Services

This Page is “Under Construction”

Feasibility Studies:

Feasibility Studies report that outlines the feasibility to carry out architectural work (construction, renovation, extensions, etc.) on a certain project. It will assess the existing context, analyze the project potential and suggests a series of design solutions. The report will produce a set of conclusions outlining the different potential strategies and their budgetary implications.

Planning Submissions:

These submissions generally refer to the documents that are submitted by the Architect to fulfill the requirements of a Planning Application under the relevant Planning Acts 2000 & 2002. However it also includes submissions for additional information requests by the Planning Authority or Pre-planning consultations etc.

Planning Appeals:

Planning Appeals are carried out for either 1st or 3rd party persons to a particular planning application decision. An appeal can be carried out by the Architect, (on behalf of a client) against either a decision to grant or a decision to refuse Permission in a particular situation by the relevant Planning Authority.

Scheme Design:

This is usually included within full design services (see below). However many clients request work on the project which includes this service only as a previous outline proposal may have been completed earlier and the project may be sold on. It is all up to the particular circumstance and project in question.

Tender Reports:

Here the Architect is employed by a specific client to report on the tender of a specific contractor (usually the lowest tender received). This work is usually carried out a s part of a Full Design service. However there are many situations where

Full Design Services (Following RIAI guidelines):

This is where the Practice offers a full architectural service from project inception to completion. The breakdown of the stages and the work included in each stage depends on whether the project is a Commercial or Domestic Project.

Interior Design:

This generally takes place where the main construction work or building shell is complete and a fit-out is required. It can also be combined with a full design service above to extend the Architectural services to cover this aspect of a Building Design and execute the interior design in much greater detail.

3D computer models:

Advanced 3D modeling & photomontage involves the creation of a 3-dimensional virtual model of objects and architectural projects. From this model the following can be produced: interior & exterior views, virtual walk-through, sun studies, panoramas & 2 dimensional graphic representations. Photomontage is a realistic rendering (computer generated image of the model) integrated and perfectly blended into a photograph.

Site Potential Analysis:

Site potential analysis analyses the potential for development on any given site. It will study the site constraints (planning, topography, geology & other) and suggest certain patterns of development highlighting the types of uses, the levels of density and the provision of amenities. This stage involves the creation of a preliminary masterplan and a 3-dimensional visualisation.

Master Planning:

This is a further evolution of a site potential analysis. It will produce a comprehensive set of urban design objectives and strategies and provide a detailed site layout plan. This plan will identify the road infrastructure, landmarks, public open spaces, boundary treatments, plot divisions, building lines, the provision of public furniture, and the scale of buildings.

Land Registry Mapping:

Whenever a land holding or structure is sold or sub-divided adjustments may need to be made to the land registry maps and these changes can be made by an Architect. Here this work may be combined with a land or Building survey to verify exactly the conditions on the ground.

Condition Surveys:

A general condition survey is generally an assessment of an existing structure before detailed design work is carried out or before a structure is demolished, or just to access what can be done with a particular structure. It is generally drafted as a matter of fact. It may not contain any recommendations.

A Dilapidation / Structural survey are different. They are a detailed analysis is taken of a building or structure, which is being modified or is beside a site where construction will take place. It is a legal record where disputes regarding damage to existing structures are concerned either during or after construction has being completed. We can coordinate with a suitably qualified Structural Engineer if this what you require.

Mortgage Valuations:

Mortgage valuations are usually carried out by the Architect during the construction phase as various stages of the work to allow the relevant client in question to draw down stage payments from their mortgage loan. It is best that the valuations are carried out in conjunction with a building contract and it is usually carried out as part of the full Architectural Services provided by an Architect. If carried out separately the Architect can generally only comment specifically on the value of the work carried out at that particular date.

Local Area Plans & Urban Framework Plans:

Local Area Plans & Urban Framework Plans are conceived as a document to be the catalyst for cooperative action in a certain town between the County Council and the local population/stakeholders. Typically there are three stages in such a project: 1) the analysis (with extensive public consultation) of the town’s morphology, topography, infrastructure & policy context, 2) a set of objectives (conservation, regeneration & development) and 3) a series of local actions & projects. This report aspires to produce a dynamic framework for development and growth.

Fire Safety Certificate Applications:

A Fire Safety Certificate Application is carried out to

• Obtain a valid Fire Safety Certificate for a particular building and
• To calculate the most efficient way to comply with the relevant Building Reg at that time (specifically part B).

Opinions on Compliance for: Planning and Building Regulations:

These documents are prepared by the Architect when a construction project is complete to provide evidence for use by the client that the works are in compliance with the various statuary instruments applicable at that time. If the Architect was not employed for the construction/on site operations of the project, it may be more difficult to prepare. In this case a more limited document will be produced. In the case of an existing building the situation is more complicated by the fact that different regulations were in vogue at the time of buildings initial construction. A building may be exempt from regulation if it was build before a particular date. Here an exemption certificate is issued. This may also be issued for minor works, which are also exempt from the various statuary instruments.

Project Management:

Here the Architect is employed directly to specifically manage a project, rather than the usual situation where project management is specifically the role carried out by the main contractor. Clients may choose this option where many contractors are involved or where an extremely tight focus on budget control is required. Again the Architect may carry out this work in conjunction with other specific consultants.

Health & Safety Plans:

These are prepared by the Project Supervisor Design Stage in preliminary form, and by the Project Supervisor Construction Stage in full form. This is now a requirement for most construction projects above a certain threshold size. The Architect is often employed to prepare these plans.

As Built Drawings:

These are produced for existing buildings whether new or not; for various uses but most importantly for inclusion in Health & Safety Plans.