We offer a free initial consultation to new enquiry projects that meet the threshold construction value for the projects that we take on, which is around the £200,000 + VAT mark.

The reason for the threshold is that the materials, details and the quality level that we work at is of a certain price per square metre. 

Further to this, as ARB registered architects we find that although we can add value to any project, there is a threshold to which our fees are appropriate for the project size. However, if you do have a project with a smaller budget in mind and would like to work with us, please do still get in touch and we can advise accordingly if we can assist.

At the initial meeting, we will listen to what you are looking for in your project and ask to look around your property to see if there are any additional considerations that need to be taken into account. We can advise on potential opportunities and also advise on the process. 

We can then issue you with a fee proposal for the stages of work.

We work with several external surveyor companies who provide measured building and topographical surveys for our clients. This survey of the site and/or the building is required so we have the basis of our CAD drawings to then start work on the project.

We source quotes for our clients, who then appoint the external surveyor directly.

The majority of our projects start with a Feasibility Study. This is a really useful tool for clients to understand what their options are with the site or property.

This stage starts with a Discovery Meeting where we talk through the initial brief, with further questions adding to the discussion to really interrogate what you are looking for with the project.

We then return for a presentation meeting where we set out several different options for the project in the form of different layouts. Normally three layouts are included, sometimes with differing variables alongside these. 

The three layouts often include a conservative option in terms of scale and budget, with then increasing levels of intervention and varying design features. We talk our clients through these layouts alongside cost estimates for each iteration based on an outline cost/m2  rates. This helps clients understand if a design feature is worth the added cost or if they would prefer to have a reduced build area but include additional features.

Often we find clients are immediately drawn to one option, but we can always create a hybrid option to move forwards with; adding preferred design features from different options.

Once clients have selected their preferred option from the Feasibility Study, or hybrid option, then we proceed into the Outline Design & Planning Stage. During this stage we develop the layouts, further tailoring this to our clients’ requirements. Alongside the plans, we start to work up the elevations and 3D model.

In this stage we consider all elements of the design in more detail from the flow through the house, light levels, solar shading, furniture placement, glazing and more. We introduce you to samples of materials and finishes so you start to have a feel for the materials across the board in the project. 

Although any planning permission only fixes the exterior of the house (with the exception of Listed Building Consents) we prefer to resolve as much as possible with regard to the design at the early stage as this avoids unnecessary changes later on in the process.

We will talk you through the scheme with a combination of drawings and using a 3D model in fortnightly meetings. The model can really help clients understand the spaces, furniture layouts and light quality of a room. 

Alongside the design work, we advise on any other consultants that are required to provide reports to accompany the planning application from heritage consultants, planning consultants and arboriculturalists (trees) to ecologists and energy assessors. For more information on the other consultants that can be required for a planning application, please see our Journal page here.

At the end of this stage, once the design has been signed off, we prepare the Design & Access Statement and Planning application form to submit the planning application. The Planning process is set out within our Journal page here for more detailed information.

After Planning approval has been received, we can then begin the Detailed Design stage. This stage adds further layers of information onto the drawing set to create a construction set of drawings which the builder can price and build from. We also work with external consultants such as a structural engineer and energy assessor and co-ordinate their information with our drawing set.

Within this stage, the construction specification is added to the drawings for all elements of the build from brickwork to insulation to staircases. We will talk you through any decisions that need to be made such as extents of underfloor heating or electrical provisions across the property. 

At the end of this stage the drawing set will be submitted to the Local Authority Building Control (or a Private Approved Inspector) for Full Plans Approval. This can take around 6 weeks for the review of the drawings and the approval to be received. 

The drawings you will receive at this point can now be sent to builders for pricing, and are suitably detailed to be used to construct the scheme.

We also offer an additional service to assist with the specification of interior finishes, fixtures and fittings. Through this service we specify floor finishes, staircases, sanitaryware, tiling and more, providing quotes for these elements as part of this package. Fineline receive trade discounts on most items and we pass these on direct to our clients, which can provide substantial savings.

At Fineline we offer several different options for projects moving onto site, as each project and client have different requirements. Some clients may prefer to take a lead at this point, liaising with builders directly to source quotes and move forwards, whilst other clients may prefer some additional assistance.

As we progress through the detailed design stage we can discuss how we can best assist you on the project for your requirements, whether tendering the project on your behalf or simply assessing your preferred tender return for any comments.

As the works move into the build stage we can also offer either an ad-hoc approach where we are at the end of the phone/emails as and when input is required or alternatively, a more consistent approach with visits to site on a fortnightly basis reviewing the works as they proceed.

We are here to help our clients and can tailor our services accordingly depending on their requirements to help them through the project.

Throughout the course of the project we have multiple checks in place to review and assess the costs. We work with a quantity surveyor prior to submitting the planning application for early stage cost advice, with this discussion then continued with builders about ballpark costs before formally going to tender. 

We appreciate it’s a complicated process, and we talk you through each stage as part of our free initial consultation.

Click through to our process page for more information on each stage.

We research the local context and relevant planning policy before we start designing to ensure we can present the best possible scheme to planning. We have a network of trusted consultants to bring onto the project team as and when they are required to submit the relevant supporting reports alongside the design proposals.

Talk to us! We have seen the ins and outs of so many projects, dealing with unknowns from unexpected wells to pandemics. Our experience means we are a safe pair of hands. 

Maintaining the two factors of the brief and the budget are key to keeping the project momentum, and we advise if any decisions being made will cause these to change. We are constantly looking ahead throughout the project, advising on timeframes, report lead-in times and showroom visits so that you can make the required decisions with plenty of time to consider all your options. 

We have a network of brilliant local builders who we have experience working with. It is really important to visit recently completed projects of your preferred builder and talk to their previous clients about their experience of working with them before proceeding.

We will advise as and when other consultants are needed on the project. We have a network of suppliers and consultants who we work well with and have good results working together. Their expertise in their respective fields have helped achieve success on our projects.

We know when decisions need to be made, and how to plan to avoid last-minute decisions or changes which can compromise the end product, allowing you to enjoy the process. 

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