Mark Alford Design

At Mark Alford Design, we are an architectural design studio dedicated to providing a wide range of services for clients in all building sectors, with a special focus on residential design and improvement. We take pride in delivering high-quality commissions in a broad range and scale of projects, from small home improvements to complex multi-unit developments.

Our aim is to inspire our clients to explore possibilities that will create great spaces within their homes and work environments, allowing them to live in an enriched way. We strive to provide a personal and dedicated service to each client, tailoring our approach to meet their unique needs and requirements.

Services

We offer a comprehensive range of services to cater to our clients' needs throughout the entire design and construction process. These services include:

• Concept Design and Planning: We work closely with our clients to understand their vision and goals, translating these into a concept design that meets their needs and budget.

• Contracts and Site: Our team is experienced in drafting and managing contracts, ensuring that all parties involved are clear on their roles and responsibilities.

• External Partners: We have established relationships with a network of external partners, including topographical surveyors, structural designers, energy calculation specialists, 3D visualisers, and landscape architects. This allows us to provide a comprehensive service to our clients, covering all aspects of their project.

Building Regulations and Tender

Our team is well-versed in building regulations and tender processes, ensuring that all projects comply with relevant laws and regulations while also providing our clients with the best possible value for money.

• Technical Working Drawings: We produce detailed technical drawings that meet all relevant building regulations and standards.

• Detailed Specifications: Our team creates comprehensive specifications for all aspects of the project, ensuring that all parties involved are clear on the requirements and expectations.

• Planning Conditions: We work closely with local authorities to ensure that all planning conditions are met and that our clients' projects comply with relevant regulations.

• Building Control Liaisons: Our team liaises with building control officers to ensure that all projects meet the necessary building regulations and standards.

• Full Plans and Building Notice Applications: We prepare and submit full plans and building notice applications on behalf of our clients, ensuring that all necessary approvals are obtained.

• Tender and Appointments: We manage the tender process, selecting the most suitable contractors for the project and ensuring that all necessary appointments are made.

• Tender Analysis: Our team analyses tender returns, identifying the best value for money and ensuring that our clients' budgets are met.

• Contract Administration: We manage the contract administration process, ensuring that all parties involved meet their obligations and that the project is completed on time and within budget.

• Site Inspections: Our team conducts regular site inspections, monitoring progress and ensuring that the project meets all relevant standards and regulations.

• Interim Certificates: We issue interim certificates as required, ensuring that our clients can claim payment for work completed.

• Snagging Inspections: Our team conducts snagging inspections towards the end of the project, identifying any defects or issues that need to be addressed before completion.

• Final Certificates: We issue final certificates upon completion of the project, confirming that all work has been completed to the required standards and regulations.

• Completions: Our team ensures that all necessary completions are obtained, including final certificates and any other relevant documentation.

Portfolio

Our portfolio showcases our latest work, including new builds, extensions, and feasibility studies. We are proud of the diverse range of projects we have worked on and are constantly looking for new opportunities to push the boundaries of architectural design.

Guidance

Starting a new project can be daunting, especially when it comes to understanding the necessary permissions and regulations. Our team is here to guide you through the process, providing expert advice and support every step of the way.

• Do I Need Planning Permission?: Most building projects require some sort of planning approval. However, there are exceptions, such as projects that fall under your Permitted Development rights. To find out more, please visit the Planning Portal or contact us for further guidance.

• What Are Building Regulations?: Building regulations are a set of Approved Documents that provide guidance on how to achieve a compliant design that will be signed off by a building inspector at the end of the building works. In nearly all cases, building regulation sign-off is needed during construction, although there are some exemptions on applying. To find out more, visit the LABC website or contact us for further guidance.

• How Long Does It Take to Get an Approval?: Normally, a planning application takes about eight weeks to be determined following validation, but can sometimes take up to 13 weeks if a more complex application. The timescales can be longer if the application goes in front of a Planning Committee for a decision. A Building Regulations application will take a maximum of eight weeks for a decision, but is likely to be sooner - usually around five to six weeks.

• What's the Best Way to Choose a Builder?: There are many horror stories around about bad builders, but the reality is that most are legitimate and professional. Word of mouth and a proven track record are the best things to have to hand when deciding on your builder, so don't be afraid to ask for references and to go and see previous work. Also, you can use one of the established online service web sites to locate your local builder (like Checkatrade) - most require good references and track records before they publish builder details. We have a core group of local builders that regularly work on our projects and would be happy to provide contact details if required. We can also assist with the selection of a builder as part of our tender stage.

Architectural Fees Explained

Fee's quoted will always be calculated against the expected size and value of the project. We can offer three different types of fees depending on the type of project:

• Fixed Fee: Simple projects, smaller in size with a clear design brief available at the time of quoting.

• Percentage Fee: More complex projects of a larger nature where the design needs developing into a clear brief.

• Time Charge: A flexible fee based on an agreed hourly rate, offered early in the design stage for feasibility work and when small packages of design work are required. Also commonly used during construction when monitoring the works.