Chris Low Architecture

Chris Low Architecture was founded by Chris Low in 2015. Chris, who comes from a Structural Engineering background, utilised his knowledge and experience in this industry to form his own practice, providing clients with detailed Architectural Drawings for residential projects, including house extensions, loft conversions, and internal alterations. Chris draws on his engineering experience when redesigning and altering existing properties, bringing modern contemporary design features and blending them with traditional house types. CLA's approach is particularly helpful in achieving high-quality, innovative designs while ensuring they are cost-effective for the client.

Our Approach

Chris Low Architecture's approach is to work closely with the client to help make their dream home a reality. Most clients have an idea of how they wish to improve or update their home. CLA understands that everyone has different ways of living, working, and socialising. CLA listens to the client's needs and ideas, providing alternative ideas and schemes where appropriate to help create the home they've always wanted!

The process begins with an initial meet and greet session at the client's home, where CLA discusses their needs and briefly looks over the property to spot any obvious constraints. A fee proposal is then prepared for the project, based on the client's requirements. If the client is happy with the proposal, CLA will carry out a full measured survey of the existing property to form a base for the new designs. This usually takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the property.

The Design Process

With the survey and client ideas, CLA prepares new design proposals for the client to approve. This process can be as short or long as necessary, and it's all about formulating a design that the client is completely happy with and excited to live in.

Planning and Lawful Development

Depending on the scale, design, and location of the proposed development, CLA discusses submitting either a Lawful Development or Planning Application on behalf of the client. There are many factors involved in determining whether any new construction falls within Lawful Development or Planning requirements. CLA will discuss the processes involved with either option.

Submitting the Application

Once the option is decided, CLA will prepare the necessary applications to the Local Authority. This process usually takes between 8-10 weeks from submission to determination date. During this period, clients are advised to circulate the planning drawings to several Building Contractors to obtain a price for carrying out the works to completion.

Building Regulations

Once approvals are received, CLA prepares detailed Building Regulation and Construction Stage drawings ready for submission to Building Control. Any building project requires the approval of the Building Control Officer. CLA submits these applications on behalf of the client, including the detailed drawings prepared by CLA and any additional information required, such as Calculations provided by a Structural Engineer.

Construction

Finally, once the Building Regulations Application has been submitted, and a Building Contractor has been appointed, works can begin on site. Together with the drawings provided by CLA and any relevant Structural Engineers details, the contractor should have everything they need to carry out the works to completion. Even though this is usually the point where CLA is no longer needed, we are always available to discuss any aspect of the project with either the client or the contractor as and when necessary.

Our Services

• Residential architectural design services
• House extensions
• Loft conversions
• Internal alterations
• Planning and building regulation applications
• Design and build services

Featured Projects

A showcase of our most recent, interesting, and rewarding projects.

• Market Hill, Royston
• The Doles, Over
• Station Road, Histon
• New Road, Haslingfield
• West Road, Histon
• Waterbeach
• Moss Drive, Haslingfield