In our opinion, successful projects require our dedication and commitment from concept through to completion

Ian Hazard Architect. Design Model

Designing for Modern Day Lifestyles

Listening to and understanding a Client’s Project Brief is our starting point. We then go further to help Clients develop their initial brief symbiotically with the design proposals for their project. This process brings together the Client’s functional requirements for their building with a considered architectural response to the site.

All projects have their constraints. It may be physical constraints imposed by an existing site or building, planning or building regulation constraints, functional constraints, or constraints related to budget or timescales. Our role as architect is to embrace these constraints and to work within them, to provide a coherent and compelling architectural response to the brief and to the site.

 

Connecting to Nature

Creating spaces that facilitate a direct connection between a building’s inhabitants and nature is a consistent theme within our work. Day-to-day modern life can be hectic, stressful, and distracted. It is important for our personal wellbeing that architecture creates moments of connection with nature; where we can slow down, focus on the present, and to appreciate the world around us.

We pay close attention to the site and the setting of buildings we are working with. Understanding how natural elements such as the path of the sun, the direction of the wind and the lay of the land, interact with a site is crucial if a building is to meaningfully connect people to their surroundings.

 

Treading Lightly

If we really value nature in our lives, we instinctively seek to protect it. When it comes to buildings, the most responsible thing we do is to prioritise work with existing buildings. We don’t propose a new building unless it is absolutely necessary.

Beyond that, we work to understand how our buildings will be used over longer periods of time. Creating loose-fit, flexible, spaces allow our buildings to change with the Client’s use of them. We also strive to build with quality, so that the buildings clients invest in, last longer for them.

The use of renewable energy sources is becoming a more common requirement for clients.  Alongside the use of these technologies, we look for ways to passively reduce building energy use by carefully considering building siting and orientation.

Over the years our work has involved historic buildings and contemporary buildings. The lessons we learnt from the old buildings constantly informs the way that we design new buildings. This experience has broadened our understanding and pallete of materials that may be appropriate to use with each project. We prioritise the use of materials that are natural, authentic, recycled and recyclable.

 

Commitment to the Cause

We don’t do this to win recognition, we do this to contribute. We are passionate about making a contribution to the question of how we dwell on the planet, respectfully and responsibly. This requires an earnest commitment to the cause of architecture, to the design of buildings, and to the Clients who commission them.

In our opinion, successful projects require our dedication and commitment from concept through to completion. The design process does not stop at a successful planning approval. Really, this is just the first step; along a journey we dedicate ourselves to, with each new Client.

Our Services

Our architectural services are based on the RIBA Plan of Work

RIBA Work Stage 1: Preparation and Briefing
  • Client Project Brief
  • Site Surveys
  • Professional Services Appointment Contact
RIBA Work Stage 2: Concept Design
  • Develop Concept Design
RIBA Work Stage 3: Spatial Coordination
  • Developed Design
  • Planning Application
  • Listed Building Consent
RIBA Work Stage 4: Technical Design
  • Developed Technical Design & Specification
  • Building Regulations Approval
  • Tender and Construction Information
RIBA Work Stage 5: Manufacturing and Construction
  • Site Support to Client and Contractor
  • Contract Administration
RIBA Work Stage 6: Handover
  • As-built Drawings
Other Services:

CDM Principal Designer