What Type of Projects do Architecture Firms Undertake?

Thinking about beginning a new design project but not sure if you need an architecture firm? To make your life a whole lot easier, you definitely should consider it! Hiring an architecture firm can help you through all the steps of the process, from preparation all the way to completion. They work with you to make sure your vision is designed and implemented to your satisfaction and turn your concept into a reality.

What Project Can An Architect Help With?

While you can technically design your project yourself, there are a series of strict standards, procedures and regulations to meet. Hiring an architect who is well versed in all of this will help you navigate the procedures easily, leaving you to just worry about creating your vision.

When you think of an architect, you might think that they only work designing massive skyscrapers or other large-scale projects. But an architecture firm can help you with a variety of projects. At Integrated Designs & Associates Ltd, we will provide you with all the help you need, from feasibility reports and applications for planning permissions to the completion of the project. We work with individuals on jobs like extending your property and also for larger clients such as property developers keen to make new residential complexes.

The Process

Each architectural project normally follows a similar process, designed to be as efficient as possible while accounting for potential problems along the way. You can categorise the architectural process into five steps:

●     Pre-Design/Feasibility - Before a project can even begin, a few things need to occur. A site and zoning analysis are essential to find out more about the property, seeing what can be built there, what size it can be and what use it can have. If the project involves altering an existing building, it must be tested for hazards such as lead and asbestos. The client and firm must also outline the project's scope, goals and budgeting.

●     Schematic Design - In this stage, the client and the firm must discuss the project and any requirements for it. In a large project, this could involve which rooms go where and in a small project can flesh out the exact requirements in great detail. It will involve a lot of draft sketches as the client and firm work as a team to think and lock in the general design.

●     Design Development Phase - Now the design has been agreed upon, it’s time to select more precise details. This is where a lot of materials are selected, including windows, doors, fixtures and appliances. By the end of this phase, a very detailed rendering of the project should be able to be completed, showing exactly what the finished project should look like.

●     Construction Documents - With the final design confirmed, the firm moves on to finalising the technical design of the project, including engineering, heating, plumbing, gas. Plans are submitted for approval so that everything is ready for the work to begin.

●     Construction Administration - The firm helps to oversee the construction process, frequently visiting the site to make sure the workers are following the plans correctly and working efficiently. The architecture firm will stay on for the duration of the project, making sure that the work is finished and the final inspections are carried out.

This process can be applied to many different projects, read on to find out more about some of them.

Extensions

An extension really opens up your property, providing a new living or function area. An architect can work with you to either extend an existing space or create a whole new room for you. Popular choices are an extra living room or an extended kitchen area. An extension can add a lot of value to your property so partner with an architectural firm to make it the best it can be and increase the value even more.

Loft conversions

To get extra space out of your property, a loft conversion is a great way to add additional space without having a whole new extension built. They make use of existing space and can even increase the overall value of your home. An architect can help carry out the necessary checks and inform you of what type of conversion you could have, then help you plan, prep and carry out your loft conversion.

New Homes

An architecture firm can help you build your dream home. Start by creating a budget and timeline with them so you have realistic expectations from the beginning and your project won’t run out of steam halfway through. You can then work together to design your home exactly how you want it and carry out the construction.

Offices

Modern office interior design is very important, making sure the design of your office is well thought out to increase creativity and productivity. So hire an architect to redesign your office space from the ground up, being involved every step of the way to build the best environment for your business.

Restaurants

An architect can help build your restaurant around your ideas. The technical design is very important in a restaurant, so using an architect will guarantee all the gas, electricity and lighting are placed in positions that will benefit you. While they will bear aesthetics in mind, their main aim is to meet the regulations and needs of an active restaurant. This means you might have more pushback on design choices than in other types of projects.

Shops

If you have recently bought a shopfront and wish to renovate it, an architect can help you with the task. It’s not as simple as just getting more furniture and moving things around, you need to use a professional service. For example, you might need to create different rooms by destroying and putting up walls. This will require new blueprints and assessments that an architect can assist with.

Retaining walls

A retaining wall is designed to retain material on one side, to prevent it from collapsing down the other. It can be cut into an existing slope or then built and filled from behind. A retaining wall can withstand the pressure exerted on it to prevent this collapse, holding back the retained material. Its other functions allow it to create a usable section on steep terrain so, for example, a road could be installed or for decorative reasons. There are various types of retaining walls:

●     Gravity - A gravity retaining wall maintains its stability by the mass and friction of the wall material being greater than the force of the material being retained. They commonly have a sloped design, with the base thicker than the top and are usually made from stone, concrete and brick.

●     Cantilever - A cantilever wall is used to increase the stability of a retaining wall, using a steel or concrete slab foundation that allows horizontal pressures from the wall to be converted to vertical pressures on the ground instead.

●     Sheet Piling - A sheet piling wall can be made of steel, timber or vinyl panels that have about ⅔ of their length below ground. The other ⅓ is above ground blocking the retained material. Usually best at retaining soft material, as they must be able to resist any bending caused by it.

●     Anchored - An anchored retaining wall can be constructed in any of the aforementioned styles but also includes additional strength by anchoring it into the material behind it. They are typically driven into the material with boring then expanded to fix it in place. It’s ideal if the wall has to be slender, therefore adding more security to a weak wall.



Architects You Can Rely on

Integrated Designs & Associates Ltd are proud to be one of the best engineering companies in Birmingham, providing reliable and high-quality work to the West Midlands and across the wider UK. We offer both innovative design and professional project management, meaning your vision is in safe hands when you work with us.

We don’t just stop at architectural services, proud to offer both structural and geotechnical engineering to our clients. We can help with structural engineering services such as resigning reinforced concrete structures, masonry design, structural services, structural steel redesign and more. Our geotechnical engineering will make sure the ground you work on is suitable and the project will be a success. These services include mining risk assessments, ground gas monitoring, foundation design and contaminated land development. We even offer retaining wall services

So call us today on 0121 582 233 to talk to one of our highly skilled and friendly team, to find out how Integrated Designs & Associates Ltd can help you with your project today. With 27 years experience in the business, you won’t go wrong by relying on us.