Why CFT Studios ?

Any construction job may be intimidating, particularly if you've never done it before. Why not give us a call or send us an email so we can go over the process in more detail or set up an introductory meeting to speak about your goals and how we can support you. Take a look at our sections on the process and workstages as well.

Architects have the expertise and formal training to make your dreams a reality. Whether you are building a new structure or making modifications to an existing one, we will walk you through the design, planning, and construction processes.

An architect can assist you at every stage of a project, from developing the right brief and design at the outset to negotiating planning and building regulations and determining how it will be constructed, all the way through to managing the construction on site and collaborating with the builders to have it built according to your specifications. An architect can help you through the process and make it as stress-free and joyful as possible because we have been through this process many times before

*please note that our practice is currently a partnership of people regarded as architectural designers who are currently training to become architects*

We recommend you look at the RIBA wesite to understand why an Architect / Architectural Designer is to be used !

Yes there is a BIG difference !

The term "Architect" is protected by law. Only people on the ARB (Architects Registration Board) register can use the title of an Architect.

Our practice is full of members of Architectural designers and technicians who are currently training in this profession. We each have 3 years of training in the Profession and want to challenge ourselves by taking an approach to applying what we learn as soon as possible !

Architects are required to complete at least seven years of study in order to qualify, and they are held to strict training and behaviour standards. They should be experts in designing spaces and utilising them effectively. The interests of their customers must come first, as required by professional norms of conduct for architects. All architects are required by the ARB to hold professional indemnity insurance, which gives clients piece of mind.

Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists membership qualifies architectural technologists as professionals (CIAT). To become chartered, they must also complete extensive training and credentials. However, this isn't always the case. Generally speaking, engineers are more detail- and construction-focused, whereas architects are more aesthetically concerned. At CFT Studios we pride ourselves on all aspects of our service as business.

We are not a professional practise, hence we are not governed by professional groups (for the time being). Always verify that your designer is properly insured and that they will provide you with the quality of service you demand. Before hiring someone, always insist on a formal meeting outlining the conditions of service and ask to see samples of their prior work.

In order to find a solution that satisfies your project's demands, architectural designers are problem solvers who will make sure that you handle the project's fundamental requirements. An architect will collaborate with you closely to refine your ideas into a brief and will be able to spot openings and solutions that you might not have considered. To genuinely satisfy the demands of the project and maximise profits, an architect will be able to recommend designs, materials, and goods that go above and beyond the usual. We are taught to approach an issue creatively and come up with answers that are not always evident.

It's brilliant to have a builder on board because they might be hard to find.However, you should assign employees to positions that match their skill set. It will be quite challenging for you to know what you will receive and agree on exactly what work will be done since while builders are often excellent at building things, they are unlikely to offer accurate and thorough drawings and timetables. If you leave it up to your builder, they will select your building supplies and techniques, the fabric's performance, the window heights, the specifics of the eaves, and the quantity of plugs in each room.

As a result, there are frequently misconceptions and a large list of extras that weren't initially addressed but are crucial to your contentment with the job. As the project develops, these additions will wind up costing you more money.

You may save money in the long term by making investments at the proper points in the project. It is less expensive to make adjustments on site when the brief and the design are both perfect from the beginning. A complete set of drawings will enable a builder to provide precise pricing and programming, and since everything has been planned out and brought together before you get on site, you can be certain of what you're going to receive and how much it will cost. Additionally, you'll be aware that what you get will be what you wanted.

A structural engineer will be required for almost all jobs. Other experts may also be required, ranging from ecological specialists to determine whether you have bats to party wall surveyors to create agreements with your neighbours. The briefing phase includes determining what the project will require in terms of additional aid and skills because every work is unique.

If you are altering the building's exterior or adding something new, you probably require planning permission. Permitted development rights provide you the right to undertake some things. However, even these may require an application procedure before you can begin working.

The building laws aid in ensuring the safety, health, and high performance of new construction, conversions, renovations, and additions. Structure integrity, fire safety, accessibility, energy performance, acoustic performance, fall protection, electrical safety, and gas safety are only a few of the particular themes covered in detail rules. The Welsh and English governments set the construction restrictions.

As the project advances, a local authority inspector certifies the completed work. To avoid unpleasant surprises, you may also get your plans approved for compliance before you begin construction.

Probably longer than you think.

For a typical large extension and reconfiguration project it may be 8-12 months before you even let started on site, allowing for proper briefing and design development, waiting for planning (a minimum of 8 weeks needs to be allowed for this), and then working out all of the detail and coordinating the work of other consultants like engineers and other specialists. Then you need to find the right builder at the right cost before you can start. It can take years for all the framework to be put in place for much larger scale projects like masterplanning.

The work on site might take 4-6 months per building , or even longer if the conditions are complicated or you are doing something interesting.

Again probably more than you think!

We would advise to set aside a decent basis of about £2000/m2 for new construction. This will be pushed higher by higher levels of performance and specification or more challenging designs. Because one-time expenditures are dispersed across wider regions as projects grow in size, there are more efficiencies to be discovered. For smaller projects, the reverse is true.

We also advise the client to approach a traditional contract for construction. Where the should appoint potential consultants to review the proposed plan in areas of expertise to design in detail, by preparing tender documentation to be sent to contractors for construction consideration. This type of contract will be a “lump-sum” however structured payments can be organised of both all parties involved agree. This form of procurement will be suitable for all types of experience in this field and is a low-risk method for the client as the contractor will take on all the financial risk past RIBA Stage 1.

Doing your research is essential, and you've already begun. Visit the websites of architects and give them a call to learn more or set up an initial consultation. Most architects are willing to meet for free to talk about your goals. Expect to pay a little charge if you need anything more elaborate or any design work.

You must decide once you have reduced your alternatives and obtained comparable fee quotes (verify that they are all pricing for the same levels of service and deliverables to get an accurate comparison). This will be influenced by several things. Of course, cost will be crucial, but so will design calibre, strategy, personality, and confidence. Building work may be stressful, so you'll want a supervisor you can engage with and trust to get you through it. This person should also make you feel like they'll be honest and up front with you.