Architectural Services
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Lauren Silby Studio provides a full range of architectural services, which are tailored and shaped around a projects unique requirements and the RIBA Plan of Work. The Studio's architectural expertise and services include:
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Remodelling and extending existing homes and properties
Refurbishments and renovations
​​​​Expertise with heritage projects and listed properties​​
Planning applications
Building regulations drawings
Construction drawings & assistance during construction
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When beneficial for project delivery, Lauren also collaborates with other architects to support resourcing and specialist input.​ ​
For further information on The Studio's work, please visit the ‘Projects’ or 'About' pages, or get in touch to discuss your project.​​​​
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Site Meeting and Building Survey
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Every project begins with an in-person meeting to discuss your brief, aspirations, and the potential of your site. At this early stage, we undertake a careful review of site conditions, constraints, and opportunities, including key environmental considerations such as site orientation, sunlight, drainage, and overlooking. A detailed survey of the existing building is also carried out at the outset to inform the design process and ensure a well-considered foundation for the project.
Feasibility and Concept Design
At the early design stages of a project, several design options would be explored and tested to assess the potential of the site and the brief. These options would be illustrated through floor plan sketches or drawings, demonstrating possible outcomes in response to both the project brief and relevant planning policy. The design options would then be reviewed with the client, allowing a preferred design to be identified and refined.
Developed Design and Planning
At this stage, the proposed layout and design would be agreed, and the design scheme would be refined into a set of drawings for a planning application for submission to the local planning authority, or if using permitted development, for submission for a lawful development certificate. I would typically manage the planning application process on a client’s behalf as the agent, liaising with planners or planning consultant as required.
​​​Technical Design & Building Control
Following planning approval, the next stage would typically involve developing a technical set of drawings with the proposed construction build-ups of floors, walls and roofs, and coordinating the structural design within the architectural drawings. I prepare and submit the required technical information to Building Control, covering thermal performance, fire safety and escape, accessibility, drainage and other regulatory considerations.
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This stage typically involves appointing additional consultants, if not already appointed on the project, such as a structural engineer, party wall surveyor and Building Control (approved inspector), among others depending upon the project requirements, with further specialists engaged as needed. architect I can make recommendations for these appointments. I can advise on these appointments and provide support as required for the project.
Tender Documentation
Depending on the size and complexity of the project, builders may be happy to price and build from the technical drawings. However, at this stage further information can be added to the technical drawings, developing them into a construction package, and a construction specification and a pricing document can be produced. This information differs from the technical pack, as a greater level of information is added to the drawings including additional detail on setting out, finishes, specification schedules, and construction junctions, which would provide enough information for a competitive, fixed sum tender process among multiple contractors. Construction drawings also give the builder an extra level of information to build from, ensuring you have a fully coordinated package bringing together all consultant information in one place.
Construction
Once work on-site has begun, I can stay involved as client or contractor advisor if required or assist if the contractor requires any additional construction details to help resolve any queries or challenges that might arise.
​​Interior Design​
If required, I can assist with the interior design and fit-out of your project in addition to the architecture and base-build. This service could include a full specification of interior finishes and fittings, interior elevations, bathroom design and setting out, joinery design, ceiling setting out plans, electrical design and electrical setting out plans.
