Designing Your Project Together
Every building project begins as a conversation. Whether you’re considering a contemporary extension to a traditional home, planning a low-energy new build, or reimagining an existing space, the journey from initial idea to completed building requires careful collaboration, creative thinking, and technical expertise.
I work with clients who want architecture that responds to its place – buildings that feel inevitable to their site, perform beautifully in our climate, and enhance daily life. As a solo practitioner, you’ll work directly with me throughout, not a different team member at each stage.
The design process follows RIBA work stages, but it’s not a rigid formula. It’s a journey we take together, with clear milestones and flexibility to adapt as your project evolves. Scroll down to explore the design journey.
Choose Your Level of Service
Every project is unique, so I offer three service levels to match different needs and ambitions:
Foundation
Perfect for experienced clients or straightforward projects
Takes your project from initial consultation through planning approval and technical information sufficient for Building Regulations submission. You’ll have everything needed to obtain permissions and work with a builder, with the flexibility to manage the construction phase yourself or bring in specialists.
Includes:
- Initial consultation and feasibility assessment
- Concept design development
- Planning application (where required)
- Building Regulations technical drawings
- Consultant coordination (structural engineer, etc.)
Best for: Clients with building experience, smaller extensions, projects with straightforward technical requirements
Complete
The full design journey, from conversation to completion
Guides your project through every stage – from initial sketches to final handover. I’ll coordinate all consultants, manage the tendering process, administer the building contract, inspect construction regularly, and ensure quality throughout. You’ll have professional oversight every step of the way.
Includes everything in Foundation, plus:
- Detailed technical design and specifications
- Contractor tendering support
- Contract administration during construction
- Regular site inspections and quality control
- Handover and post-completion review
Best for: Most clients, projects requiring careful quality control, anyone wanting comprehensive professional support
Premium
For projects where every detail matters
The Complete Service enhanced with additional design development and specification depth. Perfect for clients seeking exceptional quality, where interior architecture and material specification are as important as the building form itself.
Includes everything in Complete, plus:
- 3D visualizations and rendered views
- Detailed internal elevations showing joinery and finishes
- Custom kitchen, bathroom, and storage design
- Lighting, sanitaryware, and ironmongery specification
- Bespoke joinery and staircase detailing
- Enhanced material and finish specifications
Best for: Architecturally ambitious projects, and homes where interior design integration is essential
The Design Journey: RIBA Work Stages
| Stage | What Happens | Duration | Typical Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Discovery consultation | 1-2 weeks | £200 fixed |
| 1 | Brief and feasibility | 2-4 weeks | ~5% |
| 2 | Concept design | 4-8 weeks | ~15% |
| 3 | Coordinated design | 4-12 weeks | ~15% |
| Planning process | 8-52 weeks | ||
| 4 | Technical design | 8-16 weeks | ~40% |
| 5 | Construction | 3-12+ months | ~23% |
| 6 | Handover and beyond | 2-4 weeks + 6-12 months | ~2% |
**Total typical timeline: 8-18 months from first contact to completion
**Typical fee range: 8-12% of construction cost
Stage 0
Discovery
We begin with a free 30-minute initial conversation, followed by a detailed paid consultation where I visit your site and we explore possibilities together.
What we achieve:
- Understand your needs, aspirations, and constraints
- Assess the site’s opportunities – views, orientation, landscape, existing buildings
- Discuss feasibility, approximate costs, and realistic timescales
- Clarify what consultants you’ll need and when
- Determine whether we’re a good fit for each other
What you receive:
- Honest assessment of feasibility and planning likelihood
- Approximate budget guidance (construction costs per m²)
- Clear recommendation for next steps
- Fee proposal for design services if we proceed
Timeline: 1-2 weeks from initial contact to consultation completion
My fee: Fixed £200 for detailed consultation including site visit within 20 miles
Stage 1
Preparation & Brief Development
Before we start designing, we need to understand exactly what we’re working with and what you want to achieve.
What we achieve:
- Refine your brief into a clear design foundation
- Research planning constraints and opportunities
- Commission accurate survey information
- Establish realistic budget parameters
- Confirm project scope and programme
What you receive:
- Developed project brief document
- Planning context analysis
- Feasibility assessment report
- Confirmed budget and programme
Timeline: 2-4 weeks depending on survey availability
My fee: Approximately 5% of overall Stages 1-6 fee
Your additional costs: Measured survey, other specialist surveys as needed
Stage 2
Concept Design
This is where your project begins to take form. We explore options through sketches, models, and drawings, testing ideas against your brief, the site, and performance requirements.
What we achieve:
- Develop multiple design approaches
- Refine layouts, massing, and material palette
- Integrate sustainable design strategies from the start
- Establish approximate construction cost
- Gain your confidence in the design direction
What you receive:
- Concept design drawings (plans, elevations, sections)
- 3D sketches or study models
- Material and palette recommendations
- Cost per m² guidance
- Design philosophy statement
Timeline: 4-8 weeks including review iterations
My fee: Approximately 15% of total Stages 1-6 fee
Your additional costs: Potential Structural Engineer initial input, other consultants as needed
Stage 3
Spatial Coordination & Planning
We develop the concept into a coordinated design ready for planning submission, bringing together all technical input and creating compelling presentation material.
What we achieve:
- Finalize layout, appearance, and materials
- Coordinate structural and services strategies
- Create Design & Access Statement if required
- Prepare visualizations showing the proposal in context
- Submit planning application
- Respond to planning officer queries
What you receive:
- Planning application drawings
- Design & Access Statement
- Site and context analysis
- Supporting documents and consultant reports
- Planning application submission and negotiation support
Timeline: 4-12 weeks preparation plus 8-13 weeks planning authority review (please note the planning process can take longer)
My fee: Approximately 15% of overall Stages 1-6 fee, hourly rate for planning authority discussions post-application
Your additional costs: Planning application fee, Potential consultant (Structural Engineer, Energy Consultant, Planning Consultant, and so on) reports where required
Stage 4
Technical Design
With planning approval secured, we develop every detail required for Building Regulations approval and construction. This is where careful design becomes buildable reality.
What we achieve:
- Design all elements in construction detail
- Specify materials, finishes, and components
- Coordinate all consultant information
- Prepare Building Regulations submission
- Create tender packages for builder pricing
- Ensure design intent can be delivered within budget
What you receive:
- Detailed construction drawings
- Technical specifications
- Material schedules and finish selections
- Lighting and power layouts
- Heating and services coordination
- Building Regulations approval
- Tender documents for builder pricing
Timeline: 8-16 weeks depending on project complexity
My fee: Approximately 40% of overall Stages 1-6 fee
Your additional costs: Structural engineer detail design, M&E engineer if required, Building Regulations fee, SAP assessment
Stage 5
Construction
While the builder constructs your project, I maintain quality control, manage contract administration, and ensure the design intent is realized on site.
What we achieve:
- Regular site inspections (frequency agreed based on project)
- Review and approve builder queries
- Certify payments to contractor
- Monitor programme and quality
- Document any necessary variations
- Resolve construction issues as they arise
What you receive:
- Site inspection reports
- Payment certificates
- Contract administration
- Quality control oversight
- Variation documentation
- Progress monitoring
Timeline: Depends on project size – typically 3-12 months
My fee: Approximately 23% of overall Stages 1-6 fee
Your additional costs: Contractor, Structural Engineer, other consultants as require, Clerk of Works if required for complex projects
Stage 6
Handover & Beyond
As construction concludes, I ensure everything is completed properly, all documentation is provided, and you’re confident using your new space.
What we achieve:
- Final inspection and snagging list
- Ensure all warranties and manuals are provided
- Certify final payment to contractor
- Check Building Regulations sign-off
- Help you understand building systems and maintenance
What you receive:
- Snagging list and completion verification
- Final payment certificate
- As-built drawings
- Collated warranties, manuals, and documentation
- Building Regulations completion certificate
- Operation and maintenance guidance
Timeline: 2-4 weeks
My fee: Approximately 2% of overall Stages 1-6 fee
Your additional costs: Contractor
Post-Occupancy Care
I don’t simply walk away when the building is finished. Understanding how buildings perform in reality is essential for my own learning and your satisfaction.
Typically 6-12 months after moving in, I’ll arrange a visit to:
- See how the building is working for you
- Gather your feedback on the design
- Check everything is performing as intended
- Address any questions about using the building
This post-occupancy review is included as part of my commitment to creating buildings that genuinely enhance lives. Should you require additional design work, modifications, or extended support beyond this review, we can discuss this separately at the time.
Understanding Architectural Fees
My fees typically range from 8-12% of construction cost for the Complete Service, varying based on project complexity, size, and site conditions. A £150,000 extension might incur £12,000-£18,000 in architect fees across all stages.
Why professional architectural services add value:
- Planning success: Professional architectural services cannot guarantee planning approval, but they maximize your chances. Thorough site analysis, clear design justification, robust documentation, and professional presentation demonstrate serious intent and address planning concerns proactively. Poorly prepared applications face higher rejection risk for avoidable design flaws.
- Build quality: Comprehensive drawings and specifications prevent costly construction mistakes and disputes.
- Performance: Thoughtful design reduces energy bills for decades – poor design costs you every month forever.
- Value: Good design increases property value significantly more than its cost.
- Time: Professional project management saves months compared to direct client coordination.
The real question isn’t “Can I afford an architect?” but “Can I afford the consequences of not having one?”
What Clients Say
“We were introduced to Matt via another consultant that we had employed for our self build project. We were delighted with his work and his approach. Our project was a complex and technical build, and he was adept at solving any issues that we encountered along the way. Responsive, dedicated, trustworthy, and very personable, we cannot recommend him highly enough. He will be our first call for any future projects!”
Client, Firs Field
“We’re using Mountain Fold to help us design extend our home. It’s quite a big project, comprising 2 extensions and the remit includes ‘modernising’ a 1908’s build. Matt’s been great at listening to what we want (& don’t want), coming up with a design we’re happy with, and helping us with our discussions with our local planning dept, builders and suppliers. We’re really excited about the project and now just need to get it built!”
Client, Pembury Extension
Ready to Begin Your Project?
Start with a Free Consultation
Let’s discuss your project without obligation. We’ll explore possibilities, assess feasibility, and determine whether we’re the right fit for each other.
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Explore our projects: See how we’ve helped other clients create buildings that belong to their place.