Our aim is to encourage full involvement of the client from project inception through to realisation.

When you contact SIAW initially we will discuss your requirements in general and set up a first meeting. Our team will engage in refining your brief in relation to the site and including any other issues such as Planning Policy, site restrictions, Permitted Development rights etc.

As a result of those discussions, a Contract Proposal will be drawn up for your review covering the scope of work, the brief, the fee structure and any other appropriate terms and conditions.

On acceptance of the Contract Proposal we move to the concept stage which will consist of sketches with alternatives to demonstrate different potential solutions. This will enable you to compare and decide on the optimal functional design solution. A meeting would be held at this point to assist you in making your choice.

After the preferred option has been chosen we will move to the outline proposal stage, which will consist of a first draft of measured drawings (computerised) to enable you and SIAW to refine the elements of the building parts.

The next stage looks at the detailed design, which is development of the initial preferred concept design. Further interaction between you and SIAW will resolve various elements in order to arrive at the optimum solution. This stage is completed when we submit a Planning Application (drawings and documentation) to the relevant Local Authority. SIAW will liaise with the Planning Department during the process, however it is up to the Planner or the Committee to decide the application.

After receipt of the Planning Consent, we will start to prepare the working drawings (possibly in conjunction with other consultants such as a structural engineer) to enable the work to be put out to tender. Your input in this process is crucial. This is the 'real thing', the details that will transform the plan into your unique project. The coordinated tender package would be sent out to a minimum of three agreed contractors.

After the contractor has been appointed, SIAW will undertake the contract administration, meaning the process of monitoring the work on site in respect of programme and budget. The construction period is the most demanding part of the project for the client, and we will support you through it. The project is considered to be completed when all the works have been signed off and handover to you.