Tim Ellis Conservation Architect
Following an initial enquiry, Tim will meet the prospective Client to discuss the scope of works and make a preliminary assessment of the building. This process is free-of-charge to the Client and a fee proposal will be forthcoming.

Upon appointment, the first step is to undertake a measured site survey. Depending on the scope of works, the survey may include the entire building or only those parts of the building which will be affected by the proposals. The measured survey is an opportunity to understand a building, how it has been constructed, its evolution, its flaws and defects.

Having produced a set of plans, elevations and sections as existing, the design process may begin and draft proposals will be prepared for discussion with the Client. The evolution of the proposals is frequently a dialogue between Client and Architect - and, sometimes, other professional consultants such as a structural or services engineer - and the length of this process will, naturally, depend on the complexity of the building and what is being asked of it. Once the proposals are finalised an application for Planning Permission and/or Listed Building Consent can be submitted to the Local Authority. The applications will be accompanied by Design and Access Statements and Listed Building and Conservation Area Assessments which are prepared by Tim Ellis together with any further specialist reports such as bat surveys or arboricultural reports.

Following the receipt of statutory consents, the next stage in a project is usually to submit an application for Building Regulations approval; this being a technical description of the proposed works. The input of structural proposals from an engineer is often required and Tim will coordinate the input of other consultants.

Simultaneously with the Building Regulations application, or shortly after, working drawings are commenced - these primarily cover joinery details which will need to be submitted to the Local Authority for approval if Conditions have been attached to the Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent. The working drawings enable building contractors, and sub-contractors such as joiners, to price the work and ensure that, where appropriate, new works match historic details. Services layouts are also produced scheduling the quantities and positions of electrical fittings and wet services such as radiators and taps.

On completion of the drawing work the next stage, unless the Client is confident and capable of taking the project from here, is the preparation of a Schedule of Works which can include the specification of items not described by the drawings - this might include the selection of tiles, electrical fittings, kitchens and bathrooms and paint colours. Usually the Client will select and specify these items thus the Schedule of Works may only allow for the fitting of items which the Client is to supply.

Tim will obtain competitive tenders from local building contractors and will meet contractors on site to explain the project and answer questions.

Once a contractor has been appointed the architect's role becomes one of contract administration; checking valuations and issuing Certificates together with making site inspections, dealing with day-to-day queries and providing additional construction information when this is required. Lastly, defects liability inspections are carried out typically six months after building works are complete and sometimes twelve months later in the case of services to ensure that, in the case of heating installations, they have been tested in all seasons.