Below follows a list of Architectural Services that Carden King can provide. This is not complete or exhaustive - it lists only those services most commonly required in the execution of a typical project.

1. Initial visit. At the initial visit we will discuss your architectural needs and requirements and possibly visit the 'site' where these needs/requirements are to be provided. Once we have gathered sufficient information to ascertain your general requirements, we will be able to determine what architectural and other services we believe will be needed to fulfil those requirements. We will then assemble a 'Services and Fees Proposal' for the project and send this to you for your approval.
   Should extended journeying be required to undertake an initial visit we would make a charge to cover our time and travelling expenses which we would be asked to be settled in advance.
2. We can provide assistance to help you identify your needs and requirements.
3. We can advise on the need for and scope of services of specialist consultants where these may be required to assist us in fulfilling your requirements.
4. We can obtain quotations on your behalf for a measured survey of the site for you, be it a building or a piece of land. The measured survey provides an accurate basis for all of the drawing work to be undertaken subsequently. Click here to download examples of site surveys (file size is 2mb). Note: you may need to change the page view or layout view in order to read the notes to the drawings.
5. We can prepare a site appraisal and evaluation in respect of your requirements. This would identify the main strategic options that could be deployed to meet your requirements. We would review these options with you with a view to finding the development option that best suits you and your brief.
6. We can carry out a Feasibility Study to determine whether your requirements can be met, before embarking on more detailed work. This can involve outline sketching, and possibly a meeting of interested parties such as you, a Planning Officer, and us on site.
7. We can analyse your requirements in relation to the site, and prepare outline Sketch Proposals of possible development options. We would model the Sketch Proposals in 3D to assist you to fully understand them. Click here to download examples of a Sketch Proposals (file size is 1.5mb). Note: you may need to change the page view or layout view in order to read the notes to the drawings.
8. We can at this stage prepare an outline cost estimate and a programme for your project.
9. We can meet with you, present and discuss the Sketch Proposals, and determine which development options best suit your needs, your budget, and the site. We would then amend the Sketch Proposals as necessary to bring them into focus with these three determinants.
10. We can develop Sketch Proposals further by adding detail. Part of this process may involve preparing and submitting a Planning Application or equivalent on your behalf, if necessary. Click here to download examples of Planning Application drawings (file size is 1.3mb). Note: you may need to change the page view or layout view in order to read the notes to the drawings.
11. We can deal with Applications for Landlord or other consents, if necessary.
12. We can brief a Cost Consultant in order that they can prepare an outline cost check at this stage if required. Regular cost checks are essential if we wish to maintain proper control of the project's budget.
13. We can monitor the Planning Application and keep you informed of its progress. We can also supply further information if required by the Planners and attend and present the project at a Planning Committee or local Parish Council meeting, if necessary.
14. We can prepare and submit a Planning Appeal if Planning Permission is refused and you are determined to proceed with the project. After making such an Appeal we would monitor progress of the Appeal and supply information to the Appeal Inspector as necessary. We would keep you informed of progress throughout.
15. We can assist you in identifying and obtaining quotations from Structural Engineers and other consultants for undertaking work necessary for the progress and success of the project.
16. We can develop the design further into Detailed Design and basic Working Drawings. This would involve adding further technical detail to the drawings and coordinating/ integrating the work of consultants. At this stage we can submit a Building Regulations (or equivalent) Application, if necessary. Click here to download examples of Building Regulations drawings (file size is 1mb). Note: you may need to change the page view or layout view in order to read the notes to the drawings.
17. We can brief a Cost Consultant at this stage in order that they prepare a further outline cost check. The Cost Consultant can at this stage also produce a 'Schedule of Works' which we can use to obtain competitive prices from builders for the project. Alternatively the Schedule of Works can be used to assist in the negotiation of a price with a preferred builder. Click here to download example pages from an outline Schedule of Works (file size is 3mb).
18. We can assist you in compiling a list of possible builders for the project, and make preliminary enquiries with them. We can follow the preliminary enquiries up by obtaining and checking references, visiting examples of their built work, and interviewing their previous clients.
19. We can develop the Working Drawings further into Construction Drawings and details sufficient for a builder to price the project.
20. We can either:
    a. Submit a 'tender pack' of project details to several builders for competitive pricing, or with your agreement... b. Enter into negotiation with a preferred builder on a 'negotiated price' basis.
21. We can receive and evaluate builders' prices for the work and report back to you. We would decide which builder offers the best value for money and, with your agreement, appoint them to execute the work.
22. We can arrange the formalities of a Building Contract between you and the builder.                                                  
23. We can administer the terms of the Building Contract during building work.
24. We can make periodic visits to site to monitor progress and quality of work. We would keep you regularly informed and consult you on all relevant matters. During construction we would supply such information as is necessary for the smooth running of the building work. We would make periodic valuations of work and certify appropriate payments to the builder when we are satisfied that the work valued has been satisfactorily completed.
25. We can deal with Practical Completion, defects, and the Final Account.

Should you have any queries regarding the services Carden King can provide please contact us.

Extent of Services: Carden King do not provide CDM (Construction Design Management), Structural Engineering Design, Quantity Surveying or equivalent services in relation to building projects. Such services are provided by a separate consultant appointed directly by you. We are happy to assist in the identification and appointment of such consultants and we will coordinate and integrate our work with theirs as the project develops. Interior Design and Landscape Design services can be provided in-house by Carden King if desired.

Chartered Practice: Carden King have Chartered Practice status within the (RIBA) Royal Institute of British Architects. Click here to find out what RIBA Chartered Practices offer. We maintain statutory Professional Indemnity Insurance and carry out the required activities in respect of CPD (Continuing Professional Development), Employment Legislation, and Health and Safety required by RIBA Chartered Practice membership.

Use of Computer technology: Carden King utilise CAD (Computer Aided Design) on all of our projects, but we will use manual pen and pencil drafting methods as and when appropriate to a project. As mentioned in the What We Offer section we will always provide a 3D computer model of your project in SketchUP in order to enable you to easily understand the nature of what we are proposing. If you do not have access to a computer to view your model we will either lend you a computer or take multiple 'snapshots' of your model and forward them to you. We will also utilise email to keep in touch with you and we can send drawings in any AutoCAD format, PDF, ZIP or any graphic format such at JPEG, TIFF. BMP and EPS. Of course we would prefer to see you personally, but we can communicate in any format you choose.

Fees for architectural services vary according to the size and complexity of a project, and also on how much service you require. Therefore it is not possible to cover fees in detail until the nature of a project is known. However once the general nature of a project is made known to us after an initial visit, our 'Proposal for Services and Fees' will be comprehensible and fully transparent. We aim to offer you a full and clear view of your likely outgoings on architectural fees from the outset of the project. In order to achieve this we use the following THREE tools.

1. An Inception Letter containing a summary of the main points of your brief, including specific reference to:
   a. The nature of the site.
   b. Your requirements in terms of accommodation.
   c. A quality/character/intentions statement - what do you desire most?
   d. Your project budget.
   e. Your desired project timescale.
2. A 'Schedule of Project Services and Fees' for the project.
3. Proposed 'Conditions of Engagement'.

The Inception Letter (see 1 above) is intended to provide clarity as to what is required by describing your requirements in some detail.

The Schedule of Project Services and Fees (see item 2 above) is intended to summarise succinctly on a single sheet the services we believe you require and the fee content appropriate to those services. The Schedule is also useful in listing the main milestones along the project route, such as Planning Permission, Building Regulations Consent, Building Contract, etc. Click here to download a blank example of a Schedule of Project Services and Fees.

The Conditions of Engagement are intended to set out basic ground rules in respect of your and our rights and responsibilities during the project. This brings clarity to the working arrangements between us. These are written in Plain English to aid clarity further. Click here to download example Conditions of Engagement (file size is 8mb).

Should you have any queries on any of the above or require further information please contact us. We will be happy assist.