Our Architectural Design Process

Every good design starts with a thorough understanding of the existing property. I will carry out a detailed measured survey to produce accurate drawings of the house and its immediate surroundings.

Just as importantly, the survey allows me to understand how the existing building has been constructed and how readily it can be adapted or extended. Existing walls, roofs, floor levels, drainage, structure and previous alterations can all influence the design. Identifying these constraints early helps avoid difficult or expensive surprises later.

Where appropriate, I will also review the property's planning history and relevant planning constraints.

The design stage explores how your home could work better for you. Rather than simply adding the requested floor area, I consider the existing layout and look for opportunities to improve space, circulation, natural light, views and the relationship between the house and garden.

Initial design options are developed and discussed with you, considering the character of the existing property, planning constraints, buildability and budget alongside the architectural design. The proposals are then refined together until we arrive at a solution that feels right for both the house and the way you want to live.

Once the design has been agreed, I will prepare the drawings and supporting information required for the appropriate planning application or other consent.

KD Design will manage the application on your behalf and deal directly with the Local Planning Authority, responding to queries and negotiating amendments where appropriate. My experience of residential planning across Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds helps identify potential planning issues early and gives each proposal the strongest possible prospect of approval.

Not every extension requires a planning application. Where Permitted Development provides a more appropriate route, I can advise accordingly and prepare an application for a Lawful Development Certificate.

Planning permission establishes what can be built. The technical design stage works out how it will actually be built.

I develop the approved design into a coordinated package of detailed construction information, considering structure, insulation, roofs, walls, floors, drainage, windows and doors, junctions, materials and the connection between new and existing construction. I will coordinate the input of structural engineers, energy assessors and other specialists where required.

The drawings and specification are prepared for Building Regulations approval and to provide builders with clear information from which to price and construct the project. Greater detail at this stage reduces assumptions, improves cost certainty and helps resolve difficult decisions before work begins on site.

Where required, I will also deal with associated technical matters such as Build Over Agreements with Thames Water and Party Wall matters, and coordinate the additional information required before construction can begin.

Once the technical design is complete, I will prepare a detailed tender and pre construction information pack, bringing together the drawings, specification and relevant project information ready to issue to selected contractors for competitive tender.

For clients managing the building contract

Once work begins, KD Design offers two levels of construction stage involvement, allowing you to choose the service most appropriate to your project.

For clients managing the building contract themselves, we will remain available during construction to answer technical queries, clarify the drawings and liaise with the builder, structural engineer and other consultants as issues arise.

Where appointed as Building Regulations Principal Designer, we will remain involved during construction, maintaining oversight of design compliance and carrying out the necessary review at completion before providing the Principal Designer declaration required by Building Control.

For clients wanting KD Design to manage the contract

For clients who would prefer a more comprehensive service, KD Design can remain closely involved throughout the build, undertaking regular site visits and administration of the building contract.

This includes monitoring progress, responding to design and technical queries, reviewing work against the contract information, dealing with variations, assessing contractor valuations and issuing the appropriate certificates. As construction approaches completion, I will assist with snagging, practical completion and the final stages of the building contract.