Process

Even if your project is straightforward, it’s wise to consult an architect for advice before you start. We can provide invaluable early-stage guidance. This can help you maximise the potential of your project, regardless of its size or whether you’ll need their services later on.

We offer one-off consultations that can be incredibly beneficial. They can provide insights on everything from design and cost to planning and construction, giving you valuable knowledge to help bring your project to life. Plus, if your project requires planning permission, an architect’s expertise will likely be needed.

So, don’t hesitate to reach out. We can be a great asset in making your project a success!

GET IN TOUCH

The title ‘architect’ is protected by law (Architects Act 1997), ensuring that only those who have undergone rigorous training and are fully qualified can use it. Some companies using terms like ‘architectural designers’ indicates they are not eligible to call themselves architects. That is not to say that their skills and services may not be suitable for your project but they have not completed the relevant training to be awarded the title.

All architects must be registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB), and many also join the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). If someone lacks these credentials, they may be operating unregulated.

You can easily check if someone is a RIBA member using our directory: RIBA Member Directory.

So, make sure to verify credentials to ensure you’re working with a qualified professional who can truly bring your vision to life!

GET IN TOUCH

Wincer Kievenaar Architects are committed to customer service and are proud to state that we are a RIBA Chartered Practice.

An architectural practice must meet strict eligibility criteria in order to register as an RIBA Chartered Practice. This criteria includes:

• Employ a required number of individual RIBA Chartered Architects
• Have appropriate Professional Indemnity Insurance
• Maintain an effective Quality Management system
• Implement comprehensive Health and Safety and Environmental policies
• Conduct themselves in accordance with a Code of Practice appropriate to their status. View the full Code of Practice.

These practices are dedicated to excellence in design and customer service, which is why RIBA exclusively promotes accredited Chartered Practices to clients.

A CIAT Chartered Practice is a firm officially registered with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT). These practices:

• Employ Chartered Architectural Technologists (MCIATs) as principals.
• Adhere to the CIAT Code of Conduct, ensuring ethical and professional standards.
• Demonstrate a commitment to high-quality service, integrity, and industry excellence.
• Promote the discipline of Architectural Technology and uphold the reputation of the profession.

In essence, being a CIAT Chartered Practice signifies professionalism, competence, and a dedication to maintaining high standards in architectural technology.

Architects’ fees vary to suit a client’s requirements and the complexity of the project.

At Wincer Kievenaar we are always happy to discuss your needs in order to tailor our service and fee proposal to your project.

A fee proposal structure can be based upon on a percentage of a total project cost, as a fixed price lump sum or on a time charge basis. In all scenarios the fee will based on estimated time in order to deliver a high quality service.

Whether your project is for a home extension or a new office, we are always happy to discuss and understand how we can help.

GET IN TOUCH

Wincer Kievenaar are happy to help and guide you on the planning process and whether your project needs approval.

Some criteria that may affect this:

– Is your property Listed or Curtilage Listed?

– Is your property in Conservation Area?

– Does your property still benefit from Permitted Development Rights?

Please speak to us or you can find out more and visit the Government’s Planning Portal website: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/

GET IN TOUCH

Most construction projects, whether domestic or commercial, follow a similar process. It all begins with the initial briefing, followed by design development, and preparing documentation for planning. Next, technical drawings are produced for building regulations and construction purposes. After that, the project moves to tendering, and finally, construction and handover.

We outline our process and the relevant work stages on our “Process” page. The RIBA Plan of Work 2013 details these stages and is widely recognised as the industry standard. You can learn more about it at www.ribaplanofwork.com.

Following this structured approach ensures a smooth and successful project from start to finish.

The duration of each stage in the architectural process can vary significantly based on the project’s complexity, team efficiency and external factors.

GET IN TOUCH

At Wincer Kievenaar Architects we seek to embed sustainability in our process and our designs from the outset. Sustainability is not always visible and we set out more about our approach on our Sustainability Page.

As a practice we also provide complimentary services including:

– Passivhaus Design

– Thermal Modelling

– SAP Assessments

GET IN TOUCH

The duration of each architectural stage can vary significantly depending on the project’s size, complexity, client expectations and planning process. For example:

• Smaller projects (e.g., home renovations) may take 4–8 months from design to completion.
• Larger and bespoke home projects (e.g. new builds) can span 12-24 months or more, especially if planning and technical approvals are complex.

Below is a more detailed breakdown aligned with the RIBA Plan of Work stages:

RIBA Stage 0-1

Strategic Definition / Preparation & Brief

• Duration: 2–4 weeks
• Activities: Initial consultations, defining project objectives, scope, budget and understanding the client’s vision.

RIBA Stage 2

Concept Design

• Duration: 1–2 months
• Activities: Developing early design ideas, exploring options and presenting initial sketches or models for client feedback.

RIBA Stage 3

Spatial Coordination / Developed Design:

• Duration: 1–3 months
• Activities: Refining the design, resolving client feedback, producing detailed plans and coordinating with consultants and planning application submission.
• RIBA Stage 4:

Planning Application:

• Duration: 8 weeks or more
• Activities: Submitting the planning application to the local authority, responding to queries and securing planning permission.

RIBA Stage 4:

Technical Design

• Duration: 6-8 weeks or longer. Varies to suit level of information required.
• Activities: Producing detailed technical drawings, specifications and models; ensuring compliance with building regulations.

Building Regulations Approval

• Duration: 4 Weeks
• Activities: Submitting detailed plans to Building Control, addressing feedback and obtaining formal approval.

Tendering

• Duration: 4–6 weeks for tender preparation; 4-5 weeks for contractor selection
• Activities: Preparing tender documents, inviting bids, evaluating proposals and appointing a contractor.

RIBA Stage 5:

Construction

• Duration: 6–12 months or more
• Activities: On-site construction, regular site inspections and ensuring the build aligns with design and technical specifications.

RIBA Stage 6:

Handover / Close Out

• Duration: Varies by project, say 2 weeks
• Activities: Final inspections, resolving defects, handing over documentation and formally transferring the building to the client.

Key Factors Influencing Timelines

• Project Size & Complexity: Larger or more intricate designs require more time.
• Client Decisions: Frequent changes slow decision making can impact programme.
• Site Constraints: This can be broad and so it is important to engage a suitable team of consultants as soon as possible. Examples include: Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, ecology habitat and protected species, Tree Protection Orders, challenging terrain or access issues.
• Regulatory Approvals: Delays in planning or building control can extend the schedule.
• Consultant Coordination: Effective collaboration with specialists is essential for smooth progress.

GET IN TOUCH

The key to all project changes and unforeseen issues is clear communication, structured processes and adaptability.

When a change is requested, it’s formally reviewed to assess its impact on the design, budget and timeline. We can then update the drawings and documentation accordingly.

Regular communication with the client and consultants ensures everyone stays informed and aligned. We can also plan for potential risks early in the project, allowing for flexible design solutions that can adapt.

An architect is not always appointed for the construction phase, but it is worth considered the value they add through experience. During construction, site visits help identify issues early. If problems arise – like unexpected site conditions or material delays – we can work with the contractor and supply chain to find practical solutions quickly.

All changes and decisions are documented to maintain transparency and accountability. This structured yet flexible approach helps keep the project on track while accommodating necessary adjustments.

As a practice, a member of the Management team will have oversight of every project.

For most projects, the main point of contact is typically the Director or Associate assigned to your job. This person is responsible for:

• Coordinating the design process
• Communicating with you (the client) regularly
• Managing consultants
• Addressing any questions or changes
• Ensuring the project stays on track

For particularly complex projects. you might also require a Project Manager and we can advise further on this. However, your lead architect will usually remain your go-to person from start to finish.

Yes, we predominantly work using 3D design software as part of the design process. We use a mixture of software and rendering tools to explore Concept Design and Developed Design stages. These visual tools help clients better understand the spatial qualities, materials and overall feel of the proposed design. The quality of the output is typically tailored to suit the design stage.

We also use our own 3D printer to create scales models of the project and its specific site context.

A few examples:

• 3D Massing Models: Simple block models to show scale and form.
• Detailed 3D Models: More refined models with textures, materials and lighting.
• Photorealistic Renderings: High-quality images that simulate how the finished space will look.
• Walkthroughs or Flythroughs: Animated videos or interactive models that allow clients to explore the design virtually.
• 3D Printed Model: Allows a tactile physical representation of a project to be viewed and interacted with. We find this a very useful tool for public engagement.

As a RIBA Chartered Practice, Wincer Kievenaar stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies through a combination of continuous learning, industry engagement, and practical application. This ongoing development is essential to delivering innovative, efficient, and future-ready designs.

One of the primary ways we stay current is through Continuing Professional Development (CPD). These structured learning opportunities such as workshops, webinars and certification courses help the team deepen their knowledge in areas like sustainable design, regulatory updates, product development and smart building technologies.

Attending industry events is another key strategy. Design expos, architecture exhibitions, legal and property seminars. All of which can offer exposure to new materials, construction methods, and design philosophies. These events also provide valuable networking opportunities with peers, consultants and product manufacturers.

Finally, collaboration plays a vital role. Working closely with engineers, contractors and clients provides real-world feedback that helps our practice refine our approach and stay responsive to evolving needs.

Yes, Wincer Kievenaar have a wealth of experience in working on heritage property projects. This includes works to listed buildings, extensions to listed buildings, new buildings in their setting and also development within conservation areas.

Each listed building is truly unique and its significance can be wide ranging. As a practice we work with expert heritage consultants to truly understand a building so that we can make informed decisions about the best course of action.

Some of our project examples can be found in our Heritage Section.