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Is Design Led Construction right for my project? >
Design Led Construction is most appropriate for projects with budgets from £250K to £1M, with a client who is interested in spending time to get a result which fits with the way they live. Of course, each project is unique - if you are interested, do get in touch, whatever your project - we will always try to give you helpful advice.
I’m still not clear - how can I find out more? >
The easiest thing to do is to send as a message, or give us a call on 020 8671 2242 - we will be happy to spend time on the ‘phone with you to talk through what you think you need, and we’ll give you our best advice - even if that means suggesting you go down a different route! We never try to ‘sell’ Design Led Construction - we always want to work with clients who are clear that it is the approach they have chosen, on the basis of a good understanding.
And if I want to take things further? >
We are happy to arrange a site visit. These are free for the first hour for residential projects within London. Reasonable expenses are chargeable in other cases.
We will also send, on request, detailed information on the process and work-stages relevant to your project, with some idea of costs and timescale.
What areas do you cover? >
We generally work in and around Greater London, but we are always interested to talk to clients with substantial projects, wherever they are located. We will not take on projects unless we are confident we can handle them to our high standards.
Who manages the process? >
Your project will be handled from start to finish by a Project Architect, who will lead the design stage, and who remains your point of contact through the construction stage, attending site on a regular basis. As a client, you will address any and all instructions, questions etc to the Project Architect throughout.
Additionally, all construction works have a named Job Manager, whose role it is to co-ordinate the works, ensure information and materials are on site as needed, to monitor progress and cost, etc.
Who does the design work? >
All design work is carried out by professional architects, with full insurances, etc. At present, we work exclusively with Dil Green •Architect•, but we may introduce other architects who meet our standards for projects which are out of our practical range.
Who does the building work? >
All construction work is carried out by appropriately insured sub-contractors who are known to us, and whose work meets our standards of quality, reliability and efficiency. However, our clients sign a contract with Design Led Construction Ltd, who are responsible for all aspects of the work - if a sub-contractor doesn’t perform, the problem is ours to resolve.
What is wrong with the ‘Traditional’ approach? >
Well, I could write an essay...
But, to keep this brief, we find these problems crop up again and again:
• the architect comes up with great ideas, but the cost becomes clear only after you have planning permission - and it’s much more than the budget!
• clients feel that the architect isn’t really listening - the designs are impressive, but don’t really feel ‘right’,
• architects come up with schemes that the planners don’t like, and seem unwilling/unable to find a way to compromise,
• builders complain that they don’t get enough information from the architect
• architects seem to have a poor grasp of the realities of construction
• architects are not, in the traditional process, in control of the builders - a fact which (fairly reasonably in our view) astonishes most first time clients.
We find that clients who have previously worked in the ‘traditional’ way, with a separate architect and builder, appreciate what we do immediately - they have experienced some or all of these problems, and can see that we offer a way through.
I’ve read that I should get quotes from several builders - can I do this with Design Led Construction? >
The simple answer is, no. As a one-stop shop, with design control over the builders, we work only with contractors we know well, and whom we trust, and who are involved with the project from the beginning.
We believe that our approach: clear cost-control from the outset, high design ambitions, and a commitment to quality construction, coupled with our strong ethical stance, means that we offer excellent value for money.
If, after talking with us, you don’t feel confident about our approach, then the ‘traditional’ approach may be what you are looking for. Our architectural partner firm, Dil Green •Architect•, may be able to help you with this.
What is Design Led Construction not good for? >
• Commercial developers - who want a more ‘generic’ solution, at the lowest possible cost
• Very tight budgets - where design fees cannot be supported
• Clients who are keen to ‘tender’ the project to several contractors
• Clients who just want a quick construction job
• Clients who are only interested in getting planning consent