CONSIDERED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN FOR SMALLER RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS.

DC__DESIGN__PACK

Planning an extension, remodelling your home or looking to make better use of the space you already have?

The DC Design Pack provides a clear and structured architectural service for straightforward residential projects, taking you from your initial ideas through survey, concept design and a professionally developed planning-stage proposal.

You’ll receive the same considered, design-led approach that underpins every DC Collective project, delivered through a clearly defined scope, clear deliverables and one fixed professional fee.

Good design. A clear process. Confidence from the outset.

ONE FIXED PROFESSIONAL FEE — £3,000 Exc. VAT

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WHO IS THE DESIGN PACK FOR?

The DC Design Pack is designed for homeowners considering clearly defined residential projects such as:

_ Single-storey extensions

_ Kitchen and dining extensions

_ Internal remodelling

_ Loft and dormer conversions

_ Garage conversions

_ Home offices and garden rooms

_ External alterations

_ Permitted Development proposals

It is particularly suited to projects where you want professional architectural design and a coordinated planning-stage package, without initially committing to a full architectural service through construction.

Every project is individually designed around your home, priorities and budget. The process may be defined, but the design is never standardised.

DESIGNED BY ARCHITECTS, NOT SIMPLY DRAWN.

The Design Pack is led by registered architects and approaches even smaller projects as design problems, considering space, light, proportion, circulation, context and how your home works as a whole.

Covered garden walkway with steel and glass canopy, cobblestone path, wildflower planting and stone house beyond, residential extension

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Every project begins with understanding your home, your priorities and what you hope to achieve.

    We’ll discuss how you currently use the property, what isn’t working, your aspirations for the project and the construction budget you are working towards.

    We’ll also consider any obvious planning or practical constraints and establish the most appropriate route forward.

    Included:

    — Initial design consultation
    — Review of your priorities and aspirations
    — Discussion around anticipated construction budget
    — Initial review of planning constraints
    — Advice on the likely planning or Permitted Development route
    — Agreed project brief

  • We’ll visit your property to record the areas relevant to the proposed works and create an accurate digital record from which to develop the design.

    Included:

    — Measured survey of the relevant areas
    — Site and contextual photography
    — Existing floor plans
    — Relevant existing elevations
    — Existing roof plan, where required
    — Digital PDF drawing package

    Where specialist survey information is required due to the nature of the property or site, we’ll identify this separately.

  • This is where we explore the potential of your home.

    Using the agreed brief and survey information, we’ll develop a considered architectural proposal that responds to how you want to live, looking beyond simply adding floor area to consider space, circulation, natural light, views and the relationship between your home and garden.

    Included:

    — One principal design proposal
    — Proposed floor plans
    — Relevant elevations and roof plan
    — Initial material and architectural direction
    — 3D design development
    — Design presentation and client review
    — One coordinated round of amendments

    The result is a design that is individual to your home while remaining focused on the agreed brief and project budget.

  • As part of the agreed design, we'll provide initial guidance on the key materials and products that help define the architectural character of the proposal while remaining conscious of the agreed construction budget.

    Where appropriate, this may include initial recommendations for glazing, external materials, roofing, cladding, doors and other key architectural elements.

    This provides an initial material direction rather than a detailed specification or interior design package.

  • Understanding your proposal shouldn’t require you to interpret architectural drawings.

    We develop the design three-dimensionally, helping you understand the scale, form and relationship between the existing property and proposed alterations before the design is finalised.

    Included:

    — Two selected 3D model views illustrating the agreed proposal
    — Illustration of the overall architectural form and scale

    Photorealistic CGI imagery, interior visualisations and animations can be added as an optional service.

  • Once the design has been agreed, we’ll develop the proposal into a coordinated planning-stage drawing package and manage the submission of the appropriate planning application on your behalf.

    We don't simply provide you with a set of drawings and leave you to navigate the planning process yourself. DC Collective will act as your Planning Agent, submitting and managing the application on your behalf.

    Included:

    — Site location plan
    — Existing and proposed block plans
    — Existing and proposed floor plans
    — Existing and proposed elevations
    — Roof plans, where required
    — Relevant architectural sections
    — Coordinated planning-stage PDF drawing package
    — Preparation and submission of the planning application
    — Completion of the relevant application forms
    — Acting as Planning Agent on your behalf
    — Liaison with the Local Planning Authority during the determination period
    — Keeping you informed of material correspondence or requests from the Planning Officer

    The appropriate application route will be determined by the nature of the proposal and, for projects falling within the scope of the Design Pack, will typically comprise either a Householder Planning Application or Lawful Development Certificate.

    Local Authority application fees and any specialist reports or third-party consultant fees required to support the application are not included within the £3,000 (exc. VAT) Design Pack fee.

    The Design Pack includes management of the application based on the agreed design submitted to the Local Planning Authority. Any amendments or additional design work requested following submission that fall outside the agreed Design Pack scope will be discussed with you before any additional work is undertaken or fees incurred.

START YOUR DESIGN PACK
Kitchen and dining area with pink cabinetry island, terrazzo floor, oak shelving and monstera plant, interior design project.

FROM FIRST IDEAS TO PLANNING SUBMISSION. ONE FIXED FEE.

Architectural services should be clear and understandable from the outset.

The DC Design Pack provides a clearly defined architectural service from initial consultation and measured survey through concept design, 3D visualisation and preparation and submission of your planning application.

THE DC DESIGN PACK — £3,000 Exc. VAT

Consultation. Survey. Design. 3D visualisation. Planning drawings. Planning application submitted and managed by DC Collective.

One clearly defined architectural service, with one clearly defined professional fee.

Before we begin, you'll receive a written Fee Proposal confirming exactly what is included, the information you'll receive, the agreed number of design revisions and any project-specific exclusions.

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The fixed fee applies to projects confirmed by DC Collective as suitable for the Design Pack. Local Authority application fees and any specialist surveys, reports or third-party consultant fees are excluded.

DISCOVER

We meet with you, review the property and establish your priorities, budget and project brief.

DESIGN

We survey the relevant areas and develop a considered architectural proposal around the way you want to live.

PREPARE

We refine the agreed design and produce the coordinated planning-stage drawing package.

PROGRESS

You can use the completed package as a standalone piece of work or appoint DC Collective to guide the project through the next stages.

A STANDALONE SERVICE, WITH ROOM TO PROGRESS.

The DC Design Pack is intended to provide a complete planning-stage design service.

Once the package has been completed, there is no obligation to appoint DC Collective for the later stages. You may choose to pause the project, obtain preliminary contractor advice or progress the next stage separately.

However, planning drawings are not construction drawings and should not be used by a contractor to buildthe project.

Before construction begins, most projects will require additional technical information, consultant input and Building Regulations approval.

Should you wish to continue, DC Collective can provide a seamless service from the agreed concept throughto detailed design, tendering and construction.

OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL SERVICES

  • Technical architectural information developed to support a Building Regulations application and construction.

  • Principal Designer services under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations and Building Regulations, where applicable and agreed within our appointment.

  • Coordination of the architectural design with structural calculations and information prepared by an appointed structural engineer.

  • Development of kitchens, bathrooms, fitted joinery, lighting, finishes, furniture and the wider interior character of the home.

  • More detailed selection and coordination of external materials, internal finishes, products, fixtures and fittings.

  • Photorealistic exterior or interior images to communicate the finished design.

  • Preparation of tender information, issue to selected contractors and assistance reviewing returned quotations.

  • Ongoing architectural guidance, site reviews, contractor liaison and contract administration during construction.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Unless specifically identified within your written proposal, the Design Pack does not include:

_ Local authority and third-party application fees _ Building Regulations and detailed technical design
_ Structural, drainage, mechanical or electrical engineering
_ Specialist surveys and reports, including topographical, asbestos, ecology, arboricultural or heritage advice
_ Party Wall or quantity surveying services
_ Detailed interior design, specifications or product selection
_ Tendering, contractor appointment or construction-stage services
_ Contract administration or certification of the completed works

Where any of these services are likely to be required, we will explain this during the initial stages and help you identify the appropriate route forward.

Open plan kitchen diner with walnut cabinetry, green zellige tile splashback, concrete floor and black dome pendant lights

FAQ’S

IS THE DESIGN PACK SUITABLE FOR EVERY PROJECT?

The package is primarily intended for clearly defined, smaller residential projects. Larger extensions, listed buildings, complex sites, substantial internal remodelling and bespoke new-build homes may require a more comprehensive architectural appointment. We will advise you honestly if another service would be more appropriate.

DOES THE PACKAGE INCLUDE A PLANNING APPLICATION?

The package includes the architectural drawings required for an appropriate planning-stage submission and the preparing, submitting and managing of the application.

DOES PLANNING APPROVAL GUARANTEE THAT I CAN BUILD THE DESIGN?

No. Planning approval relates principally to the acceptability of the development from a planning perspective. Before construction, the design will normally need to be developed to address Building Regulations,structure, drainage, construction details, buildability and health and safety requirements.

CAN A BUILDER PRICE THE PLANNING DRAWINGS?

A contractor may be able to provide an early budget indication from planning drawings, but reliable fixed pricing normally requires a coordinated technical and specification package. Planning-stage drawings should not be relied upon as construction information.

CAN DC COLLECTIVE HELP ME AFTER PLANNING?

Yes. We can continue the project through technical design, Building Regulations, interior design, tendering and construction-stage services.

WILL I OWN THE DRAWINGS?

You will receive a licence to use the completed drawings for the agreed project and property, subject to payment of all professional fees and the terms of our appointment. Copyright in the drawings and design remains with DC Collective.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?

The programme will depend on the property, project complexity, availability of survey information and the speed of client feedback. An anticipated programme will be included within your individual fee proposal.

GOOD DESIGN SHOULD NOT BE RESERVED FOR LARGE PROJECTS.

Even a modest extension or carefully planned internal alteration can transform the way a home isexperienced.

The DC Design Pack brings together professional architectural guidance, considered design and clear planning-stage information, giving you the confidence to make informed decisions before committing to the next stage of your project.

START YOUR PROJECT WITH DC COLLECTIVE

Tell us about your property, what you would like to change and the approximate construction budget you are working towards.

We'll review your project and confirm whether the DC Design Pack is the right route for you before you commit to anything.

START YOUR DESIGN PACK