Interview: Markam associates

Markam Associates is a Chartered Practice established in Chelsea in 1991. The Practice specialises in Architecture, Interior Design and Management of high quality refurbishment in Central London. Our portfolio includes well over a hundred successfully completed projects. We are also highly experienced in all aspects of Building Design & Construction, Project Management, Technical Matters, Contract Administration, Dealing with Local Authorities on Planning and Building Regulations, as well as Site Management and Inspection

CUSTOMER PROCESS After receiving the first enquiry from any potential Client, we meet them at the Property with no obligation to get their Brief, discuss their requirements and give them our professional opinion on the feasibility of their ideas, on what can be potentially done and what cannot be, be it from a Design, Structural, Planning, Building Control etc. points of view. We also advise on budgetary matters for such works. We then send our Fee Proposal outlining our various services (below) and fees suited to their Particular Project and their Requirements. We also offer to view one or more of our completed projects to demonstrate the quality of the design and workmanship.

Preliminary Drawings and Planning Advice Preparation & Submission of Planning/Listed Building Applications Advising on Consultants needed Dealing with Local Authorities Dealing with Freeholders/Managing Agents on Licenses to Alter Technical Matters Detailed Drawings, Specs & Schedules of Works

Tender Action & Contractor Appointment Building Contract Preparation Project Management & Site Inspection Updating on Programme Timing & Cost resulting from Variations Preparation, if requested, detailed high quality rendered 3D images (CGIs) that give realistic vision of the end product

INTERSTING COMMISSIONS Commissions of interest are those requiring Full Refurbishments with Clients who trust deferring to us during the Design and Refurbishment Phases, and appreciate the value of creative design.

WHY US? Our extensive experience in Central London Refurbishment gave us a broad understanding of Refurbishment, Construction and Planning Regulations. We have secured a multitude of successful Planning and Listed Building Consents for almost each of our project the vast majority of which are in RBKC. Unlike some other Architects/designers, our approach to projects is not limited to Design and Creativity but also to Practicality and Cost Effectiveness. We also believe that regular Site Inspection is extremely essential. To this, we carry out between 2 to 3 inspection visits per week as opposed to the guidance of the RIBA Architects Appointment Agreement which states a minimum of 1 visit per month. We are also very flexible in our availability for Clients accommodating their work schedule to meet them after work hours and on weekends when necessary.

We know Kensington and Chelsea like the palm of our hand. We both lived in the borough for over 25 years and our offices are very local. When our projects are in close proximity to our offices, it makes for quicker Site Inspection, as well as Client Meetings.