At JLE Studio our architects are versed a wide range of specialist subjects and are experienced across a host of building, planning, design and associated areas. However, there are times when a larger project may require very specific input – which is where we may bring in an expert consultant.

Extra Information

Depending upon the scope and scale of a new project, our team will have to carry out various tasks and studies – most commonly a feasibility study – to find out exactly what the project entails. We will need to know whether our team has the capacity to fulfil the client’s desires and what specific expertise is required. As anyone who has been in involved in design and development projects will already know, the task is often very far from straightforward. The initial project may start off as a request for a simple ground floor or lower ground floor renovation. The intention may be to create a new kitchen, utility, laundry and so on, but we may soon discover drainage problems or limitations, damp course issues, or questions regarding a Party Wall Agreement. We will also need to take into consideration the approvals and permissions that will be required if the house is a Listed building. Accordingly, there are often times where our architectural team will need to call upon the advice of expert consultants in the relevant field.

Regular Contacts

All architects work alongside different experts at different times. The architect’s job is to design the project – which can be a brand-new building, a new extension or a total renovation and rebuild or repair of an existing building. However, there are many tasks which will be taken on by a separate partner or team. Our architects work alongside professionals such as Quantity Surveyors. Their remit is to provide an assessment of construction costs after working out the material requirements of the project. We also liaise with Structural Engineers. Their task to assess the architectural design and to judge whether the materials specified and the structural design itself will be appropriate for the required use. A Services Engineer is also often required to oversee a major project where there are new services (plumbing, electrical, connectivity, heating and so on) installed - all of which need to operate together seamlessly.

Arboriculturists

Sometimes our projects have gardens or even specific trees that need to be retained and kept safe during major rebuilding and renovation works. Indeed, some trees may be the subject of a tree preservation order, so need to be treated very carefully indeed. We will always take into consideration the treatment of mature and interesting trees and plants where they have an impact on the project. For example, a new courtyard may have been positioned to retain the view of an elegant tree … so we will definitely be taking care of that particular tree!

Drainage Consultants

Drains can be considered to be rather dull in discussion, but vitally important in reality. With a lot of city projects, particularly in London, drains have to be very carefully investigated and monitored to ensure continuing efficient operation. This is particularly important where extensions or basements are involved, and in areas where the systems can very easily date back to Victorian times.

Heating + Air Conditioning Experts

Heating and air conditioning systems, when included in a new project, can be very complex and will very likely require some additional expertise. Technology in these areas is improving all the time and our clients nearly always want their new homes to be as energy efficient as possible. Our architects will work with the relevant experts to ensure the optimum position of a new boiler, heat pump, underfloor heating system and so on.

Heritage Building Specialists

We may take advice from or work with heritage building specialists regarding repair, replacement and renovation works on important buildings. The buildings may be listed, in which case there will be Listed Building Consent to consider, or the building may just be old and interesting and the owners simply want to restore in the most appropriate way possible.

Smart Home + Connectivity Specialists

Our clients want their new homes to run smoothly and efficiently, and ‘smart’ features are considered to be highly important. Our architects will work with these specialists so that all the required connections for security, lighting, audio-visual systems and so on can be installed discreetly and yet remain accessible.

Sound Proofing + Acoustic Consultants

There are times when we need to involve consultants with reference to sound proofing and the acoustic qualities of particular rooms. It may be that the home is near to a busy street, or where the owners have specifically requested that sound proofing is installed to ensure a very quiet room or perhaps for a child’s bedroom. It may be that we add a layer of sound proofing to particular rooms, or increase the sound proofing and heat loss qualities of any new glazing.

When do expert consultants become involved in a new project?