kickstart consultation
for Home improvement projects
Through our exciting live design session, you can quickly define the scope of your home improvement project. Get to grips with design, costs and planning and minimise the likelihood of stress, time wasting and escalating costs on your residential architecture project.
Listen
Let’s understand your frustrations with, and vision for your existing property
Design
We’ll sketch out your ideas and our suggestions so you can visualise the outcome
Budget
Get a feel for how much your project will cost with a priced concept design
Direction
Understand the next steps such as planning permission and finding a builder
ABOUT THE KICK START CONSULTATION
get the guidance you need
Considering the possibilities and options related to property improvement projects like extensions and conversions can be mind-boggling. We help you untangle the possibilities, options and challenges of your project. Our popular Kickstart Consultation has been designed specifically to give you the guidance, information, reassurance, ideas and inspiration you need to validate your plans and define the scope of your project. By the end of the 3 hour?? session you will be able to decide how to move forward with your project.
Pricing
This stand-alone service is charged is £xxx +VAT, collectable at the end of the consultation. 50% of these fees will be discounted back from future fees should we both decide to proceed beyond the Kickstart Consultation.
Deliverables
The Kickstart Consultation deliverables include hand drawn sketches, lead times, project length, indicative costs and statutory requirements.
4 step kickstart consultation
1. listening
Let’s understand your frustrations with, and vision for your existing property. Via an exciting Architect lead one-to-one live design session at your property, we will walk and talk the areas you want to adapt and extend. The aim is to ask guiding questions and to listen to you, so we clearly understand your frustrations with the existing property and your vision for the future.
2. Design
We’ll sketch out your ideas and our suggestions so you can visualise the outcome. The tracing paper comes out and we start bringing your dream to life. We’ll use existing plans, estate agent layouts or our own hand sketch of the existing property plan to then sketch out the new designs. Through and interactive and iterative process you will be able to see what your new home could look and feel like and you will have an agreed concept design by the end of your Kickstart Consultation. We take these sketches back to the studio, tidy them up and send them back to you in as a PDF.
3. budget
Get a feel for how much your project will cost with a priced concept design. It is important for us to understand what elements of the project are fundamental and what elements you might be willing to sacrifice. What can be done in any given project is determined by budget and any building or site constraints that may exist. We help you clarify the possibilities and challenges related to things like space, topography, planning and budget. We also ensure you consider less obvious aspects of your project such as energy efficiency, services or garden design. Understanding your hierarchy of needs indicates what solutions we need to focus on. This feeds into a detailed project brief which is to accurately scope, plan and price your project.
4. direction
Understand the next steps such as planning permission and finding a builder. During the Kickstart Consultation we’ll explain planning permission, building regulations and statutary consents related to your specific project. We’ll go through what steps you will need to take next, including an outline of how to find the right builder and manage your project going forward.
4 step kickstart consultation
1. listening
Let’s understand your frustrations with, and vision for your existing property. Via an exciting Architect lead one-to-one live design session at your property, we will walk and talk the areas you want to adapt and extend. The aim is to ask guiding questions and to listen to you, so we clearly understand your frustrations with the existing property and your vision for the future.
2. Design
We’ll sketch out your ideas and our suggestions so you can visualise the outcome. The tracing paper comes out and we start bringing your dream to life. We’ll use existing plans, estate agent layouts or our own hand sketch of the existing property plan to then sketch out the new designs. Through and interactive and iterative process you will be able to see what your new home could look and feel like and you will have an agreed concept design by the end of your Kickstart Consultation. We take these sketches back to the studio, tidy them up and send them back to you in as a PDF.
3. budget
Get a feel for how much your project will cost with a priced concept design. It is important for us to understand what elements of the project are fundamental and what elements you might be willing to sacrifice. What can be done in any given project is determined by budget and any building or site constraints that may exist. We help you clarify the possibilities and challenges related to things like space, topography, planning and budget. We also ensure you consider less obvious aspects of your project such as energy efficiency, services or garden design. Understanding your hierarchy of needs indicates what solutions we need to focus on. This feeds into a detailed project brief which is to accurately scope, plan and price your project.
4. direction
Understand the next steps such as planning permission and finding a builder. During the Kickstart Consultation we’ll explain planning permission, building regulations and statutary consents related to your specific project. We’ll go through what steps you will need to take next, including an outline of how to find the right builder and manage your project going forward.
5 star Google reviews
“Came across the Kickstart Consultation service offered by Harvey Norman Architects through a Google search for a local architect. It has been the answer to getting me passed that impasse of not being quiet ready to ‘go the whole hog’, but needing a professional to help me move forward. Our house needs help; it is a very ordinary home in need of bringing into the 21st century but I was very unsure about where to begin. The Kickstart Consultation has provided an opportunity to take that 1st step to begin pulling thoughts together. Ian’s consultation was: fabulously informative about how to achieve my ideas, contributed ideas and vision that I hadn’t thought of.... and productive in making a plan of action.”
“We approached Harvey Norman Architects to get a better understanding of the viability of an extension. The offering of their Kick Start product allowed us to sit down and assess the viability, without having to engage in the full process. The time that Ian spent with us was invaluable, and the offer of sound and realistic advice was allowed us to make better decisions. Despite being an informal session, we were presented with representative drawings and budgetary advice after the session, which was very useful.”
FAQs
How long is the Kickstart Consultation?
Depending on the size of the project, the session at your property normally takes about 2-3 hours.
What do I get from the Kickstart Consultation?
Because we believe that getting started on the right foot is essential, on average, about 10 hours of our time goes into a Kickstart Consultation. After our 2-3 hour design session at your property, we go back to the studio to tidy up your drawings and produce a scaled freehand‐drawn 1:50 scale outline layout proposal. We also give you documentation on indicative costings, procurement options, statutory consents and how to move your project forward with a possible programme.
How much does it cost?
This stand-alone service is charged is £xxx +VAT, collectable at the end of the consultation. 50% of these fees will be discounted back from future fees should we both decide to proceed beyond the Kickstart Consultation.
Do I need to provide plans for my house?
If you have any plans or agent’s layouts you could provide before the Kickstart Consultation it will save a lot of time on the day. However, if you don’t have any plans we can still go ahead as we can measure up your property on the day.
Can I have a Kickstart Consultation for a property I am looking to buy?
Yes. We offer a Home Buyers Kickstart Consultation which you can find out about here.
Can I have a Kickstart Consultation for a property I am thinking of building?
Yes. We offer a Land …. xxx Kickstart Consultation which you can find out about here
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about the kick start consultation
Considering the possibilities and options related to building or extending a property can be mind-boggling. So let’s untangle the possibilities, options and challenges of your project. Arriving at a basic design concept, understanding statutary requirements, managing the project and understanding costs are just some of the many areas to think about.
The Kick Start Consultation helps you define a possible outline and a likely way forward for your project through a live design session at your home!
“Our popular Kickstart Consultation has been designed specifically to give you the guidance, information, reassurance, ideas and inspiration you need to validate your plans, define the scope of your project and validate your plans. By the end of the session you will be well informed and in an excellent position to make a decision on how to move forward with your extension or building project.”
Watch what John Eastgate has to say about his experience working with Harvey Norman Architects (2:32 minutes). View the pictures and case study of the complete architecture project and read what Good Homes Magazine had to say about it.
Watch Rachael's testimonial video about working with Harvey Norman Architects (3:00) and view the pictures of the completed Sandpit Lane project.
the 4 step Kick Start Consultation
Caroline on the benefits of commissioning our Kick Start consultation (x minutes).
“The Kickstart Consultation gives you an opportunity to share your ideas and ask questions. You’ll go from idea to priced concept design in 2 hours!”
Step 1 - listening
Via an exciting live design session at the property you are looking to develop, we will walk and talk the areas you want to adapt and extend. The aim is to ask guiding questions and to listen to you, so we clearly understand your frustrations with the existing property and your vision for the future.
Step 2 - hierarchy of needs and detailed brief
It is important for us to understand what elements of the project are fundamental and what elements you might be willing to sacrifice. What can be done in any given project is determined by budget and any building or site constraints that may exist. We help you clarify the possibilities and challenges related to things like space, topography, planning and budget. We also ensure you consider less obvious aspects of your project such as energy efficiency, services or garden design. Understanding your hierarchy of needs indicates what solutions we need to focus on. This feeds into a detailed project brief which is to accurately scoping, planning and pricing your project.
Step 3 - bringing your dream to life
The most exciting stage is when we get the tracing paper out and start sketching out your ideas and our suggestions. We’ll use existing plans or estate agent layouts or our own hand sketch of the existing property plan and then sketch out the new designs. Through and interactive and iterative process you will be able to see what your new home could look and feel like. You will have an agreed concept design by the end of your Kick Start Consultation.
Step 4 - planning, pricing and procurement
We’ll explain planning permission, building regulations and statutary consents related to your specific project and you'll get a feel for the price of your project and how long it may take. We’ll also run through what steps you will need to take next, including an outline of how to find the right builder and manage your project going forward.
project Gallery
All these projects started out as a Kick Start Consultation. Although many clients go on to work with us after their Kick Start Consultation, you don’t have to.
deliverables
The Kickstart Consultation deliverables include hand drawn sketches of the scheme, a bar chart setting out lead times and project length, a spreadsheet with indicative costs and information about the planning process.
Pricing
The stand‐alone Kick Start Consultation is £XX.00 (excluding VAT) and is collectable at the end of the consultation. 50% of these fees will be discounted back from future fees should we both decide to proceed further than the Kick Start Consultation. An invoice, with our bank details, will be issued two days in advance of the meeting, or earlier by agreement. A further 5% discount is offered if the fee is transferred before the meeting.
KICKSTART YOUR project today
Quickly define the scope of your project and get to grips with design, costs and planning.
residential architecture services
THE RECOMMENDED STARTING POINT FOR A RESIDENTIAL EXTENSION OF NEW BUILD PROJECT IS THE KICKSTART CONSULTATION. FOLLOWING THAT WE OFFER A RANGE OF ARCHITECTURE SERVICES. THESE ARE:
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING
We'll develop your outline into a full scheme design. Our focus is guiding you through the right Planning application process.
BUILDING REGULATIONS
Here we focus on your Building Regulations application, drawings and approval. We work with you to ease the process, provide support and ensure all regulatory requirements are met.
INTERIOR DESIGN AND TENDER
We help you bring the building to life with interior design concepts. We'll also help you choose the right builder through a carefully managed selection process.
CONSTRUCTION
Finally, we administer the construction contract. Our project management and quality control skills will take you through to your all new build or extension.