Services

What we do, in what order, and what it costs.

Architecture and interiors under one roof, run to the RIBA Plan of Work. Fees are written down before the first drawing and explained below without small print.

Services

Four things we are good at.

  • 01

    Architecture

    New buildings, extensions and conversions. Planning, listed building consent, building regulations and construction drawings.

  • 02

    Interior design

    Layouts, finishes, lighting, bespoke joinery and furniture. We draw every piece of joinery ourselves.

  • 03

    Feasibility and appraisal

    A short study before you buy or commit: what the site or building can take, what it will cost, what planning is likely to say.

  • 04

    Contract administration

    We run the build on your behalf: tendering, site inspections, valuations and certificates.

Stages of a project

From the first walk to a year after handover.

We follow the RIBA Plan of Work so that you, the builder and the planners are all reading from the same sheet. You can stop at the end of any stage.

  • Stage 0 to 1

    Brief and feasibility

    We meet, walk the site, and write a brief with you. A feasibility study tests options and a budget range.

    Fixed fee, from £1,800
  • Stage 2

    Concept design

    Plans, sections and a model. Usually two or three options, narrowed to one.

    Percentage of construction cost
  • Stage 3

    Developed design and planning

    The design fixed enough to submit for planning or listed building consent.

    Percentage of construction cost
  • Stage 4

    Technical design

    Construction drawings, specifications, building regulations and a tender package.

    Percentage of construction cost
  • Stage 5

    Construction

    We administer the contract, inspect the work and certify payments to the builder.

    Percentage or monthly fee
  • Stage 6 to 7

    Handover and in use

    Snagging, the end of the defects period, and a visit a year on to see how the building is living.

    Included

How we charge

A percentage of the construction cost, agreed up front.

The feasibility stage is a fixed fee. From concept design onwards we charge a percentage of the construction cost, fixed at the start against an agreed budget, so the fee does not rise if the build does. All figures exclude VAT.

Construction costFull service feeTypical projects
Under £150,00012 to 14%Small extensions, flat refits, single-room interiors
£150,000 to £500,0009 to 12%Whole-house work, barn conversions, small restaurants
£500,000 to £2m7 to 9%New houses, workplace floors, hotels
Over £2mBy agreementTypically 5 to 7%

What is included

All stages from concept to handover, site visits every two weeks during construction, and the drawings your builder needs. Interiors and joinery are drawn by us, not subcontracted.

What is extra

Planning and building control application fees, the structural engineer, surveys, and any specialist consultants. We tell you who is needed and roughly what they cost before you appoint anyone.

How you pay

Monthly, in arrears, against a stage plan you have seen. Feasibility is invoiced on delivery. No deposit.

Fee proposal

Want a number for your project?

Send the address and a budget band and we will come back with a written fee proposal, usually within a week of the first meeting.

Request a proposal
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Services and fees · Lowther Vane