An important fundamental of any construction project is an accurate site survey which then forms the framework for any future design. The first advice given by Orpwood Associates on any architectural project concerns the procurement of a site plan or existing floor plans. If the site or building is of a simple nature then we will produce the survey and drawings in house using traditional methods. However, if the site is large, irregularly shaped and the ground undulating or the building particularly large and complicated, then a brief will be prepared by us and quotations obtained from appropriate geomatic surveyors.

Following agreement of the client's brief, initial enquiries are made with the local planning authority and, if required, an initial budget cost is formulated. Initial scheme drawings are then prepared to test the feasibility of the design in terms of the constraints of the site, planning issues and the client brief. Once the optimal scheme has been achieved, a Planning Application is submitted together with an application for listed building consent, where appropriate. The drawings are then further developed to incorporate all necessary constructional details and information provided by other professionals, such as the structural engineer or building services engineer, in order to create the 'working drawings' . These are then submitted (together with any necessary calculations or other information) for Building Regulation Approval to the local authority or Approved Inspector. The approved working drawings are then used as part of the contract documentation to obtain tenders for the work and for the contractor's use during the construction period.

All drawings are produced by 'Autocad' computer-aided drafting software and can be provided in electronic format or in traditional paper prints.

Orpwood Associates have extensive experience in the design of many types of building including residential, commercial, industrial, and educational, covering a variety of building operations including extensions and alterations, refurbishments, changes of use and new buildings.

For larger projects, we integrate the services of other constructional professionals, such as structural engineers, building services engineers, acoustics and audio visual consultants. We are also able to adapt our service to collaborate with the client's own architect or interior designer.