Our Services
Architectural
Design
When it comes to architectural services, every project is individual hence the services required to deliver it must be too. That’s why at Portman’s we pride ourselves on offering a bespoke service to accommodate the Clients’ needs from inception through to completion. From our initial no obligation consultation through to a measured survey and computer aided design everything is ran past you the Client. Statutory approvals are overseen and our long-standing relationships with Local Authorities’s (LA) across the region means we have succeeded where others before may not have done.
Properties range from domestic, industrial, educational and commercial to include new-build, renovation & refurbishments as well as conversions and extensions.
Our initial meeting, ideally at the property, helps clarify your overall needs and shall be detailed in writing to form the Brief outlining the works, programme and cost to avoid any ambiguity. Subject to confirmation the work starts in earnest with a dedicated point-of-contact.
Planning & Building Regulations
Most building work that alters the external appearance or use can require planning permission although it may be possible for certain small-scale changes to be carried out under Permitted Development (PD) and from our initial consultation we could advise on each case. Assuming planning is required Portman’s act as Agent on your behalf and oversee the application. We have built up a wide network of professional consultants such as ecologists, Highways consultants, Structural Engineers etc and arrange for their involvement with your instruction to assist where required. Once more this is outlined from the beginning to avoid any unwanted surprises.
Once Planning is achieved the design is worked up with the technical details required for Building Regulation purposes. This ensures the structure meets the necessary statutory levels of safety and performance. Again our close ties with LA’s helps ensure this sometimes complicated aspect gets readily approved.
Contract Administration
So, the design is approved and you’re desperate to build but how do you proceed? Even the simplest of jobs can have complications hence we advocate all works being undertaken only by reputable contractors with their responsibilities detailed in writing from the outset. Portman’s are happy to offer a call-in service whereby we only get involved if you need a helping hand or we can write full Specification of Work and oversee them under a recognised Joint Contracts Tribunal contract. This ensures quality and costs are regularly monitored with only completed works paid for. This safeguards you to ensure a smooth process through what is often one of your biggest single expenditures in life.
Conservation
Portman’s has built up an enviable portfolio of works to listed buildings and Conservation Area’s. Their design and materials are often sensitive and without careful attention to detail such alterations can ruin our Built Heritage. Our experience has enabled us to successfully renovate numerous properties and breathe new life into structures that would otherwise fall into disrepair.
Client Testimonials – Architectural Services
Portman Surveyors were used for our internal renovations and external new build scheme, as result of a personal recommendation. We are delighted with the results, and were guided through what was sometimes quite challenging works with great attentiveness. Thank you.
Want to see some of our projects
Have a look at our gallery where we show a selection of project "before and after" photos for our architectural services and surveying services.