Architectural Services

Evergreen Design Studio offers a wide range of design and architectural  packages all of which can run alongside our Passivhaus Services

Concept Design Package (RIBA Stages 0-1)

Our Concept Design package provides a tailored solution for remodelling and/or extending your home, or prospective home you may be purchasing to create spaces that work for you. Taking into account your scope and budget, we work with your brief to turn your ideas and objectives into architectural designs that allow you to proceed with your project with a degree of confidence.  

The package can include:

  • Sketch floor plans and elevations

  • Precedent imagery - both aspirational and local vernacular

  • Planning considerations and restrictions

  • Logistical and phasing considerations and options

  • 3D perspective views

  • Visualisations/renders via one of our trusted collaborators

We work in a 3D design package and schemes can be in sketch form based on a simple estate agent plans or from an arranged measured building survey for more accurate scaled drawings in more detail. All designs consider the 3D aspect of spaces, where natural light comes from and arrangement of furniture to maximise the use of the space.

Each project is run using its own private shared filing system ensuring easy access to all documentation and design materials which allows client uploads to make the process as collaborative as you wish.

The end goal of the process is for you to have a clear design proposal and an action plan of how to implement it. Evergreen Design Studio can handle any necessary planning applications and next stage building regulation applications. We have an extensive network of construction contacts and other local professionals to help you achieve your vision.

Developed Design Package (RIBA Stages 0-3) - Planning

This package builds on our standalone Concept Design. It follows the same pattern for Stages 0-1 before transitioning into Stage 2 where the initial concepts are developed and tweaked until you have a scheme you are totally happy with, this is often the most collaborative stage of the project. Once the design is fully developed, we prepare a comprehensive planning application pack. 

We understand that achieving planning consent is often the biggest worry for a client undertaking a building project, it can take a long time to receive a decision and there are no guarantees. We have a successful track record in obtaining planning consent across a number of different councils and have extensive experience of projects within Greenbelt and Conservation Areas as well as heritage and listed buildings.

At Evergreen Design Studio, we thoroughly research the planning history of the site and local vicinity, local and national planning restrictions, likely planning conditions and relevant precedents. We provide detailed Design, Access, Planning and Sustainability Statements where necessary, and engage with local planners wherever possible to give each application the best possible approach. 

In addition to the deliverables in our Concept Design package, the Developed Design pack includes:

  • Accurate scaled drawings - location plan, site plans, floor plans and elevations, both existing and proposed

  • 3D perspective views

  • Design, Access, Planning and Sustainability Statement where required

  • Fully completed application forms

  • Liaising with, and obtaining documentation from, additional consultants where required

  • Planning application monitoring and responses/updates to information where required

  • Clearance of planning conditions following approval where required

Technical Design Package (RIBA Stage 4) - Post Planning

Our Technical Design Package can be commissioned in isolation or as an add-on to our Developed Design Package. Following the grant of planning approval, all schemes need to go through the Building Regulation process, this involves a plans check as well as site inspections when the work is actually carried out. The plans check application to Building Control needs to happen before any work starts on site and ensures that the building meets and complies with the Building Regulations, safeguarding the health and safety of people using them, energy performance/conservation, access, ventilation and many other technical aspects in accordance with the British Standards.

Evergreen Design Studio can prepare the necessary technical pack for a Building Control application. This includes:

  • Producing all of the necessary drawings,

  • Liaising with and collaborate with structural engineers

  • Liaising with any other necessary consultants, such as SAP Assessors,

  • Carrying out basic Part O overheating calculations

  • Carrying out thermal U-value calculations

  • Writing all technical notes to accompany the drawings

  • Liaising with Building Control to ensure any queries are resolved

We obviously prefer having taken the design through Stages 0-3 ourselves as we are familiar with the scheme, clients and project aims but we understand that sometimes, for whatever reason, clients need a different professional to carry out the technical design post-planning and we are happy to help and can undertake the Technical Design Package as a standalone work item.

The Full Service Package (RIBA Stages 0-6)

This package covers everything from initial concept design to handover on site. It encompasses both the Developed Design Package and the Technical Design Package and involves the production of a more comprehensive Construction Package. This includes:

  • Producing further design and construction details

  • Producing setting-out drawings

  • Producing a pricing schedule outlining the works for builders to price against

  • Collaborating with clients to produce client choice schedules for fittings and finishes etc

  • Compiling a list of builders to invite to tender for the work

Once this package has been produced, we can submit the project to tender with the selected contractors and work with trusted associates in analysing the returns to provide you with a tender breakdown to allow you to make the most informed decision possible. We can then draw up a contract between the client and the chosen contractor.

Once this contract is signed, the work can begin on site. We can handle the role of Contract Administrator and attend monthly site meetings, ensuring that the works are valued and corresponding payment certificates issued, after which the contractor is paid, giving clients peace of mind they are only paying for works that have been carried out already, or for materials on site. We can also answer any queries arising on site and liaise with the contractor to ensure the project is built to the clients’ expectations. Throughout the project monitoring process, we manage any variations to costings and help to agree a final account following the certification of practical completion of the project. We also carry out a snagging process prior to project handover.