FAQs

A good Architect will ensure you start your project with the right advice, the right design, plan the most expedient and efficient process, guide you to avoid pitfalls, and deliver an end result that is tailor-made to suit your aspirations. Freddie Addo — the founder of Fg Addo Architects — has over 25 years’ experience in the construction industry and has left a trail of satisfied clients through the years. As a practice, we care equally about what you want to build, why you want to build and what you want to achieve from the finished project. Understanding this enables us to offer and deliver the perfect project that satisfies your needs and represents the best value for money.

An architect will have completed a minimum of 7 years of university education, practical experience, and passed the final exam to qualify as an Architect. The title “Architect” is protected by law — meaning you must be registered with the governing body Architects Registration Board (ARB) to legally call yourself an Architect.

An Architectural designer requires no qualifications from any governing body. There are many companies made up of Architectural designers or technicians who have a keen eye for design and can be very skilled at producing technical drawings. Just be mindful that they are not qualified Architects so make sure you are choosing the right company or person for your project.

Planning permission is required if you want to erect a new build house or development. In the case of an existing property, planning permission would be needed if the proposed alterations fall outside the government-prescribed guidelines allowed under permitted development. The planning application process is more rigorous, lengthy, and can be subjective, but it can also result in a more creative development or alteration.

Permitted development is a set of government-prescribed guidelines for alterations that can be made to certain types of property, in certain locations, without the need for planning permission. For example, flats do not benefit from permitted development rights and permitted development rights are restricted in conservation areas.​

It is worth noting that if your property benefits from permitted development rights, you will still need to submit an application and drawings to the council for either a lawful development certificate or prior approval for the proposed alterations. The permitted development process is less rigorous, relatively quick, and objective — provided the proposals are strictly within the government prescribed guidelines. Fg Addo Architects will advise and guide you in selecting the appropriate application for your project.

Very fairly. You can select all or part of our services, and our fees will be worked out depending on the size and complexity of the brief. Services such as a planning appraisal are worked out at an hourly rate. Services such as planning applications are calculated at a daily rate.

Full services, including planning applications, building control technical details, interior design, and construction supervision are worked out through a package rate.

The initial consultation is a time for us to discuss your requirements in more detail, understand your objectives for the project, and to see if you feel we are the right company for you and your project. At this time we will discuss our capabilities to deliver what you require. We will also offer you advice on any statutory requirements and foreseeable constraints or pitfalls relevant to your project, and from that, how we can help you to address and overcome them.

Yes. Depending on the planning requirements for the specific project, other professionals such as an arboricultural consultant, transport and highways consultant, and sunlight and daylight consultant will be required.

Projects that proceed beyond the planning application stage will require other professionals such as structural engineers, party wall surveyors, and mechanical and electrical consultants to name a few. Fg Addo Architects will bring onboard any consultants required at each stage of the project.

This depends on the size and complexity of the project as well as any existing constraints. Fg Addo Architects always strive to make the design process as thorough and time-efficient as possible.

Householder or minor applications are usually decided within 8 weeks. Large or controversial applications could take up to 13 weeks to get a decision.

A number of factors influence the cost of a project. They are:

Site access

• Ground conditions and type of foundations required
• Size and complexity of the project or development
• Condition of the existing building in the case of a proposal to add an extension
• Any works not directly related but required to facilitate the project
• Choice of building materials
• Choice of interior finishes and specifications

Fg Addo Architects and the team are always thorough in advising on the cost of projects to ensure that all aspects are covered.

A number of factors contribute to a project going over budget. They are:

• Contractors pricing based on sketch designs with an insufficient level of detail
• Contractors underestimating the lead time of materials and build time for the project
• Contractor’s lack of thorough site or building investigations before construction
• Client’s insufficient or no contingency set aside
• Client’s not taking VAT into account in their budget
• Client’s alterations to the design during construction

Fg Addo Architects work collaboratively with our contractors and clients to avoid the points listed above and give the project the best chance of being delivered within budget.