Phase 1 – Concept & Planning
This phase is where we produce a overall design based on your needs to meet planning requirements.
With a clear understanding of your project, we begin by preparing accurate existing drawings of the property or building. These include existing plans and elevations and form the base information for the design.
Following our initial discussions around your needs, we develop initial proposed plans and elevations. These drawings explore layout, form, scale, and how the building will work for you
Our Design Approach
Throughout this stage, we design with a strong focus on:
Light and space
- Utilising every bit of space
How the building will be used day to day
Your needs and priorities
Take into consideration the local planning authority guidance and advise if we cannot meet this.
We will advise on what we feel works best from an architectural and planning perspective, while recognising that this is your home and /or project. We guide the process professionally, but always respect your decisions and direction.
Phase 1: Planning or GPDO Submission is the foundational stage of your project. It focuses on documenting the current state of the property, developing your new design, and managing the formal application to the local council.
Here is a breakdown of what Phase 1 comprises:
- Measured Survey & Existing Documentation (Stage 1)
The first step involves creating an accurate digital record of your property as it stands today.
- Site Survey: A physical survey of the property and its immediate surroundings.
- OS Map Licensing: Acquisition of a digital Ordnance Survey map to provide the exact context of the property for the council.
- Existing Drawings: Production of 2D plans and elevations (scaled at 1:100) including current room areas.
- Design Proposal & Development (Stage 2)
This is the collaborative “creative” phase where your ideas are turned into professional architectural drawings.
- Consultation: Three dedicated design meetings to discuss and refine your vision.
- Proposed Drawings: Creation of 2D proposed plans and elevations (scaled at 1:100) and calculated proposed room areas.
- Iterative Changes: Relevant adjustments are made after each meeting to finalize the design.
- Planning Application Submission (Stage 3)
The final step is the formal interaction with the Local Planning Authority.
- Application Management: Completion and submission of the relevant planning or GPDO (General Permitted Development Order) application.
- Free Resubmission: Includes one free resubmission and one Teams consultation if the initial application faces issues (must be within two months of a refusal).
- CAD Files: You will be able to receive the final DWG CAD files once all Phase 1 fees are settled.
Developing the Design
Design is an iterative process. At this stage, we usually hold a series of meetings, often around a week apart, to review and refine the proposals. This allows time to:
Test ideas
Make changes
Respond to your feedback
Ensure you fully understand the design
We continue refining the proposals until you are happy with the design and confident it meets your needs.
If you find it difficult to visualise the drawings, we offer 3D visualisations as an additional service. Using a Virtual reality headset you can walk around the design in our office, helping you fully understand the space, scale, and feel of the proposal before moving forward.
Planning & Local Authority Liaison
Once the design is agreed, we prepare and submit the drawings to the local council / planning authority and act as your agent throughout the planning process. This includes managing communication, responding to queries, and guiding the application through to a decision.
Where appropriate, we can also carry out a pre-application submission. This can improve the chances of receiving approval first time, particularly for:
More unusual or ambitious projects
Sites within conservation areas
Listed buildings
Pre-application feedback allows the council to comment on the proposal before a full application is made, helping to reduce risk and uncertainty.
Our Fees
Example Financial Summary of Phase 1 for a small extension of a terraced house
Example Financial Summary of Phase 1 for an extension + alterations to a detached home
Service | Fee (Excl. VAT) |
Stage 1: Survey & Existing Drawings | £650 |
OS Map License | £30 |
Stage 2: Design Development | £650 |
Stage 3: Planning Application | £200 |
Total Phase 1 Fee | £1530 + VAT |
Service | Fee (Excl. VAT) |
Stage 1: Survey & Existing Drawings | £1,500 |
OS Map License | £30 |
Stage 2: Design Development | £1,870 |
Stage 3: Planning Application | £200 |
Total Phase 1 Fee | £3,600 + VAT |