Frequently Asked Questions

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ARM Design & Build FAQ

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Find answers to the most common questions about our integrated design, planning, and build process.

Planning & Regulatory

We boast a high planning approval success rate, but if a rejection occurs, we immediately analyze the council’s reasons. We then revise the design, address the specific concerns, and resubmit the application, usually at no additional charge for our time, depending on the initial agreement.
The timeline depends on your local council. Typically, a standard household application takes eight weeks from the date of validation, but we can often complete the preparatory design, drawing, and submission work in four to six weeks before that.
While we cannot guarantee any council’s decision, our quoted success rate reflects our 15 years of experience, meticulous preparation, and adherence to UK regulations. We maximize your chances by providing exhaustive documentation and detailed designs.
An LDC is a legal document confirming your existing or proposed building work is lawful and does not require full planning permission. We advise you if your project falls under Permitted Development rights and manage the LDC application process for peace of mind.
Yes, we specialize in Prior Approval applications, including converting shops (Class E) or offices (Class E) to residential units (Class C3). We manage all necessary forms and assessments, focusing on the legal requirements for lawful change of use.
Our team comprises regional experts who understand the nuances of conservation areas, local design guides, and specific planning policies in Manchester, London, Liverpool, and Birmingham. We tailor every design and submission to local requirements.
Absolutely. We prepare the detailed technical drawings and structural calculations necessary to secure Building Control approval. This separate process ensures your project meets all mandatory safety, insulation, and construction standards.
Yes, we can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate of Existing Use (CLEUD). We help you compile the required evidence to prove continuous, uninterrupted use for the statutory period, which then legalizes the structure.

Technical & Design

We use advanced 3D scanning and laser tools for our Measured Building Surveys. This process captures millimeter-accurate data, which minimizes errors in the subsequent design and prevents costly mistakes during construction.
We offer 3D Modelling & Visualisation services. This turns your initial ideas into photorealistic images and virtual walk-throughs, allowing you to visualize the interior and exterior of the finished project before we finalize the build plans.
Yes, our Structural Design & Calculation service is essential. We determine the correct sizes and materials for all key structural elements, ensuring the building's stability, safety, and compliance with Building Regulations.
We incorporate passive design principles and modern insulation techniques into our drawings. We also provide Energy Certification consulting, recommending solutions like specific glazing and heating systems to significantly reduce your long-term energy costs.
Your input is critical. We start every project by listening intently to your needs and lifestyle. We use a collaborative approach, creating initial concepts and then refining them based on your feedback until the design perfectly matches your vision.
Yes, we offer our technical services, including Measured Surveys and Lease Plans, on an a la carte basis. You do not need to commit to the full design and build service to utilize our professional surveying expertise.
We handle projects of all sizes. Even a small alteration often requires structural calculation and Building Control sign-off, and we provide the necessary technical drawings and compliance support for even minor works.
Our designs focus on Feasibility Analysis, ensuring we maximize every square foot of your property. We combine creative architectural ideas with practical building knowledge to deliver highly usable and valuable spaces.

Build Process & Construction

We act as the integrated Design, Planning, and Compliance lead. While we do not employ the on-site laborers directly, we provide comprehensive project management, connecting you with trusted, vetted contractors to execute the build phase of the plan.
We establish a highly accurate budget early through detailed Measured Surveys and precise technical drawings. We eliminate ambiguity that leads to unforeseen costs and maintain strict financial oversight throughout the project.
We take on the Comprehensive Project Management role. We set clear milestones, conduct regular site visits, and actively coordinate between the design team and the construction team to ensure the build progresses efficiently and on schedule.
We maintain a network of proven, reliable, and insured contractors who understand our commitment to quality and compliance. We only recommend builders who have successfully completed projects to UK regulations under our supervision before.
Our experienced team anticipates potential site challenges during the design phase. If an unexpected issue arises, we use our technical expertise and problem-solving skills to provide a swift, compliant, and cost-effective solution immediately.
The appointed principal contractor assumes responsibility for site safety and public liability insurance. However, our project management oversight confirms that the contractor holds the necessary insurance and implements all required safety protocols.
We confirm all final inspections and documentation, including Building Control sign-off and any necessary warranties. We offer post-completion support to address any snagging issues and ensure you are fully satisfied with the finished space.
We provide clear, phased fee structures tailored to your project scope. The initial quote details all design, planning application management, structural calculation, and project management deliverables, ensuring complete transparency with no hidden costs.
We offer an integrated service that traditional architects often separate. We handle the full cycle: smart design, securing permissions, structural engineering, and managing the build compliance. This single-source approach saves you time, cost, and coordination effort.
While this city is our primary focus area, we assess projects in surrounding regions on a case-by-case basis. Contact us with your location details, and we will confirm if we can provide our full integrated service in your area.
Yes, we maintain comprehensive Professional Indemnity Insurance. This protects you against any claim resulting from professional negligence or errors in our designs, plans, or technical advice.
The best first step is to contact us for a free initial consultation. We discuss your vision, budget, and property constraints. Following that, we commission a measured survey to generate the necessary baseline data for design.
Absolutely. We are flexible. We can provide our full planning, design, and technical package, and then work collaboratively with your preferred builder, providing them with compliant, buildable drawings and necessary structural specifications.
Once we complete the detailed Measured Survey (usually within a week), we generally present the first draft of your tailored design concepts within two to three weeks, ready for your review and feedback.

ARM Design & Build is an integrated architecture and construction practice specializing in compliant, creative spaces.

Contact Info
Office Address

Dalton House, 60 Windsor Avenue, London, SW19 2RR

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