Our aim is to design sustainable buildings which sit comfortably in their surroundings, but also inspire and excite.  Cornwall Architectural Design (CAD) provides a full range of architectural services from concept to completion throughout Cornwall (inc. Falmouth, Helston, St Ives, Truro and Penzance) and the south west including sketch schemes, planning permission, listed building consent, building regulations approval and contract administration during construction. We do not have a ‘house style’  but instead we work closely with you to develop a design that is uniquely right and exceeds your expectations.  Our design work varies from working with traditional, historic buildings to contemporary, modern projects.  We also work with specialist, local manufacturers and suppliers such as oak framers and renewable technologies to create a truly bespoke and special home for you. Ultimately good architecture should transform lives and rejuvenate places! 

 

The following is a list of our services offered; this is not exhaustive so please get in touch for further details.

 

• Pre-Purchase – invaluable planning advice before you commit to buying a property or piece of land. 

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• Feasibility Study – looking at the possibilities and options available to ensure your project is financially and technically viable but ultimately right for you.

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• Measured & Level Surveys – all our measured surveys of your existing property and surrounding land are undertaken in-house by a Chartered Surveyor in order to prepare the necessary c.a.d. (computer aided design) drawings which are both accurate and clear. Our surveys are in accordance with current RICS guidelines to ensure the highest standard of professional competence.  

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• Concept Creation – each project is unique and each individual building and site is assessed.   Many aspects are considered during the design process from the wider context, heritage and local vernacular to the scale, materials and the impact on the environment.  Working closely with you, we will develop your ideas to create and design your project. We use our experience and spend the time at the early stages to plan your home so it is right for you.

 

• Drawings – all our drawing work is undertaken in-house from initial sketch schemes to complex large scale construction details on c.a.d.  We produce all drawings necessary for planning permission, listed building consent and building regulations applications…….

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• Planning Permission – planning applications for new homes, extensions, oak frame, barn conversions, outbuildings and sustainable eco-developments. Having undertaken numerous planning applications, we have both experience and knowledge of the local planning regime, policies and regulations as well as a good working relationship with the Parish, Town and City Councils.

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• Building Regulations –  we provide a comprehensive and enhanced building regulations package that you or your chosen contractor can construct your project from.   As each project is unique, we do not provide you with ‘standard details’ that many providers issue, which are either not relevant to your build or require significant revisions made on site often resulting in mistakes and extra expense.  Our building regulations construction drawings are bespoke to your project; a typical building regulations package includes floor and setting out plans, sections, key large scale detailing, services layout plans including drainage, electrical and heating as well as a full specification of materials.

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• Listed Building Consent – listed building consent is required for all internal and external works including demolition, alteration or extension to a listed building and its outbuildings. Our national heritage is one of our most valuable assets and works to historic buildings require great care, understanding, and a sympathetic approach.  We have extensive experience in Cornwall (and previously in Bath) with historic listed buildings and have gained listed building consent for many differing projects including extensions, internal alterations as well as a church conversion.  For new buildings in a historic environment we favour sympathetic, contemporary design. Listed building applications typically require a structural survey, an historical appraisal, an impact assessment, a design statement and can include large scale details all of which are prepared in-house by CAD.

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• Permitted Development – some smaller works can be undertaken without planning permission and we offer advice on whether planning permission is required for your project and if not, how best to proceed.

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• Project Tender – preparation and forwarding of tender documents (including technical drawings & specifications) to reliable contractors to quote for the works and resultant tender analysis are undertaken by CAD.  Legal construction contracts are then put in place before works commence.

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• Project Control – we work closely with you and the chosen contractor to ensure the project runs smoothly, to time and within budget. Contract administration during construction includes regular site inspections, client meetings, valuation of works and all necessary certification. 

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• Post-Completion – at the end of the defects period we return to inspect your home and make sure you are happy with everything once works are completed and you have settled in.

 

Not everyone wants the full service, and it is possible to be involved in any of the above stages from the initial concept to planning drawings to detailed design to overseeing the construction work on site until completion.

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As you will no doubt appreciate, costs will vary depending on the level of service provided and complexity of the project. Initial consultations are free of charge and advice can be offered on which option of the above is best for you.