways it seems longer, because we have achieved so much and have seen so many wonderful projects come into being, including our own offices!
Here at Studio Arkell we regularly plan, design and oversee projects both big and small, at home and at work, creating spaces as unique as your needs, whilst also adding overall value, for many of our very happy clients, right across the South. So, whether you need a full rebuild, a bit more space, a reconfiguration of the space you’ve already got, or are just stuck to know what to do, please give us a call and we will be able to help.
The team at Studio Arkell welcome you to pop into their new offices at 5 Castle Street, Christchurch, BH23 1DP, and are offering a complimentary 1-hour initial design consultation, to help you on your way to your design dreams.
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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.