Architectural Services

Simon Hands & Associates specialise in providing residential and commercial architectural services.
 As Architects we offer a range of services for commercial and residential projects including:
 Single and two storey rear extensions, loft conversions, internal alterations, basement formations, 
Conversions to flats, New Build developments and dimensional surveys.

We apply on clients behalf for local authority Planning Permission and Building Regulations Approval.

 We can take a project from inception, through the relevant statutory permissions (planning and building regulations) 
on through working drawings, specification, contract administration, site inspections and certification.

For some examples see our Architectural Projects page.

Consultation and Instruction

Please telephone us for an initial, free telephone consultation during which we will endeavour to establish your requirements and the basic viability of the scheme.

Assuming the scheme is viable we will then be pleased to provide you with a written quotation for our fees. The extent of our services can be solely an initial design or can extend to planning applications, building regulation applications and project co-ordination. 

For this consultation please dial 020 8575 5959 and press 2.  

Site Visit & Dimensional Survey

Once instructed the first stage of most projects is to undertake a site visit and dimensional survey and establish our clients requirements in the form of a brief. These are normally undertaken within a week of instruction. 

Having completed the survey, the next stage is to produce existing and proposed drawings, either ready for planning submission or else if the client requires as sketch designs.

Examples of the common schemes both residential and commercial can be seen below. 

Residential Schemes

Loft Conversions

If you're looking to convert your loft into more living or bedroom space we can guide you through the process, produce quality drawings and apply to obtain council permissions.

Single & Two Storey Extensions

If you're looking to extend your home either as a single storey or two storey to create more living or bedroom space we can guide you through the process, produce quality drawings and apply to obtain council permissions.

New Build Developments

New build housing comes with slightly different requirements, normally more stringent planning controls and the necessity for a building warranty. We can assist you in these items.

Conversions to HMOs or Flats

These works normally require both planning and building regulations approval. We can assist you in producing acceptable schemes and guiding them through these processes.

Commercial Schemes

Recycling Centres

Due to the nature of the industry and its tendering process these centres need to be constructed and operating on an extremely tight timetable.


The planning process which in this case has a three month determination period causes a major issue with the timetable to such an extent that most times construction has to start before planning is granted.


To minimise this risk we foster professional relationships with the planning departments from inception of the process.

Clubhouses

We have produced schemes for snooker and tennis clubs. Private member clubs often have unique management and decision making structures.


Schemes we have produced include:

An additional floor on a snooker club.

New Clubhouse at a local tennis club.

Factory and Self-Storage Units

Factory unit schemes often have their own individual challenges from planning compliance issues, constructional and/or phasing problems.


We pride ourselves working with clients to solve these issues and bring about a successful outcome.

Local Authority Applications

Planning

Normally, the first permission required for any development is Planning Permission. This is governed by the local authority and takes into consideration the design and use of the building, the effect of the building on the neighbourhood including daylight, sunlight, noise pollution, vehicle and pedestrian traffic generation.

Building Regulations

The building regulations are concerned with the detailed construction and safety of the building. The works can be governed by local authority building control officers or private inspectors. Areas of concern include structure, fire safety, health and safety, drainage and waste disposal, sound proofing and electrical safety.

Project Co-ordination

Occasionally clients require assistance for the entire project from its inception to completion. We have provided this service for both private and commercial clients, with projects including new houses, refurbishment of houses, conversions to flats, new build and conversions of buildings into recycling centres.


Call Simon Hands & Associates today on:
020 8575 5959

Or contact us with the form below: