About the practice

At Urbane Design we have a passion for translating clients needs, lifestyles and budgets into designs that are inspirational and practical. Our ethos is one of completely understanding our client’s requirements and sensitively translating these into designs of exceptional quality, through dialogue and attention to detail. To produce quality, we hope to be actively involved with each project from the earliest stages. Specialising in residential architecture, we deliver projects across London and the South East. Our experience spans new-build homes and apartments as well as remodelling existing properties and extending properties via loft conversions, rear extensions, side returns and basement conversions. Whether you are a developer looking to create new properties or a householder looking to extend an existing property, we have a team of professionals with unrivalled knowledge and a rigorous design and management process that ensures every project is characterised by inspiring design, attention to detail and budget management. Services offered include design, planning applications, building control applications, project management, contract administration, interior design and surveying. Approach Every project we undertake whether it is a home extension, a new build home or a mixed use residential scheme follows the same rigorous process at Urbane Design. Our design and project management process is always centred around the customer and communication is central to all stages of the project to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget and to the highest standards. We offer a flexible approach to using our services allowing you to select the level of service that you feel appropriate however a typical project will take you from the brief stage through to initial designs, statutory consents and project management. Services We recognise that different projects and clients require different levels of service which is why we have developed two methods of delivering architectural services. We would be very happy to discuss the different options available and help you choose which is right for your particular project. Fully managed service With this method of service we will be with you throughout the process from initial concept design stage through to the completion of your project build. We will act as the main coordinator of your project ensuring everything runs smoothly and any issues or problems are navigated and brought to a satisfactory conclusion. As part of a fully managed service we will typically prepare your designs, deal with your local authority to get the necessary consents, prepare a schedule of works to allow accurate quotes from builders, handle building regulations submissions and deal with contractors to ensure the build stage progresses smoothly. Modular service For those clients who would like the input of an architect but would like the flexibility to choose the level of input, our modular service can be a way to achieve this. Our modular solution breaks down the stages into initial concept design, statutory consents and build stage costing documents enabling clients to choose the service that meets their project requirements and budget. Choosing the right level of service needs careful consideration and we would be happy to discuss your project and the right level of service and associated costs. Needs analysis Whether you are a developer looking to build apartments or a homeowner looking to carry out a loft conversion or kitchen extension, our thorough needs analysis process aims to get a detailed understanding of your requirements as well as a detailed understanding of the site and property. This forms the basis of the brief from which the initial concepts are developed. If you are a homeowner looking to extend an existing home or build a new home we will gather relevant information about what you are hoping to achieve, your lifestyle and your budget. For developers we will gather information about the type of scheme, target market and the financial aspects of the project. This information forms the basis of the brief that the architect will use to create initial designs. Initial design At Urbane Design we believe that unlike the traditional approach to architecture, this important design stage should be carried out as an interactive session. Your input into the design is encouraged so that you fully understand the process and can make informed choices. For homeowners looking to carry out extension or remodelling works to an existing property this initial design stage will be done in your home allowing us to provide sketch designs and inspiration in response to your input. Planning permission As part of the design process we will establish whether you need planning permission or for homeowner projects, if your work can be done under permitted development. Urbane Design has a great deal of experience submitting planning applications and has strong history of successful outcomes with Local authorities. Obtaining planning permission can be one of the main challenges when embarking on a project whether it is a kitchen extension or loft conversion or a new build property and needs to be given serious consideration from the beginning. As part of the fully managed service we will take care of planning application submissions and subsequent dealings with the planning officer and make any necessary adjustments to reach a satisfactory conclusion. With the modular service you can choose to use us for this service or alternatively deal with some aspects of this process yourself. Building Contract Administration A key stage of any project is the build phase when your plans are turned into reality. Whether you choose to use us for a fully managed service or whether you have opted for a modular service we will be available to ensure you project is delivered to the highest standards. If you have opted for the fully managed service we will act as the project co-ordinator and administrator ensuring suitable contractors are appointed, contracts are put in place and building work is being carried out to the highest standards. We carry out regular site visits to ensure any potential problems are dealt with quickly and sufficient detail is provided to builders when needed. We approve how much they will be paid each month, and check they are following the design drawings and documents. If you have opted for the modular service you can choose to select the necessary level of project management that you feel you need. All services will be available on a pay-as-you-go basis. Prior to every stage of work we carry out on the modular service we will quote how many hours we think a project is going to take. Throughout the process from concept to finished project, Urbane Design will be there to help as much or as little as you want. We are able to help you decide which level of service would be suitable for your project and budget.