We offer services throughout the lifetime of a project, all the way from the initial concept, through to completion on site. At Fieldstone Architecture we recognise that every project is different. Below is a non-exhaustive sample of the different types of clients we work with, have a look at how we will be able to help you.

How Can We Help?

Project Stages

  • This is a free service where we meet you at the property to discuss your requirements and aspirations, as well as giving our opinion and design advice. At this point we can discuss whether your project will require planning permission. We will then tailor our services to your project and provide you with a comprehensive fee estimate and our timescales.

  • Together we craft a project brief that sets out room-by-room requirements, sustainability targets, preferred materials, and lifestyle priorities such as home-working or multigenerational living. Measured surveys and site analysis establish the practical constraints before design work begins.

  • We develop initial concepts, massing, and elevations that balance the brief, views, and privacy, while signalling how the home will look and feel. Early consultations with the local planning authority, plus refreshed cost advice, can ensure the concept is both inspiring and realistically deliverable.

  • We develop the chosen concept into detailed proposals suitable for planning application submission, handling all aspects of the planning process. We will liaise with any other external consultants at this stage to obtain any necessary specialist reports.

  • Detailed technical drawings and specifications are produced, ensuring compliance with Building Regulations and providing clarity for tendering and construction. We can also manage a formal tender process on your behalf, sending out your project for contractors to price.

  • After you have appointed a contractor, construction starts on site, while we act as Contract Administrator - issuing instructions, valuing work completed, agreeing variations, and certifying payments to protect quality, cost, and programme. Clear communication keeps you informed on progress and snag lists until the project is finished.

  • Upon completion of works on site, we will issue the practical completion certificate. We will then lead the final inspections, issue a full snag list and liaise with you and the contractor throughout the predetermined defects liability period to ensure all defects are resolved. Upon conclusion of the defects period and resolution of all defects, the final sign off will happen.

  • Following completion, we offer continued support, ensuring your building meets your expectations and functions efficiently for years to come.

Our work stages correspond to the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Work Stages outlined in the RIBA Plan of Work 2020, the industry recognised standard for the design and construction process. This breaks down a project into easy to understand stages. More information on the work stages can be found here.

 FAQs

  • Yes. A member of our team meets you on site to discuss your goals, budget, and likely permissions, then issues a tailored fee proposal and programme so you know exactly what happens next.

  • Many extensions fall under permitted-development rules, but anything outside those limits – or affecting a Listed Building or Conservation Area – will need permission. We review this at the first visit and, if required, prepare and submit the full application on your behalf.

  • Most UK planning applications are determined within 8 weeks (12 weeks for major applications). If the authority cannot decide in that time it should seek your written agreement for an extension of time. We find that most applications are determined in 8-12 weeks.

  • Planning deals with whether you may build; Building Control checks how you build – ensuring the work meets structural-safety, fire, energy-efficiency and accessibility standards. Virtually every project that changes structure or services needs Building Control sign-off, even if it is permitted-development.

  • From Stage 4 onwards we produce fully detailed drawings and a written specification so contractors have the information they need to price accurately. We can also run a formal tender, seek a Quantity-Surveyor cost check, and administer a building contract that fixes the price except for agreed changes.

  • We will review the reasons, advise on revisions and, where appropriate, resubmit or lodge an appeal for non-determination or refusal. You also have the right to appeal if the authority fails to decide within eight weeks.

  • Absolutely. Listed-building consents follow the same structured process – and the statutory eight-week target – but require sensitive design and thorough heritage statements, which our team prepares in-house.

  • It varies! We treat design as a dialogue. We hold regular review meetings (at our studio or on site) and only progress to the next stage once you have signed-off the designs. Your feedback shapes each iteration so the final scheme reflects your lifestyle, aesthetic and budget priorities.

  • Yes. We maintain a vetted list of local contractors, issue tender packs, analyse returns and, if appointed for Stage 5 and 6, act as Contract Administrator – inspecting works, certifying payments and ensuring the project is delivered to the agreed drawings, specification and quality standards.