Architecture

We believe that the best way to start most building projects is to begin with a Feasibility Study.

Some projects are straightforward, however in many cases, the best A+ design takes time to materialise – our goal is to ensure we work on the best design solution for your project.

During the feasibility study we take time to examine various options and ensure that the proposals are feasible. A site appraisal is often the starting point for any development and will define the constraints and opportunities of the site.

The site appraisal is the basis for developing a feasibility study which is undertaken at the start of a project to ascertain development options.

This will also determine if the development is viable and will assist in the preparation of any business case or strategic client brief.

Cassidy + Ashton considers Concept Design as a crucial stage in your project.

It gives you and our design team the opportunity to look at different ideas without any pre-conceptions.

For us, it is important that this initial process explores all influencing factors which will then in turn form the foundation of our design proposal delivered back to you.

Our team carries out this stage of design by making full use of presentation skills to complete high quality sketch plans, elevations and three dimensional (3D) images to best illustrate our ideas.

Key to all this is ensuring that other consultants are on board at this stage including mechanical, electrical and structural. Rigorous testing of the Concept Design is important to ensure that we deliver an A+ concept that meets your design brief – this is fundamental to successful on-going design development.

The Planning Application stage is where key issues need to be identified and then addressed.

Cassidy + Ashton has considerable experience in submitting planning applications.  This is reinforced by the growth of our planning department dedicated to all services related to Town Planning.

From an architectural perspective, we recognise that creating an A+ design solution plays a huge part in securing your planning consent, particularly if the location is sensitive or highly visible.

Collaborative work between the design and town planning teams is then vital to deliver the best quality submission. Our in-house Town Planning  consultants assist in procuring and coordinating the various environmental inputs, including noise, traffic, ecology and landscape.

A successful planning outcome also arises from effective pre-consultation. Cassidy + Ashton has excellent links with local authorities, particularly in the North West.

Cassidy + Ashton believes that on larger projects a Design and Access Statement (DAS) is a key document to support the planning application.

We therefore ensure a robust statement is produced, giving a detailed account of the design development and the decisions made through the process. Our statements frequently include 3D images to illustrate the development in context.

Once consent is achieved, where necessary, the discharge of planning conditions is needed. If required, Cassidy + Ashton will undertake the lead role in coordinating the discharge of planning conditions by submitting the required information and then tracking the progress in a schedule form, which is regularly updated and reported.

A list of the services provided by our town planning team can be found here.

As RIBA accredited Specialist Conservation Architects, Cassidy + Ashton has the experience and knowledge to work on Conservation and Listed buildings and heritage projects across all Grades.

We have worked on Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II buildings throughout the UK.

In addition to gaining planning permission, the other main statutory approval required on a building project is Building Regulations approval.

The Cassidy + Ashton team has extensive experience in working with the Department for Communities and local government who are responsible for building regulations.

The regulations apply to most new buildings and many alterations made to existing buildings in England and Wales, whether domestic, commercial or industrial. Regulation helps to ensure the health and safety of people in and around buildings, and a building’s energy efficiency.

Building regulations approvals can be sought either from the building control department of the local authority or from an approved inspector. Our team can advise you on relevant building regulations, prepare the necessary paperwork and work with you to gain the approval required.

Fundamentally, the purpose of Building Information Modelling (BIM) is to ensure that appropriate information is created in a three dimensional (3D) format to ensure better decisions can be made throughout the design, construction and operation of built assets.

This collaborative approach with other disciplines reduces the future problems typically encountered both on site and during operation.

Cassidy + Ashton has excellent experience in BIM and delivering developments of various scales in size, involving new build and existing buildings.

The design team uses Revit building information modelling software to prepare model-based building designs and documentation and we offer this as part of our design services to clients.

Cassidy + Ashton’s can manage a project from inception through to completion.

This includes onsite management and Contract Administration via an appropriate form of contract on which we can also advise.

When appointed by the client to represent them as their contract administrators Cassidy + Ashton then acts as the client’s agent. This role involves managing the on-site contract between the client and main contractor in respect of instructions and various certification.

Spatial Planning involves understanding the context of a site or how the internal space is used and reviewing the design options based on the client’s brief.

In many ways it is similar to the feasibility stage and is usually undertaken as part of an internal refurbishment.

Spatial planning aims to create a more logical organisation of the use of the building and the land surrounding it, in particular if there is specific access requirements and a high volume of people using the space either in a professional and domestic manner.

Cassidy + Ashton has extensive experience in working and understanding the importance of good spatial planning and devising the most economic and conservative yet practical way to plan the space to meet your design requirements and in keeping with the objectives and purpose of your building project.

Interior Design involves the planning and design of a building’s interior.

This can include: offices, hotels, restaurants, retail spaces, hospitality, healthcare and domestic interiors.

Interior design involves considerations for the usage of the room, for wall and floor coverings, fixtures and fittings, positioning of internal built-in and free standing furniture, and the layout of rooms according to the use of natural light, windows and people’s movements around the interior.

Cassidy + Ashton’s interior design service delivers interior designs for new buildings and for the redevelopment of existing spaces. We draw upon years of experience in delivering exciting and inspirational interiors to suit the context of the development.

We believe that the interior design is an extension of the architectural design and therefore working hand in hand to deliver an all encompassing A+ design solution.

Masterplanning is the blending of architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and planning to create an all encompassing vision for a development site.

In order to produce the perfect masterplan Cassidy + Ashton recognises the need for passion and vision, combined with the ability to empathise with all the stakeholders involved thus creating an A+ inclusive environment.

By taking this holistic approach we can create high quality accessible and inspirational spaces both for existing built up areas and for new builds.

Landscape Architecture involves the planning, design and management of open spaces and aim to provide aesthetically pleasing urban and rural environments.

Cassidy + Ashton has the experience to work on a wide variety of projects ranging from designing parks and green spaces, to private gardens, interior green areas and the planning of green spaces in building development sites.

As with interior design we believe that landscape design should be an extension of the architectural vision within a development and therefore working hand in hand to deliver an all encompassing A+ design solution.

Cassidy + Ashton uses Three Dimensional (3D) Images and Animations to help clients fully understand the design proposal. This can be applied to both domestic architectural design proposals and large commercial developments.

3D images and animations are often required for planning applications to demonstrate that the proposed design takes into consideration, and has responded positively to the surrounding area.

Cassidy + Ashton also uses 3D animations to add a further level of engagement for clients to further understand the spatial impact of a design or to arrive at the best and most aesthetic interior design solution.

Cassidy + Ashton fully understands that when you are planning a new project, it can be difficult to know where to begin. As part of our Terms and Conditions of Engagement we always offer a free of charge initial consultation to potential clients.

During this first client meeting, we will listen to your ideas and requirements and give you an indication regarding the feasibility of your project in both planning and building terms. We may also suggest alternative approaches to achieve your requirements and expectations.

After the initial meeting, Cassidy + Ashton will write to you with our fee proposal. This is typically calculated by assessing the amount of time and resources required to undertake your project in the most correct and professional manner.

Our fees are fixed and agreed in advance; sometimes we may offer a percentage fee. Cassidy + Ashton will never charge you for anything without your agreement and the timing of stage payments will made clear and agreed at the outset.

For clarity and the protection of all parties we ask that our engagement is formalised prior to commencement of any work. Cassidy + Ashton uses the standard agreement published by the RIBA for this purpose.

Cassidy + Ashton takes great pride in being a practice of professional architects that creates a high standard of design work that is delivered to each and every client in a responsible and professional way.

Our objective is to ensure to maintain an A+ service at every stage of a project, for every project, from inception through to completion.

Our architects have worked hard to earn their professional status and we abide by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) Professional Code of Conduct which sets out the standards of competence and conduct expected of architects.

Cassidy + Ashton believes adhering to this Code is for the benefit of our clients that we serve and maintains public confidence in the profession as a whole.

A copy of the Code can be downloaded here: architects-code-2017.