FAQ’s
Take a look through our carefully crafted FAQs and see if they can
hold the answer you are looking for.
Why do I need an Architect?
Architects apply impartial and creative thinking to projects. Our structured training sees a minimum of 7 years of education before qualification with structured continued professional development. We strike the balance of quality, cost and time which ultimately produces a better end product.
At what point should I involve an Architect
At the startof your project you should start looking for an Architect. Fingerprintstudios Architects provide important pre-design services including site evaluation, and can help you explore the options you may not have considered. Involving us at the early stages can help avoid costly mistakes, and increase the likelihood of your satisfaction and success of the project.
How are your architecture fees calculated?
Fairly and honestly. Our fees are calculated based on your brief, the opportunities and constraints of the site and project, the complexity of the solution. Our fees will either be a fixed fee, and hourly rate or a percentages of the project value. Sometimes depending on the project this can be a mixture of the above. In all our fees are always prepared with providing the best possible service and solution for your project.
Do Architects add substantial cost to a project?
From a clients perspective it can be tempting to mitigate the costs of an Architect. While it’s true there are cheaper options outside of qualified Architects, an Architect can provide skill and expertise in saving you money through clever design solutions and alternative specification.
An architect’s design can reduce energy and maintenance costs, and provide an efficient layout so that you don’t overbuild what you really need. They can turn a difficult lot into a successful building site. And they spend time planning and fully developing your ideas to avoid changes once construction is underway.
We are appointed by you to find the best possible solution and balance of money, cost and time. Compared to trusting others Architects are bound by a code of conduct and as such will provide you with the best possible product.
If we find someone cheaper will you price match?
Do you manage planning applications?
We work on simple house extensions, multiple residential units to complex sky diving tunnels. We can undertake all elements of the planning applications but sometimes depending on the project we may utilise the experience and knowledge of a planning consultant.
Do you know any decent builders? Can you recommend them to us?
Do you work on swimming pools.
How long will it take to receive a decision on our planning application once we have submitted?
Depending on the size of the Local Authority handling the application timescales may improve or be effected. Typically 2-4 Weeks for the application to be registered and assigned to a planning officer and 8 weeks for determination. Sometimes an additional 1-2 weeks is requested from the Local Authority to finalise the paperwork.
What are building regulation drawings?
Will you submit the Building Regulations application for us?
Yes, once we have our drawings, schedules and specifications prepared we will then submit for review. We will liaise with the Building Regulations officer and confirm any queries they may have with our proposed solution. Once authorised we will send you the plan check certificate.
Why choose/use an Architect, instead of working with an Architectural Designer?
What experience do we have working in the area?
Do you charge for an initial consultation?
Our initial phone call consultation is completely free. This is typically 30mins long.
If you would like to meet in person to discuss your project an onsite visit for 1 hr which is charged at £85. During this time we can explore your project, discuss the planning and project constraints and discuss some ideas and potential solutions.
What happens during the free telephone initial consultation call?
The initial consultation is a time for us to discuss your requirements and to see if you feel we are the right company for your project.
At this time we will discuss your brief, ideas and concepts and through our expertise and experience we can provide some impartial advice. During the meeting you will be given the opportunity to ask any questions, or ask for clarification of anything that has been discussed.
What happens during the 1Hr long paid consultation?
The initial consultation is a time for us to discuss your requirements and to see if you feel we are the right company for your project.
At this time we will discuss your brief, ideas and concepts and through our expertise and experience we can provide some impartial advice. During the meeting you will be given the opportunity to ask any questions, or ask for clarification of anything that has been discussed.
Why should we choose you?
We are passionate about what we do, we’re local first, and we have plenty of customers who can back us up. We have decades of experience and we’re genuinely passionate about what we do. If you’re still not sure, give us a call and tell us what you’re looking for and we will be more than happy to advise.
Are you value for money?
Do you manage building control applications?
Do you undertake work to listed buildings?
How soon can we start work on our project?
We aim to be able to start the work within 2-4 weeks from receipt of the initial deposit. During our mobilisation period we prepare to provide the sufficient amount of resources ready to start your project.
What are the Building Regulations?
Building Regulations are a set of standards and rules that have been produced by the Government to ensure safety, health, and energy efficiency of buildings. They apply to all aspects of architecture, including construction, alteration, and the extension of buildings.
