Step-by-Step Architectural Process from Concept to Completion
Our Process
Our Approach
At DA Design, every project is unique, and every decision is considered with care, precision, and purpose. Our approach is design-led, structured, and tailored to your individual needs,ensuring that your vision is translated into spaces that are both beautiful and practical.
From the very first survey to the final construction details, we focus on creating architecture that is thoughtful, enduring, and aligned with your lifestyle. We believe that good design is more than aesthetics – it balances spatial ambition, context, functionality, and longevity, producing spaces that feel exceptional to live in.
Survey
Stage One focuses on developing a precise understanding of your property. We undertake a detailed survey of the relevant areas, producing a comprehensive set of ‘existing’ drawings, including floor plans, sections, and elevations. This provides a solid foundation for the design, ensuring every decision that follows is informed, accurate, and tailored to your home.
Beyond the drawings themselves, this stage allows us to identify opportunities, constraints, and the subtle characteristics that make your home unique. By capturing these details early, we can approach the design process with clarity, confidence, and a clear vision for how your space can be transformed.
Who is involved?
We usually work with our trusted survey partners, who use specialist equipment to capture accurate measurements quickly and efficiently, while DA Design may occasionally carry out surveys directly to align with the design intent from day one, and all exterior land surveys are always completed by our experienced surveyors to provide a thorough, reliable foundation for the design process.
How long does it take?
Do I need to do anything?
Design
Stage Two is where your vision begins to take shape. Using the insights gathered in Stage One, we develop the proposed scheme from concept through to final design, refining spatial layouts, architectural details, and material considerations. This stage ensures the design responds to the site, your lifestyle, and any planning or technical requirements, creating a coherent solution tailored to you.
During this phase, we explore options, review feedback, and make considered refinements so that every aspect of the design aligns with your expectations. We often invite clients to our office for a pre-design meeting, giving you the chance to discuss the proposal in detail and ensure that every refinement reflects your vision before moving forward.
Who is involved?
This stage is primarily a collaboration between you and DA Design. We may also engage additional consultants, such as structural engineers or specialist advisors, if the project requires it. Each participant is carefully selected to ensure expertise, precision, and seamless coordination throughout the design process.
How long does it take?
The duration varies depending on the complexity of the project and the level of refinement required. Typically, this stage spans a few weeks, allowing us to explore options thoughtfully, incorporate feedback, and develop a considered, fully resolved design.
Do I need to do anything?
Your involvement is central to achieving a design that truly reflects your aspirations. There are three key ways you can support this stage:
Share your vision: Provide sketches, mood boards, images, or examples of what inspires you.
Provide feedback: Respond honestly to the design concepts we present. If something doesn’t feel right, let us know.
Enable clarity: Early decisions and adjustments make the process smoother and more efficient. Refining the design now avoids unnecessary changes later.
Planning
Stage Three focuses on securing the necessary planning consents, building directly on the approved design from Stage Two. This stage involves preparing and submitting all required drawings and documentation, ensuring the proposal is presented clearly and effectively. By considering planning implications throughout the design phase, we aim to anticipate potential challenges and present a scheme that aligns with both your vision and local requirements.
With over a decade of experience, we have a thorough understanding of the planning processes. Our established relationships and practical knowledge allow us to navigate queries efficiently, respond to requests promptly, and maximise the likelihood of a smooth and timely approval.
Who is involved?
The participants vary depending on the type of application and your project’s requirements. DA Design manages the entire process, coordinating with any necessary consultants to ensure the submission is clear, complete, and professionally presented.
How long does it take?
Time frames will depend on the type of application. Most are subject to a statutory determination period of eight weeks, with additional time required for preparation and validation by the local authority. However, it is common for applications to run over this statutory period, so don’t be disheartened if it takes longer – we will manage any delays and keep you informed of what’s happening every step of the way.
Do I need to do anything?
Generally, no. We handle all paperwork and liaise with any consultants involved. Once the application is submitted, a payment link for the planning fee will be sent directly to you, and prompt payment ensures the application is transferred from the national portal to the local authority without delay.
In some cases, the local council may send a site notice for you to display outside the property, and neighbours may be notified as part of the consultation process. Being transparent about the proposal is beneficial, helping to maintain good relationships and ensuring that everyone affected is aware of the planned works.
Technical
Stage Four focuses on developing the technical design details required to move the project forward. This involves preparing a comprehensive set of drawings, notes, and specifications to demonstrate compliance with building regulations. At this stage, we translate the design concept into detailed, buildable documentation, ensuring every aspect is practical and constructible. We also coordinate with consultants and the project team to resolve any technical challenges before construction begins.
We ensure all technical aspects are addressed and we liaise with other consultants – from Structural Engineers to Energy Assessors. These
documents form the foundation for the construction phase and may also be used to obtain quotes.
Who is involved?
At this stage, the primary consultants are us and Structural Engineers. If the project requires other consultants, their input will also be integrated into the technical package.
How long does it take?
The time frame depends on the complexity of your project, but this stage typically takes four to six weeks from commission to the delivery of all technical information. During this time, we work closely with other consultants, going back and forth as needed to ensure the scheme is consistent across all documents and fully coordinated for construction.
We carefully manage this process to minimize delays and maintain quality. You’ll always be kept informed of progress, so you can see how the design is developing.
Do I need to do anything?
Your involvement at this stage is minimal. However, we do need to know if you have a preferred contractor or approved inspector, so we can coordinate with them as required.
We also encourage you to highlight any specific preferences you’d like incorporated into the fabric of the building, such as low-carbon technologies, particular insulation types, or other bespoke requirements. This ensures that the technical package fully reflects your priorities before construction begins.
Company Beliefs
Upcoming Project
Contact Us
If you’re looking for project planning, design or technical expertise – we’ve got you covered.