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New Build & Self Build

A house designed around one site and one family

Private houses, self-build projects and residential development — from site appraisal through planning to completion.

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A new build is the one project where nothing is inherited. That freedom is the opportunity and the difficulty: every decision is open, so the brief and the site analysis have to do the work that an existing building would otherwise do.

We record opportunities and constraints onto a site analysis drawing — access, overlooking, noise, sun paths, levels, views, security, local planning policy and historic maps. That research is what produces a design that makes the most of the site and stands the best chance at planning.

Our residential work runs from individual private houses to apartment buildings and development schemes in London.

How a new build runs

1

Stage 1 — Preparation and Brief

Stage 1 is where we begin to understand your project. We are really interested in your project objectives and if you have a project budget. We often need to have a look at your property and assess the location and context before providing any advice. It’s important at this stage that we can clearly define your Project Brief, including spatial requirements.

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Stage 2 — Concept Design

Stage 2 is where the design of your project really comes to life. Initially, we observe and record project opportunities and constraints onto a Site Analysis drawing. This can include details of; site access, restrictions from neighbouring properties, overlooking, noise, sun-paths, levels, views, security, local planning policies and historic maps etc. This research can make all the difference resulting in a design that makes the most of the site for your needs, and that is favourable in obtaining planning permission. We also record and update your project brief and any project strategies for approval.

3

Stage 3 — Spatial Coordination

Stage 3 is where the final concept design is formalised for planning approval or permitted development. The design evolves to include selected specifications and coordination with other consultants is carried out as required. A check review of Building Regulations at this stage ensures the design is compliant and ready to move forwards without significant changes. It’s important to develop and integrate the key features of a project at this stage, including strategies for sustainable design.

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Stage 4 — Technical Design

Stage 4 is when all the technical design for your project is prepared. This includes detailed drawings and specifications for a contractor to price. As lead designer we often recommend any relevant additional Consultant Contacts required at this stage and often help with obtaining quotes for their involvement. If they have not already been appointed, this can include Structural Engineers, M&E Engineers, Interior Designers and Landscape Architects etc. but is dependent on the project. When all required consultants are confirmed, we arrange Design Team Meetings to discuss and develop the Technical Design.

5

Stage 5 — Manufacturing and Construction

Stage 5 is the manufacturing and construction stage of your project. Your preferred Contractor leads this stage to deliver your project on-site and your consultants provide support and guidance along the way.

6

Stage 6 — Handover

Stage 6 is the Handover for your project. At this stage we can help with the creation of a Building Manual, including the preparation of As-Built Drawings. We like to have a de-brief with the Project Team at this stage to discuss Project Performance and any learnings to take forward.

Each stage in more detail

New build projects

Luxury Bespoke Villa, Norfolk
Residential

Luxury Bespoke Villa, Norfolk

Design concept for a luxury bespoke mansion in Norfolk. High-end private residential architecture at the top of the market.
Private Home New Build, Doncaster
Residential

Private Home New Build, Doncaster

Completed new build private home in Doncaster. Demonstrates nationwide UK footprint.
Contemporary Town Houses, Ipswich
Residential

Contemporary Town Houses, Ipswich

Design concept for a contemporary town house development in Ipswich. Modern urban residential.
Contemporary Apartments Block, London
Residential

Contemporary Apartments Block, London

A contemporary multi‑storey apartment complex featuring clean geometric lines, glass balconies, and warm timber accents. The design integrates greenery throughout each…
New Residential Development, London
Residential

New Residential Development, London

New residential development presents a refined, contemporary interpretation of urban living through its clean geometry and balanced proportions. The building’s façade is…
HRH Contemporary Palace, UK
Civic & Commercial

HRH Contemporary Palace, UK

Design concept for a contemporary royal palace in the UK. Most prestigious commission demonstrates capability at the very highest level of residential and ceremonial…
★★★★★
Danny is innovative and professional, creating a clever design to fit with our ideas and budget.
Nathan Hunt Client
★★★★★
Amazing professional service, designed exactly what we were looking for.
Jessica Stoner
★★★★★
Fantastic design and first class project management from Danny and the team.
Ian Phillips
★★★★★
Danny is a joy to work with! Very creative and professional, and always available on the end of a phone. The plans he did for us were way beyond our expectations and flew through pre-planning with the notoriously tricky Broads Authority. The design is exceptional - well within the brief, yet far…
Bridget Lawless

New Build & Self Build — Frequently Asked Questions

I have a plot — can I build on it?

That is what a feasibility study answers. It tests the capacity of the site and how realistic your objectives are before you spend money on a full design.

Do you work with self-builders?

Yes. Self-build clients typically want more involvement and a clear picture of what happens when, which is what the staged process is for.

Can you help find a plot?

We can advise on whether a plot you are considering is likely to be developable, and what the planning history and local policy suggest, before you commit.

Talk to us about your project

Tell us about the site and what you are hoping to do. The first consultation is free, and we will tell you honestly what we think is achievable before you commit to anything.

What's included with New Build & Self Build

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Feasibility study and site appraisal

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Measured building and topographical surveys, procured where needed

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Existing and proposed drawings in 3D CAD

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Pre-application consultation with the local authority

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Full planning and listed building consent applications

✓

Building regulations drawings and specification

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Tender documentation and contractor selection

✓

Site support through construction to handover

Our Other Services

Architectural Design New builds, extensions, conversions and listed buildings — designed around the site and taken through planning by people who do it every week → House Extensions Single and two-storey rear extensions, side returns, porches and wrap-arounds across Norfolk and Suffolk — designed to get consented → Loft Conversions Dormer, hip-to-gable and rooflight conversions — designed around head height, stair position and the structure you actually have → Barn & Agricultural Conversions Traditional barns, agricultural buildings and farm diversification — including conversions to holiday letting → Listed & Period Buildings Listed building consent, conservation areas and sensitive extensions to period property across Norfolk and Suffolk → Interior Design Residential, commercial, hospitality and leisure interiors — delivered across the UK, Lebanon and the UAE from our Norwich and Beirut studios → Hotel Interiors Guest rooms, reception lounges and public areas for hotel groups in the UK and the UAE → Restaurant & Bar Design Restaurants, bars and food and beverage spaces — designed around the operation as much as the look → Workplace Interiors Offices, reception spaces and workplace fit-out — planned around how the organisation actually works → Leisure & Fitness Design Fitness clubs, spas, golf and outdoor entertainment facilities → Hospitality & Leisure Design Hotels, restaurants, resorts and leisure facilities — architecture and interiors, in the UK and internationally → Workplace & Commercial Offices, reception spaces, commercial renovation and mixed-use schemes → Community & Civic Buildings Village halls, community centres and cultural buildings — designed for committees, funders and long service lives → Swimming & Reflection Pool Design Infinity pools, reflection pools and the shelters and entertainment structures that make them usable in a British climate → Planning Applications Householder, full and listed building applications — prepared, submitted and argued through to decision → Feasibility Studies A study that tests the capacity of a site and how realistic your objectives are, before a full design is commissioned → Our Fees How we price our work, what drives the figure, and the costs that sit outside the design fee → Project Management Tender, contractor selection and site support through construction to handover → Free Initial Consultation A complimentary first session to explore your ideas and understand the scope, design direction and feasibility of your project →
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