Interview with David Swarbrick Tell us a little about the background of your architectural practice. Swarbrick Design is a Chartered Practice founded in 2009. The workload comprises primarily Residential and Ecclesiastical projects. Historic Building Conservation is also a strong component of our work. We offer a traditional service for an Architect’s appointment as outlined in the RIBA Plan of Work, from initial Brief to Handover including Concept Design, Technical Design and Contract Administration. Prior to setting up the Practice, David also had extensive experience in Commercial, Education, and Healthcare projects. What is your customer process from receiving that first enquiry? At the first meeting between the Client and Architect a brief is compiled based on the initial requirements. An approximate estimate in the form of an itemised cost plan is prepared by the Quantity Surveyor (depending on the scale and nature of the work) and submitted with sketch proposals as part of the feasibility stage. When this is signed off, the Scheme Design is then prepared. The brief is reviewed and adapted as necessary. When the design is finalised an application for Planning Permission is made. A team is assembled for each project, which would usually comprise not only the Architect but a Quantity Surveyor (at least for the feasibility stage), as the viability of the project revolves around cost. Where warranted, a Building Services Engineer is appointed, as thermal comfort and efficiency are also key components of a successful design. When the design is finalised an application for Planning Permission can be made. In parallel with this procedure an Outline Specification is issued for comment, and this usually results in a review of the brief and generates further dialogue. This enables the Client’s requirements to be encapsulated in the Specification, which is part of the Technical Design. This will ensure all the builders to be invited to tender are pricing on the same basis. Contract Administration to completion of the project can be provided. Is there a type of commission that gets you particularly excited? An Architect is an artist and takes the basic ingredients to create the finished article. This can be the transformation of an existing interior space, an extension or a new building. The most exciting aspect of the work of an Architect and potentially the most fulfilling is the design stage. Anything is possible using light, colour, and space to create the desired result, an amalgam of the external appearance and the interior space. The best designs relying on the skill of the craftsman, have a pleasing combination of surface texture and colour. David has a keen interest in architectural history and a passion for Historic Building Conservation. Repairing and finding new uses for historic buildings is so satisfying. Why should Hamptons clients choose Swarbrick Design for their project? Whether an innovative contemporary design or a traditional setting is called for, we will carefully analyse your requirements to suit the site and circumstances. We offer the full range of services from inception to completion including Contract Administration working with trusted building contractors. Monthly site progress meetings are held, and monthly financial reports are prepared until Practical Completion, to keep you fully informed during the construction process. What’s your favourite thing about working in West Sussex ? I like the location of Horsham situated as it is in the middle of the Weald and close to both the North and South Downs. The woodlands, earth and quarries in combination have provided over the centuries local materials to make West Sussex and Horsham in particular so interesting and unique. The traditional vernacular styles include a mixture of both timber framed as well as stone construction, and more recently in brickwork. The Weald is a source of an amazing variety of brick. This has created a variety of architectural styles and traditions embracing roofing in Horsham stone and plain tiles. 34
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