Expert Architectural Services, delivered
by a team committed to thoughtful design.

Architectural design services

We offer a full range of Architectural services from initial concepts to handover and completion. We can act as lead designer and co-ordinate multi-disciplinary teams to ensure smooth project delivery. We would work with fellow professionals who we feel are appropriate for the scale and complexity of each project. We can tailor our services to suit our clients need whether this is in a traditional role or design and build. We would follow the stages set out in the RIBA plan of work and these would include: • Taking and developing the initial brief • Site appraisal • Initial feasibility studies • Developing the detailed design • Planning applications and the co-ordination of associated presentation material and documents. • Detailed design leading up to Tender • Building Regulation application • Construction Detailing and operations on Site • Final Inspection sign off and handover

Our design services leaders

Carla Pinto Architect

CDM PD

The CDM Regulations (Construction Design Management) 2015 Introduced the role of the Principal Designer. The PD role is to co-ordinate and manage Health and safety during the preconstruction phase of a project ensuring that risks are identified and mitigated effectively. The 2015 Regulations imposed greater responsibilities on the client and the PD can act on behalf of the in an advisory capacity in discharging their duties. The role does not end once construction begins, as PD we record and monitor design changes, and these are communicated to the principal contractor. The PD will also prepare and maintain the Health and Safety file which is useful for the future maintenance of the building. At HTC we have undertaken the required training to undertake the CDMPD Role and employ specialist consultants to assist with discharging our duties where required.

Our design services leaders

Matthew Naylor Associate

Building Regs Principle Designer

The building Safety Act 2022 was introduced as a result of the independent review following the Grenfell fire in 2017. The conclusion was that the system of building regulation and fire safety was not fit for purpose. The BSA lead to wider changes in the industry. The Principal Designer (Building Regulations) has specific responsibilities under the Building Safety Act 2022, which include: • Cooperating with other duty holders: Ensuring that all parties involved in the project work together to comply with building regulations. • Sharing information: Providing relevant building information to all designers and contractors involved in the project. • Communicating effectively: Ensuring clear communication among all parties to ensure compliance with building regulations. • Supporting each other: Assisting other duty holders to ensure their work aligns with the requirements of the building regulations. • Mandatory reporting: For higher-risk buildings, the Principal Designer must put in place processes to support a mandatory occurrence reporting system. • Replacement reporting: If a Principal Designer is replaced, the new Principal Designer must check the previous Principal Designer's work and report any issues to the client. These responsibilities are designed to ensure that building safety and compliance with the building regulations become a central focus of the procurement process. The Principal Designer must also provide a signed compliance declaration within five days of the completion of the work, confirming that it has fulfilled its responsibilities. Non-compliance with these responsibilities is a criminal offense.

Our design services leaders

Nigel Teal Consultant

Party wall advice

The Party Wall Act 1996 was introduced in 1997 as a legal framework in England and Wales that governs building works affecting shared walls, structure, or excavation near neighbouring properties, ensuring notice, agreement, and dispute resolution between property owners. HTC Architects have undertaken the relevant training to act as Party Wall Surveyors. We can advise whether your project falls within the act and what actions are needed to fulfil your duties. This could include advising on the various type of Party Wall/Excavations and which notice to serve to the adjoining owners. We can also undertake the relevant condition surveys and advise whether specialist remedial works are needed.

Our design services leaders

Nigel Teal Consultant

Design services

Project delivery

Principle design

DDA Advice

DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) 1995. This bill made it mandatory that all establishments and service providers, open to the public, have taken reasonable steps to provide access for disabled people. Under the Equality Act 2010, made DDA compliance is a legal obligation to ensure accessibility for disabled individuals. Whilst the act DDA 1995 act was superseded by the Equality Act 2010. DDA Compliance is still a term used to refer to disability awareness in designs and buildings whether this is access via ramps or lifts, to other considerations such as colour palates and lighting for visually impaired. HTC have undertaken design awareness training to assess and highlight potential design flaws when considering not only Building Regulations Part M compliance but the wider design considerations of various disabilities.

Design Leadership with collaborative consultation