About Area Design

Andrew Ross graduated from Edinburgh

College of Art in 1997.

He joined Chapman Taylor, an

international architectural company and

was involved in projects ranging from

major shopping centres to airport

transfer lounges.

In 2002 Andrew moved to RyderHKS, a

large multi-disciplinary company with

offices in London, Newcastle and

several cities around the United States.

Andrew moved on to work for Brown

Architecture Studio in 2006. He was

responsible for many residential

projects as well as retail design and

implementation.

In 2009, Andrew set up Area Design to

concentrate solely on smaller scale

projects with a more personal client

relationship.

Andrew is registered as an Architect

with the Architect’s Registration Board

(ARB) and is a Chartered Member of the

Royal Institute of British Architects

(RIBA).

History

Every project is individual and will have

its own set of parameters and

challenges.

We seek to produce contemporary,

elegant architecture using clean and

simple lines. Designs will be

sympathetic to the surroundings

without attempting to replicate the

existing.

The results are intended to be both

beautiful to look at and inspiring to be

within.

Please feel free to contact me if you

are interested in how we can work

together to create a beautiful space.

Design

New build architecture

Extensions and loft conversions

Interior design

Space planning

Each new project will start with a client

consultation. From this discussion a

brief will be developed and series of

sketch designs and ideas can be

produced.

After developing the proposals

alongside the client a final set of

drawings is produced which will be

suitable for submission to the council

for a planning application. The

information is then followed up with

the planning department and any

necessary adjustments are made.

Once planning permission has been

obtained, further information is

produced in order to obtain Building

Regulations approval and for

tendering.

During the construction process

regular visits are made to ensure

smooth running of the project.

We are as happy to be consulted on

projects that require only some design

input as we are to overseeing full

projects from inception to completion.

Services

Why use an Architect?

- Architects are trained to take your brief

and can see the big picture.

- Architects look beyond your immediate

requirements to design flexible buildings

that will adapt with the changing needs

of your business/family.

- Architects solve problems creatively

- When they are involved at the earliest

planning stage, they gain more

opportunities to understand your

requirements, develop creative solutions,

and propose ways to reduce costs.

- Architects can save you money by

maximising your investment.

- A well-designed building can reduce

your bills now and increase its long-term

value.

- Architects can help manage your

project from site selection to completion.

- In many building projects the role of

the architect includes co-ordinating a

team of specialist consultants such as

landscape architects, engineers, quantity

surveyors, interior designers, builders

and subcontractors.

- Architects can save you time.

- By managing and co-ordinating key

project elements they allow you to focus

on your personal activities.

- They create total environments, interior

and exterior, which are pleasing and

functional for the people who work and

do business within them.

From the RIBA Website

Using an Architect

A buildng project is a big undertaking

and there are many things to consider,

not least of which is money. If you are

looking to obtain a budget estimate for

your work then £2000 per square metre

of floorspace being created is a good

guide. This should not be treated as an

accurate costing, just as an aid at the

early stages. Alternatively, why not get in

touch with a local builder and see if they

can give you an indication of costs. Their

figures are often not fully inclusive but

should help guide you. It is better to

scale back your project to suit your

budget rather than try to complete

everything and end up accepting a

reduced standard.

Many people are unaware that they have

an entitlement to extend their property

to the rear, the side or in the roof

without the need for planning

permission. There are limitations to when

and by how much but often clients’

requirements will fall within these

brackets. A ‘Certificate of Lawfulness’

should still be obtained from the Council

to confirm that the proposals are

acceptable. More details can be found on

the Planning Portal website (see links) or

your local Council’s website.

If you would like to find out more please

feel free to get in touch and I can

arrange to come over for an initial

consultation and discuss the project with

you in more detail.

General advice

When working on any project there are

other services and expenses you should

consider. These include the following:

Planning applications

The Council charge a fee for applications.

This is often £150 but can vary according

to the type and size of project.

Building Regulations

The details can be inspected by either

the Council or an Approved Inspector.

The fee is generally related to the scope

of the project but will often be between

£500 and £2500 for a domestic project.

Structural Engineer

Most projects require some input from a

Structural Engineer. Their fee proposal

will reflect the complexity of calculations

but will often be in the region of £1000

to £2000 for a domestic project.

Party Wall Surveyor

If you are building within certain

proximities of your neighbours then you

will need a Party Wall Award. Surveyors

costs range from £450 upwards

depending on requirements. Be aware

that you may also be liable for the costs

of your neighbours’ surveyors as well.

Other specialists you may wish to consult

include a Landscape Architect, Interior

Designer, Lighting Consultant and

Kitchen or Bathroom companies.

Be aware that almost all costs provided

for the project will exclude VAT.

Other consultants