In the world of development control there are two certainties, an approval or a refusal. Today, Studio 27 Architects are pleased to announce receipt of planning permission for an 8-bedroom extension to a care home in Worcestershire. The care home is one of a number that we, Studio 27 Architects, have worked with over several years.

The determination of the application was not without issues and we are grateful for the positive and proactive manner with which Malvern Hills District Council sought solutions that enabled a positive outcome to the planning application.

Whilst the Covid-19 pandemic wreaks havoc across the world, here at Studio 27 Architects we continue to work and provide architectural services to our clients. However, due to the restriction on non-essential travelling, the Shipston on Stour office is closed until the travel ban is lifted.
edit.

At Studio 27 Architects we have successfully obtained Prior Approval for conversion of agricultural buildings into new residential properties under permitted development rights.

The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 allows owners of agricultural buildings to convert them to dwellings under a simplified planning process known as Prior Approval, subject to certain restrictions. So if you have an agricultural building that is under-used, why not contact us to see whether it has the potential for a conversion?

A recent RIBA report about the architectural profession has highlighted clients' frustrations with architects not being able to deliver during both the concept stages and the technical design stages. Many clients are appointing one architect to undertake pre-planning services, and another to complete post-planning services. It appears that many practices in the profession are either geared up for delivering concept design work, or technical design work, but rarely both.

This is of course a great shame not only for the profession, but also for clients, who would presumably much rather retain one architect from start to finish, and in doing so avoid the inefficiency, unnecessary expense, and inconvenience involved with having to find a new architect once planning permission has been granted.

At Studio 27 Architects, we regularly work with clients from inception right through to completion, undertaking highly conceptual feasibility work and ‘strategic design’, through to highly technical work such as the delivery of BIM models and data for facilities management, and performance of the Principal Designer roles for the purposes of the CDM Regulations.

Key to this is our desire to foster an in depth understanding of our client’s needs and aspirations right from the outset; whether that is understanding the business goals and branding of a commercial client, or the lifestyle and stylistic preferences of a domestic client. This important step allows us to manage a project properly and deliver a bespoke service to each and every client, with a consistent team for the duration of the project.

If you are considering appointing an architect, bear in mind the advantages of appointing somebody you can trust with all stages of the project, from the very exciting initial design phase, through to the nitty-gritty of statutory legislation, contract administration, and energy efficiency. Please do visit our services page for more information about what we can do to help you, or contact us to arrange a free initial consultation.

We recently offered a work experience placement to A-Level student Laura Breakwell. Laura is hoping to study architecture at university and go on to pursue a career in architecture. Here is what she had to say about here placement:

"Even though I only spent a few days with David and his team I felt like my time was very beneficial. I learnt about the different aspects that I would never have thought I would be able to do! Including using and learning about ArchiCAD, a programme that I wouldn't have been able to learn about or even try without this work experience placement. I am therefore extremely grateful for this opportunity. Not only did I learn a variety of things within the office but I also got the chance to visit a construction site and see the plans in real life, this made it seem more realistic and it was satisfying to see the plans transform into a building.

When I first arrived at the office I was soon taught all about the Architect guidelines, the code of conduct and a plan of work and this gave me more of a clear understanding about this profession which is what my aim was for this experience.

Not only did I learn a lot about the profession but also David has given me clarity on the pathways (e.g university) to take to get to being an Architect and this is the most valuable thing I have learnt this week as it has not only given me direction for the future but it has also inspired me to look towards my future in architecture."

We will be offering another placement next summer, so if you're considering your career options, please let us know as soon as possible as demand for a placement is often very high.