AH Design Blog

What we do

We help people achieve their dream. This may be building their dream home, or renovating and remodeling an existing property. Whatever your requirements we can help at any stage of your project. We are architectural design consultants for home owners and self builders and we are able to offer a truly flexible service for you, where you choose what you need from us. 

We can take on a variety of roles which may be just as designers, extending into overseeing and advising during construction or we can carry out a complete design and project management service. Whether you are extending your home or building a new house, you are able to choose what you would like from us. It doesn't matter if its the first time you have embarked on a building project or you are an experienced self builder, we have a service that will suit you. You are not restricted to a particular building system, as we are able to design or build to any construction method.

We cover new build properties and home improvements including extensions, conversions and refurbishment projects. Our services can be described under the following roles:

Design Services

We can offer you a full range of design services which include planning applications and appeals, Building Regulations applications and construction drawings and specifications. We have a successful track record of achieving planning approvals with numerous planning authorities, covering a wide range of architectural styles and sensitive planning situations. We have extensive experience in the design of buildings in challenging environments, and we are able to deliver designs for a range of construction methods including, timber frame, SIPS (structural insulated panels), IFC (insulated formwork construction), steel frame, oak frame, traditional cavity wall construction, etc. If you are planning on appointing a builder on a fixed price basis, we can assist in obtaining competitive quotations and providing an independent cost for the works. We can then provide you with the necessary protection by setting up a build contract between you and your chosen builder. We can also supervise the works, administer the contract and instruct payments on satisfactory completion of the work at agreed intervals. On new build projects and some conversions, your lender may require inspection certificates for stage release payments, and you will also need a warranty or professional consultants certificate for your property. We can assist with the preparation of these certificates depending on your individual circumstances.

Self Build Consultancy

As a self build consultancy we can offer you expert advice and guidance. Generally if you are looking to build, renovate or extend your home, you will need to employ designers (e.g. Architects, Structural Engineers, etc.) and then ultimately a builder or project manager. These parties have specific roles to play, but there can be many other considerations and issues that you will be left to deal with. You will be expected to be the "glue" that holds everything together and this can take a huge amount of co-ordination and knowledge. We can provide you with the guidance and advice covering all areas of your project. This may start with the search for land, which will require an assessment to confirm it as a suitable building plot/development opportunity. Following the purchase, finance will usually be required and as a professional practice we can assist in valuations and budget costing for lender approval. These are just a few hurdles you will face and we can provide you with advice and assistance to allow you to manage the process, or we can take on a co-ordinating role working alongside you during the project. Whatever you requirements we can ensure you receive professional advice from start to finish.

 
Project Management


We know that there are advantages of having the same team of people that designed your building and also involved delivering the finished product. This continuity ensures that your original brief and vision is achieved. There are many other advantages of using us to manage your project, including the benefit of our widespread knowledge of the Building Regulations and construction detailing. Our expertise allows us to deliver high quality design at affordable cost, which results in quality living spaces and maximises what can be achieved for your budget. We are passionate about providing an alternative build route, which is available for you to choose alongside the current build options. Our system has been specifically designed to reduce risk, achieve high quality design, and deliver value for money. We are able to take on a project from an existing design and deliver the building to completion.