Architectural Services
Creating your dream home
Realising the potential in your new property to create your dream home
Our architecturally trained eye identifies opportunities and potential to discover properties that can become your dream home. The next step is to realise that potential.
Whether it's a conversion, extension or re-build, our architectural design, planning and project management services ensure that from paper to property we assist and manage the whole process.
Project Management
A property search with Discovered By doesn't end on the day the keys are handed over. Whilst conveyancing is taking place, thanks to our unique architect-led approach, we can already start work designing and planning.
Discovered By will move swiftly thereafter to ensure that building works begin promptly and are project managed efficiently to save valuable time and cost.
Design & Planning
Design; this is where we use the full power of our local knowledge to draft proposals that take your brief and marry them with the architectural possibilities whilst giving careful consideration to what will and will not be supported by planners.
We are specialists in working with listed buildings and buildings within Conservation Areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and other areas that the Local Authority has designated as having a special interest. We bring this knowledge and experience to bear in putting forward proposals that protect and enhance important buildings and their surroundings whilst surpassing our client’s expectations.
Only once the design is fully resolved do we finalise drawings and documents and prepare and submit the planning and/or listed building consent applications to the Local Authority. We act as lead consultant coordinating other specialist consultants that may be required to contribute to the applications. We closely monitor the application process and react to any Local Authority requirements.
Building Regulations & Tendering
Gaining planning permission is only part of the story, building projects require technical drawings to satisfy building regulations and which allow contractors to provide accurate quotes. We prepare the necessary applications and fully manage this phase.
The technical design phase includes large-scale drawings with a construction specification as well as any structural engineering calculations that may be required to satisfy the regulations.
The technical package is then worked up into a full and thorough specification for the complete project. At this stage we will often work with an interior designer to make sure specifications take real account of the end requirements. This tender package is sent to a short list of contractors for them to provide competitive estimates for the work.
The Build
We will prepare and administer a building contract between client and contractor. We supervise the build to ensure that it is delivered successfully and in accordance with the design and approvals. Regular site visits are made throughout construction to monitor progress, budget, and quality. We certify interim valuations to protect the client financially.
Hand Over
Once the construction work is complete and any defects or snagging items have been rectified we will certify practical completion. We will ensure that all necessary completion certificates are issued and manage the settlement of the final account before you can begin your new life in Kent.