seån & stephen A home owner’s guide to improving their home with an architect
Seรกn & Stephen Ltd help families, individuals, leaseholders and freeholders improve the value of their homes. Seรกn & Stephen Ltd. is directed by architects Seรกn McAlister and Stephen Mackie. This document is a stage-bystage guide to take a home improvement project from initial ideas through to completion.
This spread : Medium to high specification refurbishment of a West London flat. Designed and managed from inception to completion by Seรกn & Stephen.
This spread : Mid-refurbishment of same project as previous spread. Note the ceiling, wall and floor surfaces are all lifted.
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A guide : Stage by Stage At SeĂĄn & Stephen, we understand the language of the construction industry. We use the industry standard ‘RIBA Plan of Work’ as a way of structuring the different stages of work.
Stage 0 / 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Preparation and Brief
Concept Design
Developed Design
This is the most important part of the project and where the architect can add the most value.
Using the initial project brief we will develop outline proposals. S&S present a number of initial concepts for you to choose from. We will also liaise with local planners as a priority.
S&S will spend more time at this stage transforming ideas into something that can be built. This includes coordinating the work of other consultants into the designs.
Sean & Stephen (S&S) will undertake some preliminary appraisals to assess the options and feasibility of the project. This can range from a sketch design solution to a full feasibility study and will enable you to decide on the best way forward. S&S will identify the need for any approvals and other consultants, most commonly a structural engineer. Page 8
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The final design brief should reflect your aspirations and provide you with a home that adds value and improves your quality of life. Page 12
Once agreed, between you, the design proposals will then be submitted for planning approval, if required. Page 14
Stage 4
Stage 5
Technical Design
Construction Handover AND Close Out
Now the architect, S&S, will prepare the technical drawings, specifications and a schedule of works that will be used to construct the building.
Throughout the construction phase S&S can manage the project to ensure it is delivered on time and on budget.
You will now have sufficient information to approach builders for competitive tendering. S&S can act as the contract administrator – inviting and appraising tenders, then managing the building contract on your behalf. Page 18
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Stage 6
S&S will carry out inspections and issue final certification. We will finalise the contract administration and will formally hand over the building to you. Page 26
Stage 0 / 1
Preparation and Brief Develop an understanding of the client’s desires for the project.
Right : Project for a family of 5 in East London. A part of the client’s Brief was to create a large family space, connected to the garden. The design included bespoke storage for the children’s toys.
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Left : One of the first tasks is to produced a measured survey drawing of the existing conditions.
Right : We draw the gathered survey information in CAD.
Stage 2
Concept Design Develop initial ideas in response to the client’s brief. Left : Massing options for a project in East London that went through permitted development. The project received permission and is currently under construction. Right Top : Concept plan diagram used to describe private and common spaces in the a flat design. Right Bottom : Axonometric sketch for concept layout of loft conversion in South West London.
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Stage 3
Developed Design Progress designs to a level of detail that can be submitted for planning permission.
Left : As projects progress we employ a variety of representation techniques to illustrate our design ideas. This drawing explores the level changes from the existing house to the new extension. Right : This drawing explores the external form of a new extension where we use recessed bricks to create interesting forms and frame windows.
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Left : Axonometric drawing to communicate bespoke storage designs between a bedroom and an en-suite. Right : Working with client’s on specifications of floor, wall, worktop etc finishes involves ordering and playing with samples of all materials.
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Stage 4
Technical Design Finalise designs and finishes to produce information for contractor to cost and build from.
Left : Planning the flooring finishes throughout the refurbishment of a flat in West London. Right : Technical drawing of bathroom layout.
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Left : Elevation of wardrobe that illustrates the different storage shelves and which have open fronts. Right : Photograph of the same storage joinery unit, during construction..
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Stage 5
Construction Take the project through the stages of construction, with a contractor, to completion. This spread : Hung toilet, recommissioned chimney breast and tiles following the floor up the wall as a special detail. 22
Left : Windows and surrounds midconstruction. Brickwork exposed and plasterwork stripped away. Right : Same windows after construction. New panelled surrounds seamlessly meet the walls.
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Stage 6
Handover and close out Finalise all the contract documents and moving into the completed project. Left : Detail photograph of soft leg resting on newly laid engineered timber floor. Right : Completed project in South London where we extended the kitchen and dining area up to the garden.
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Seรกn & Stephen Ltd 49 Green Lanes London, N16 9BU www.seanandstephen.com both@seanandstephen.com Seรกn +44 (0)77 4689 3272 Stephen +44 (0)77 9372 2393