Your Vision Delivered
We work with our clients - rather than for them - so you can enjoy our service - either sitting back to watch us expand upon your vision; or taking a more active role if you wish.
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Our specialist team present a range of building & design experience across multiple sectors - from conversions and traditional building restoration, through domestic projects to larger commercial projects.

Our business and architectural focus is centred exclusively around bespoke rural property.  To date we have created tiny houses to tree houses, barn conversions to family dwellings right through to stunning 18,000 sq ft country house - across a range of budgets from <£100k - > £6.5m. 

Nothing phases us...

Our aim is to deliver the highest high quality design to every project - irrespective of size or budget - and to produce a standard that exceeds client and the planners' expectations every time.

Projects are delivered using a combination of traditional 'manual' sketch proposals through some of the most progressive 2D and 3D design packages available on the market today.  We have high standards to ensure that all of our work is of outstanding quality, clarity and precision - particularly when viewed in conjunction with our competitors' work.

Local Planning Authorities have often given positive feedback on our house style and note that our drawings are simple to understand - especially when compared to old-school 'black and white' line drawings.

Granted, we don't publish a huge portfolio of past work, nor to we spend a small fortune on producing posh 'coffee table brochures'...  This is not because our portfolio doesn't exist, but because we respect our client's privacy and, from an architectural standpoint, we treat every project as a brand new journey... A journey that is specific to the needs and dreams of each client.  Yes we can show you what we have done - but more importantly we what to show you what we can do together,,, 

Get in touch to find out what we can achieve...
Bondstones' dedicated  Architecture team is passionate about instilling the best value in every project - no matter how 'value' may be perceived.

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
PROCEDURE

​A Brief Overview

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Outlined below are the various stages required to complete a typical project from start to finish.  This methodology follows the RIBA Plan of work and is the framework for all of our projects (all of which we deliver in-house).

We have simplified the RIBA guide even further with notes to explain what this each phase is likely to mean for your project.

​However please note that every building and design project is different - we will advise on the various stages at the outset - this avoids confusion in the long run and sets a unique programme of work for every client and every project...

​STRATEGIC DEFINITION & BRIEF

RIBA STAGES 0 & 1
In the first instance we will typically meet with our clients and discuss requirements and review the site.  While some may treat this as a sales meeting, we don't:  We always aim to provide positive and helpful advice from the outset.  That advice may be hard to accept - in any event we will be frank and objective in our approach:

In every case we will undertake a meeting / interview with the client (and any other interested parties) in order to formulate a general strategy for the project.  We will often introduce our planning colleagues at this early stage as planning considerations need to be taken into account from the outset - particularly in contentious or protected sites.
 
After the outline brief is formed and contracts to proceed are agreed, we will prepare an design brief for the project and review the sites history before any true design work commences.  We will also advise on CDM and any other legal duties that you may have.
Meet & Greet; Setting the brief
This is usually the process of meeting for the first time and discussing your needs and requirements.  This will happen on site, or, if appropriate, at our offices.

This stage is quite often the most important part of a project - as it is now that needs and project practicality begin to rationalise...

​CONCEPT & DETAILED DESIGN

RIBA STAGES 2 & 3
Once we have agreed to work together and the project is likely to succeed we will move on to the process of design.  This entails a significant amount of research, development and use of our expertise to match the brief with both the practical side of building the project.

​Our survey / design team will attend the property to survey the existing features present.  This is then drawn up into 'as existing' drawings and as a model in our 3D system - ready to produce a concept design to suit the already agreed design brief.  

A concept model will then be created for discussion.   We will normally meet again (or correspond by email) to confirm the concept is acceptable (however if revisions are required this will be accommodated in our final detailed design process - planning drawings) and an application pack created for submission to the local planning authority.
Planning Design
Once the brief is clear and we are all in agreement we will undertake any surveys and site analysis to enable us to create 'planning drawings' (assuming a planning submission is required).  At the same time our team will prepare any planning or listed buildings applications and prepare any other supporting information needed.  This will then be made available to you for review.  A formal submission to the planning authority will follow once all details are formally agreed.

PLANNING SUBMISSION
The planning submission will be handled in house by our planning team.  Once submitted an application will be reviewed and determined against local planning policy by the Local Planning Authority - This process usually takes 8 weeks from the date of submission.

TECHNICAL DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
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RIBA STAGES 4 & 5
Once planning approvals have been gained, and any pre-commencement negotiations are complete, stage 4 turns the scheme design drawings into working drawings which can then gain building regulations approval and, subject to tendering processes, a builder can be appointed.

Throughout the construction programme, Bondstones services are available to manage the entire process - from tendering through to contract administration, completion and snagging - to formal provision of 'professional certificates' to sign off the work as being complete.
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Construction Design
On receipt of planning permission you will likely require building regulations approval (our consultants will advise on the best way to achieve this).  This will require more detailed drawings and construction documentation.

​Tendering & Selection
Before racing ahead and employing a builder, you may wish to go to tender - this will enable you to get quotes and to select the best build options for your project.  It is important to get the process right... as ever, we will be on hand to guide you through this.

HAND OVER &
​CLOSE OUT

RIBA STAGE 6 & 7
Stage 6 is when the project is completed and all documents are handed over the the client. The working drawings are completed and marked As Built. 

The Health and Safety file is updated and handed to the client. Stage 7 is when the client will review and feedback any post occupation issues or snags that need to be resolved. 

Snagging & Hand-over
Once the building work is complete, we will be able to assist with all aspects of hand over - from snagging and construction defects through to completion and final contractor payments.

Ultimately it is our driving aim to deliver exceptional results at every stage... In the end we want to see your building finished to the highest possible standards.

We'll be with you every step of the way...
...if you'll have us!