ARChitecture & Building Surveying

Architectural Design by Ashtton Associates Ltd.

Architectural design services tailored to meet the needs of our clients across residential, commercial, and heritage projects, from initial concept through to completion, ensuring that each design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, cost-effective, and compliant with all relevant regulations.

With expertise as a domestic energy assessor, I incorporate renewable technologies to maximize energy efficiency. Drawing on my experience as a construction project manager, I can offer balanced advice throughout the project, helping clients avoid pitfalls during planning and construction.

Design, is about the relationship between people and their environment, whether it’s a small extension, a new home, or a large commercial project, each design is tailored to meet the unique needs of the client and the site.

For older buildings, restoration and refurbishment often present complex challenges. I offer full measured surveys, designs, and cost proposals for repair and restoration projects.

Architectural Design Services
We specialize in new builds, renovations, restorations, and refurbishments, offering creative, functional, and sustainable design solutions. Our approach is focused on understanding your unique needs and aspirations,

Planning Applications
We provide expert guidance on the submission of planning applications, ensuring all necessary documentation and designs meet local authority requirements. Our experience navigating planning processes ensures your project is set for success from the outset.

Building Regulation Applications & Services
There are 2 main types of planning application – applications for full planning permission and applications for outline planning permission.

Applications can also be made for:

Once planning consent is granted, The building Regulations application phase of your project can begin. This is a complex area to navigate, requiring an in-depth knowledge of Building Control legislation and Regulation, environmental constraints, structural engineering, energy performance, sustainability, and increasing building safety regulation.

We make initial contact with the Building Control Provider to establish key factors likely to affect the smooth processing of the building control submission.

As a registered Building Control Inspector, [BSCF Band B: Class 2A-F] I can provide expert guidance on all matters relating to building control compliance to class 2A-F.

Principal Designer/Building Regulations advisor

For Architects and Designers who prefer to operate within RIBA Plan of Work phases 1-3, We also offer a Building Regulations phase service, taking the approved designs and developing them for the building control submission and construction phase.

As a registered Building Control Inspector, [BSCF Band B: Class 2A-F] I can provide Pre-application Plan Checking service to Architects and Designer who require additional support to highlight potential issues before formal submission, saving time and reducing costs.

As a former CDM coordinator, I am qualified to advise on all aspects of the CDM 2015 regulations. I advise clients, principal designers, and principal contractors on health and safety matters throughout the design and construction phases. Ensuring compliance with the CDM 2015 regulations, helping to manage risks and maintain a safe working environment.

Provision of Client, Principal Designer and Principal Contractor CDM Briefs
Compilation of Pre-Construction Information (PCI) and Tender Stage / Preconstruction Phase H&S Plan, to issue to the design team.
Review of Construction Phase Plans (CP Plans)
Health & Safety File reviews

SAP, U-Values calculations, Overheating, Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
Sustainability is at the core of our design philosophy. We provide expert advice on the energy efficiency of both new and existing buildings. From incorporating sustainable design practices to performing U-Value calculations for fabric energy efficiency, we ensure that all aspects of energy conservation are considered. Our SAP Assessments help optimize the holistic energy efficiency of dwellings, ensuring your project meets current energy performance standards.

We also conduct overheating assessments for new dwellings using both simplified methods and Dynamic Thermal Modelling to ensure comfort throughout the year.

Water Usage
We provide water use calculations to reduce environmental impact and ensure compliance with modern water efficiency standards, in accordance with current Building Regulations standards.

Party Wall
For projects involving shared walls or structures, we offer expert Party Wall surveying services, ensuring full compliance with the Party Wall Act 1996.

Heritage Services
We also deal with heritage projects, providing heritage statements, desktop studies for listed buildings, and conducting environmental impact assessments with habitat evaluation and mitigation plans.

Site and Structural Reports
We carry out building surveys to assess the condition of existing structures, providing detailed reports that inform future design decisions. Land surveys are also available, ensuring accurate site data for project planning. Our consultant structural engineer’s reports identify any potential issues with building integrity and help guide design modifications as needed.

Additional Assessments and Reports
We offer a full suite of supplementary reports, including flood risk assessments, arboriculture reports for tree management on-site, and asbestos surveys to ensure the safe and legal handling of hazardous materials.