Unlocking Your Vision: How the Initial Consultation Shapes Your Project

If you have a vision in mind and are looking to get the ball rolling, an initial consultation with an architect should be where you start. Whether you are looking to add an extension to your home or have a plot of land that is waiting to be built on, a consultation will be the beginning of your journey to bringing your vision to life.

An initial consultation with an architect will be pivotal in shaping your project, setting out the scope of work, a time frame and additional thoughts and considerations that will need to be made. Such a conversation will often unscramble the thoughts, ideas and concerns in your brain so that you can focus on starting your project.

As an architectural studio that is detail-oriented and focused on creating beautiful, considered architecture, we understand the importance of a thorough and friendly consultation.

In this blog, we share what will be discussed in one of our initial meetings and how they can shape a project.

What Are Initial Consultations?

The clue is in the name, as these conversations are an initial chat to start your project.

They will usually take place when you have an idea and have decided to go ahead with investing in it. Sometimes, these consultations can simply be conversations to ascertain if your ideas are possible, how much it might cost and if it might be worth it.

Just like a job interview, these consultations allow each party to assess the work and each other to gauge whether they are a good fit for each other. You might find that the studio you first talk to specialises in a certain aspect of architecture that might not align with your project. On the other hand, you might find that their specialisms will bring another dimension to your project.

The depth of the consultation can vary, but they are likely to be fairly thorough as the architects try to get a deep understanding of your ideas and visions so that they can produce designs and plans to match.

These consultations unpick your project, not only helping you and your ideas but also creating a timeline and foundation for the project to grow.

What Is Discussed In An Initial Consultation?

An initial consultation will cover several topics. This will allow the architects to fully understand what you are looking to achieve, and will also enable you to get to know their skills, specialisms, passions and approach to your project.

Each aspect of this conversation will shape your project.

Project Overview

To start the consultation you will be asked to give a general overview of your project. You should include the aims and objectives of the work, why you want to complete it, where it will be done and any visions you have. If you have specific requirements, such as using sustainably sourced materials etc, now is a good time to mention it.

This will help the architect to understand what you are looking for and your expectations.

You will likely find this part of the conversation a little one-sided, as you talk through your ideas and visions, and the architect listens and makes notes.

Site Review

While this might be mentioned in your general overview, it wouldn’t be unusual for the architect to get more information about where the project will take place.

Site-specific considerations will be discussed, such as topography, existing structures, and local regulations.

This is a vital part of the chat as it will start to determine where and how the project comes together. If working around an existing structure, the architect and you will discuss including that structure in the design. Topography will impact thoughts on drainage and landscaping etc. And, of course, local regulations will impact the size of the project and the next steps.

Budget Discussion

As with anything, your budget will dictate a lot of what is done – what materials are used, structural engineering and design of the project.

Timeline and Schedule

While not making any promises, a timeline is likely to be discussed. This is so the architect can suggest and recommend design ideas that are likely to help the project be completed within, or as close to, your timeline.

This will also lead to a schedule being drafted so that you can have an idea of how long each step might take.

Each of these will help you both scale down or scale up the project.

Design Preferences and Inspirations

Everyone has a unique palette and taste. The initial consultation will include a conversation about your inspiration and personal preferences. This enables the architect to get an idea of what you like and dislike.

Of course, this will shape the look and feel of your project, impacting the structural style and the interior design.

Architect’s Portfolio and Experience

An initial conversation isn’t just for the architect but is also for you to get an idea of their work and how they might approach your project.

With an understanding of what you are looking for, the architect is likely to showcase their portfolio, showing previous work and experience. This will enable you to get a feel for their style.

If there is a particular piece of work they have completed, they can use this as further inspiration for your project.

Scope of Services

You must understand the work that the architects will complete and what work will still need completing. The initial consultation will cover this so that there is transparency from the beginning.

This will enable you both to work out who else you might need to employ within the project, often resulting in the architect making recommendations and steps you might need to take.

Examples of services provided might include:

  • Technical drawings
  • Planning permission applications
  • Project design
  • Interior design
  • Landscaping
  • Feasibility Assessment 

As the conversation progresses, the architect will be able to gauge the feasibility of the project. There is likely to be a further discussion towards the end of the consultation as if there are any aspects thought to not be feasible, the architect will likely suggest workarounds or alternative options.

At this point, you might start to see your project take shape and become a reality as technical aspects, planning regulations and materials are discussed.

Next Steps

The consultation will end with the next steps being laid out so that everyone knows what needs to be done and who needs to do it.

Expert Architects In Christchurch

Studio Arkell provides first-rate architectural, interior and landscape design services across the South Coast.

We pride ourselves on achieving the perfect harmony between form and function through carefully considered design and spatial considerations.

Our design process is broken into several steps, starting with pre-planning and an initial consultation and moving through securing planning, completing technical drawings and managing the build itself.

We place a great emphasis on our initial consultations as they help us set the tone for your project. We utilise this time to truly get to know you and your vision so that we can work with you to make your desires a reality.

If you are looking for a local architect studio in Christchurch, don’t hesitate to get in touch today. Call us on 01202 232423 or complete our online enquiry form for a callback.

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01202 232423

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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.