Process

Every project we take on—big or small—is a step toward meaningful change, uncovering new opportunities and inspiring others to do the same.

How We Work

As architects, we blend action-led research, urban design strategy, and placemaking to create thoughtful, impactful spaces. Our collaborative approach combines fresh thinking with a deep understanding of how to improve the physical fabric of buildings.

Accessible Services

We believe architectural and urbanism services can only improve more peoples lives if more people and organisations can access them.

Our aim is to be completely transparent about what we can do for our clients, and work with them to

Different clients require different levels of design, collaboration, visualisation and project management input. We have designed different service packages; these are explained here.

When you approach us, we will meet you and discuss the appropriate level of service for you, we will list out a range of services we can provide and it is up to you as to which you require.

Levels of service:

  • Who is this for?

    Community groups seeking funding / initial idea development / CLTs wanting a rapid site assessment / Initial Energy + Retrofit Assessments

    What do we focus on?

    We will have one meeting and produce one visualised idea / sketch / or summary of recommendations to help you make the next moves.

    Why do we offer this?

    The standard way of working is to manage risk up front through obtaining comprehensive (and often costly) surveys prior to considering what could happen. This service opens up more opportunites for organisations to seek funding, understand what can be done, and move towards realistic actions.

    How much does this cost?
    We offer this activist stage work at a fixed £750 regardless of the size of the project. This represents a day a a half of our time, and we will work with you to agree what is covered in this time.

  • Who is this for?

    Self builders / volunteer builds / phased community retrofit projects / initial idea development / experienced clients / very simple projects / initial stages of a design & build contract

    What do we focus on?

    Our basic level of service provides the strategic and creative ideas that are valuable to a project at the early stages.

    For architectural projects we focus on the design work necessary to submit a planning application, and the technical information to submit an application for Building Regs.

    The detailing and all onsite responsibilities will be shared between the Client and Contractor.

  • Who is this for?

    Community organisations / home owners / commercial clients / projects going all the way through to completion

    What do we focus on?

    Our standard service is planned with us following the project all the way through to completion. We will spend more time in the early stages of the design process to explore options. We also begin specifying the materials used for construction early on so as to define the quality of the finished building.

    We will produce a comprehensive set of construction information for Contractors to price and follow on site. This ensures a competitive tender process and a smooth, cost-controlled build. We oversee and administer the building contract to minimise clients' stress, certify payments carefully, and ensure the best quality results.

  • Who is this for?

    Clients with environmental performance targets / Passivhaus projects / Energy performance retrofits / Bespoke Natural Builds

    What do we focus on?

    This option is for clients who want our input in improving the environmental performance of their building, and designing suitable details to a high degree. It allows for more complex 3D modelling to calculate energy performance, and calculate cost payback periods to give clear advice on energy improvements.

    This service may include engaging with specialist fabricators, crafts people and artists to help create a truly unique building that feels totally refined, crafted and personal.

How much do we charge?

Unlike most architects, we do not base our costs on anticipated construction cost. For us, this does not reflect the particular requirements of the projects we work on.

We calculate our fees based on expected time on the project using past experience as a reference. As a nonprofit cooperative, our hourly rates are fair and the process of estimating time spent helps us better understand our clients, the level of service they need, their budget, and the complexity, and scale of their projects.