Our Process

From initial consultation to completion, we can support you every step.

Working with home owners

Our step-by-step architectural services will guide your project from start to finish.

Surveys

We take a thorough and detailed approach to gain a complete understanding of your building or site. This phase frequently involves a measured survey, which offers a detailed basis and a solid starting point for your project. We coordinate tree, drainage, and measured survey data to guide our design.

Consultation meeting

Not only do we listen— we also want to find out what matters to you for your project. Working closely with you to develop an understanding of your specific needs allows us to develop the most effective solutions and provide professional assistance at every stage.

Based on all of the information we collected during our consultation and survey, we develop your brief with the unique possibilities of the site to formulate a more detailed design brief for your project. From this, we develop initial concept designs for your consideration.

Concept design

Good architectural design will improve your living and working experience. You play a key role in our design review and development process, ending up with a final design.

Final design

Our role doesn’t always end once construction begins. We can help you navigate the contract administration, technical queries and site issues. Streamlining the decision making, helping keep the project on time and budget.

Construction

Schools and Commercial Clients

The skills and experience within HF Architecture encompass both the public and private sectors and include residential, listed buildings, commercial, retail, projects.

We have extensive experience of new build and renovation work for both developers and commercial projects. For commercial projects, Architectural work is typically divided into a sequence of different stages which can be commissioned as a whole or separately. The RIBA’s plan of work stages set out the construction project from conception to completion.

Building regulations Principal Designer

Under the Building Safety Act 2022, the Principal Designer (Building Regulations) is a mandatory appointment for all construction projects, responsible for planning, managing, and monitoring design work to ensure compliance with building regulations. To find out more go to Principal Designers duties

Principal Designer CDM 2015

Under the Building Safety Act 2022, the Principal A principal designer can be an organisation or individual who is appointed by the client (commercial or domestic) to take the lead in planning, managing, monitoring and coordinating health and safety during the pre-construction phase (design and planning stage) of a project involving, or likely to involve, more than one contractor.

The two Principal Designers roles...

FAQs

Why use an Archiect?

Using an architect ensures that the work is completed to a professional standard and complies with Building control regulations. Additionally, an architect can aid you in selecting the most suitable builder for your project and oversee the project’s entire process.

Why should you choes HF Architecture?

From our experience, the success of a project often hinges on the people involved and their ability to work and communicate together effectively. Therefore the Architect that fits best with you should be your first choice.

However we believe that most other Architects are skilled at producing both thoughtful designs and precise technical drawings but they can falter when it comes to the daily management of people, expectations and decisions. This is where we can make the difference. We work closely with our clients, consultants and contractors to ensure the project stays on course and address any issues that may arise early in order to maintain momentum.

The Cost of Not Using an Architect?

When embarking on a construction project, particularly one with limited budget, it's understandable to want find ways to cut costs. However, Architects have to go through years of training to qualify. Ensuring that the work is completed to a professional standard and complies with Building Control regulations. After all you are investing a lot of hard earned money into your build.

Can you guarantee getting Planning approval?

The simple answer is that no one can guarantee planning approval. All planning decisions are determined by the local authority and involve a level of subjectivity, meaning that neither architects nor planning consultants can provide a guarantee of approval.

That being said, we are committed to offering you honest and informed guidance on how to increase the likelihood of success for your application. This encompasses:
-Advising on planning strategy depending on the type of application

- Creating a well-reasoned design in line with the site and surroundings

- Suggesting early engagement with the local planning authority when beneficial

- Identifying when additional expertise is necessary — for instance, from a planning consultant or ecologist We may recommend a pre-application inquiry to obtain early feedback from planning officers.

How much do Architects cost?

Our fees vary depending on the size, complexity and scope of your project—as well as the level of involvement you would like. While we can assist with certain stages (such as feasibility or planning), we bring the most value when we are assigned from beginning to end.

We structure our services around the RIBA Plan of Work, which breaks a project into clearly defined stages — from early ideas through to handover.

Why do I need contract administration?

HF Architecture can offer contract administration services as part of the package. Contract Administration helps you stay on budget and avoid unexpected expenses during construction. We can liaise between you and the contractors, ensuring that the project stays on track.

Do I need a Principal Designer?

Yes, a Principal Designer (PD) must be appointed in writing by the client for any construction project involving more than one contractor, as required by CDM 2015 Regulations. Under the Building Safety Act (BSA) 2022, they are mandatory for all projects subject to building regulations to ensure safety and compliance from the pre-construction phase onwards

Contact Us

Reach out to start your architectural journey today.

Call 02380 981189

HF Architecture Ltd is a friendly, design led RIBA and CIAT Chartered Practice based in Southampton. We offer design services to private and commercial clients both locally and across the South of England. Our portfolio includes a wide range of projects, ranging from private home extensions and bespoke dwellings to larger residential developments and educational sector projects.

Email studio@hfarchitecture.co.uk