OUR SERVICES & WORK STAGES

Architectural Design

Our Architectural Design services for homeowners are structured in four stages. We typically manage projects from the initial client brief and design development through planning consent, contractor selection, and project completion. However, we also offer each stage separately, allowing clients to arrange their own contractors if preferred.

Project Types

01 Concept & Developed Design

02 Planning Applications

03 Technical & Building regulations

04 Construction & Contract administration

Project Work Stages

New Build Residential Design
Single and Two Storey Extensions
Garage / Out-building Conversions
Garden Buildings
Refurbishments, Restoration
Interior Design & Alterations

Concept & Developed Design

Understanding your needs and aspirations for your project is our priority. We provide architecture design solutions that address environmental, landscape, and client needs, assessing the existing site planning and budgetary constraints.

we explore different design options based on our discussions and observations to allow you to assess various interpretations of what is possible.

As part of the initial design ideas, we provide outline costs based on current costs per square metre. It will help you make more informed decisions about how to proceed.

We take you through the various design options and refine the chosen design until you are satisfied with how the design works and looks. A comprehensive Stage 2 report captures all the analysis, sketches, and notes.

To start any project, we require accurate scaled drawings in CAD format of your property (Measured Building Survey). We appoint a surveyor to carry out a 3D laser survey, which we use as a basis for all design work. Although we can often work from an existing plan for the early stages, the measured building survey is required to make the planning application.

Planning Approvals

A planning application is normally required to get submitted to the local authority whenever there is a proposal to make alterations to the external building or change the use of the property or land. We have a wealth of experience across many types of planning applications ranging from property extensions to listed building consent and conservation areas and pre-application advice.

Once the application has been validated, the process to obtain approval takes 8 weeks. As part of the submission, we supply relevant drawings and where required additional information such as Planning/ Heritage/ Design and Access statements to accurately describe the scheme and its compliance with the relevant planning policies.

Technical Design and Tender

Following planning approval, the design is developed to a detailed technical level. We provide a comprehensive set of drawings and scope of work documents to ensure the project in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, is fully described and documented.

A Structural Engineer is appointed to handle the structural design, ensuring the building has the necessary foundations, beams, and columns. They produce detailed drawings and calculations, and we coordinate their information with our drawings to ensure compatibility with the structural design. Additional consultants, such as Party Wall Surveyors and Energy Assessors, may be engaged if needed. There may also be requirements for build-over or diversion agreements with the Water Board if constructing over a public sewer or within 3 metres of neighbouring buildings.

Additional Services

Interior Design
Bespoke Joinery
Landscape Garden Design
Sustainability Audit

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Construction & Contract Administration

Once the contract has been agreed between you and the builder. A site start date will be set and construction will start. Our role for this stage is twofold. We support you by assisting with Requests for Information (RFIs) and providing any additional details the builder might require. Our expertise as a leading architecture company ensures any changes you wish to implement are efficiently managed, and we provide clear instructions to the builder to reflect these changes accurately.

We administer the contract in terms of payments and timing. This means we assess how much work has been completed and what the interim payment each month/fortnightly should be from you to the contractor. This is a formal and legal process that must be precise and transparent.

If clients are able to undertake the contract administration aspect of the project and are confident to manage the build process themselves, then we can have less input at this stage. However, we do like to make sure you have the confidence, ability and importantly the time to undertake this role.

Once the project is complete, we carry out site inspections, comment on the resolution of defects and issue any inspection reports/ schedules of defect works to the client. Inspection of the remedial works and certify these have been rectified. We assist in finalising the account and, as your dedicated home architect and residential architect, issue the final certificate of completion, ensuring all aspects of the contract are fulfilled.

We are committed to delivering excellent architecture house design and home designers services. Our architect studio is dedicated to creating exceptional spaces that reflect your personal style and functional needs to ensure that every project is handled with care and professionalism.

Landscape Design

Formx Architects, as Chartered Landscape Architects, are registered with the Landscape Institute and offer comprehensive landscape architecture services that enhance and transform outdoor spaces.

With a robust track record in landscape architecture projects, we bring expertise across various scales—from extensive university campuses to intimate garden designs. Our approach integrates seamlessly with architectural design to create a cohesive and harmonious environment.