Mellor Architects’ work includes projects in the commercial, retail, healthcare, education, leisure and ecclesiastical sectors.
We also undertake architectural commissions for residential property developers and private clients including conversions, renovations, extensions along with single and multiple unit new builds varying in size and value.
RIBA Plan of Work
Mellor Architects is a RIBA Chartered Practice and follow the RIBA Plan of Work when undertaking projects. It is seen and widely accepted as the definitive model for the design and construction process of buildings.
The RIBA Plan of Work organises the briefing, designing, constructing and operating building projects into eight stages, with the core tasks and information exchanges required at each stage.
Strategic Development (RIBA Stage 0)
Projects which are of larger scope and complexity may involve the architect being engaged to assist with the development of a broad strategy for a site or a series of separate structures. This initial stage is focused on determining the best means of achieving a client’s requirements, even before the development of a brief for a specific building has commenced.
Full Service (RIBA Stages 1-7)
This is what most people would consider to be the ‘traditional’ architect’s appointment, where the architect works with the client from the very first meeting to discuss the project and the relationship continues through subsequent stages to hand-over and occupation of the completed building.
Whilst many clients are most comfortable with Mellor Architects providing this complete, full service solution for their project, we are also able to provide services which may involve selected stages in the RIBA Plan of Work:
Feasibility studies
Where a client is considering alteration of a building or the purchase of a building or site it is often useful to engage an architect to explore different options and test the viability of each.
Mellor Architects able to help you to see which options show the potential for development and are worth further consideration.
Drawing on our expertise in this field, we work with other professionals to consider all the planning, practical and aesthetic constraints on the site, offering you a range of the viable options to build into your business plan.
Planning applications
Mellor Architects is able to develop the agreed scheme in drawn and written form to submit the proposal for planning approval, and where appropriate for listed building consent.
Often a planning application for a larger or commercial project will require a number of supporting reports and assessments and we can procure and coordinate these on your behalf.
Of course, not all schemes will require planning approval and in some instances a similar process can be used to acquire a Certificate of Lawful Development which may be a useful legal document in later years when a building changes hands.
Building Regulation submissions
The majority of projects in this country will require approval under the Building Regulations, and we are able to bring together architectural, structural and building services drawings and specifications to submit these either to a local authority Building Control Department or to an independent Approved Inspector.
Condition surveys
Where a client owns, manages or is considering the purchase of an existing building it may be wise to undertake a survey to establish the condition of the building fabric.
Mellor Architects has extensive experience of performing such surveys, whether they are with the intention of making alterations, or as a regular regime for planned maintenance, as with church quinquennial inspections.
Where necessary we will also advise the client on the need for any further investigation of defects by specialists.
Principal Designer
The role of Principal Designer is one established in law by the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015.
It is a role which we can undertake on your behalf but is separate from the role of architect, and is the focus for guiding you as client through the responsibilities you and others have to make the site and construction work as safe as possible.
Further detail about the regulations and how they affect construction projects can be found on the website of the Health and Safety Executive.
3-D Visualisations
Our latest BIM (Building Information Modelling) computer software is capable of producing great three dimensional virtual models of your design, which can also be exported to a number of other programs to generate presentation quality stills and fly-through sequences.
Appointment Documents
The profession is regulated by law, and registered architects must abide by the rules of the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
Mellor Architects is an RIBA Chartered Practice, and therefore must also comply with RIBA’s Code of Conduct. Both bodies require that a written appointment is in place at commencement, clearly defining the scope of the appointment, the agreed remuneration and the terms of the appointment.
For most projects Mellor Architects will use one of the prepared RIBA appointment documents which have been drafted to be both clear and comprehensive, with due regard to consumer protection.
On some smaller projects, an abbreviated form of appointment may be more appropriate, and the options would be discussed with the client at the outset.
Fees
Architects’ fees can be agreed in a number of ways. The traditional method is for architect and client to agree a percentage fee based on the final agreed building cost, and this figure will vary, depending on the size and complexity of the project.
Usually the percentage will be lower on a larger scheme because some of the tasks will repeat. It will also depend on the type of project, with refurbishment and alteration schemes attracting a higher percentage, as the architect’s work is more labour-intensive.
Alternatively, if the scope of the scheme can be adequately defined the architect and client may agree a fixed sum. This gives the client greater certainty for planning the overall project costs, but would have to be re-negotiated should the scope of the appointment later change.
Where the extent of work cannot be defined (and for RIBA Stage 0 work) it is more appropriate to agree a time-charge fee, with a record kept of time spent by the different grades of staff working on the project, ranging from director level to junior assistant.