We develop high-end, value added properties from £250,000 to £10,000,000.
Our exclusive properties are built, restored, refurbished and revolutionised on rare plots in prime locations across the South East. We offer the latest in building innovation, creating fresh and exciting alternatives for the discerning buyer.
DESIGN LEADS US. OUR APPROACH TO CREATING INTERIORS IS BOTH HONED AND PROGRESSIVE.
At the centre of our operation is the collaborative nature of our relationship with our designers, resulting in outstanding properties of immersive character and brimming with the latest technology. Properties with outstanding elegance, sharp sophistication and innovative creativity. All of which, go hand-in-hand with savvy space planning and effortlessly practical technology and storage solutions. Texturally rich, exceptionally nuanced and visually harmonious homes are as comfortable as they are beautiful – that’s our unwavering purpose.
INNOVATION, COMMITMENT AND CREATIVITY REACH BEYOND THE REALISATION OF A RESIDENCE AND INTO THE LIVES OF THOSE WHO LIVE THERE.
Our dedicated team of service professionals are based in our Surrey Offices and in concierge roles throughout our developments. Our support style is unobtrusive yet uncompromising, instinctive yet intelligent and always honest and generous of spirit.
Whether we are helping a resident with restaurant bookings or monitoring CCTV surveillance cameras to all public areas of the building and its grounds, we take the role of guardian and guide very seriously. We see exemplary service as an extension of exemplary design. We see living an elevated lifestyle as a natural part of living in one of our exceptional developments.
WE DEVELOP WITH THE UPMOST RESPECT FOR THE COMMUNITY THAT SURROUNDS US.
Many people find the architectural process daunting or convoluted, yet it doesn’t need to be.
The Lapora Plan provides an industry-recognised, step-by-step guide for all those involved in the briefing, designing and construction of architectural buildings.
We have incorporated the Lapora Plan of Work into our 5-step process for all our projects – see it in full below.
We believe this clarifies what is involved in the architectural process and demystifies it for those who are NOT in the industry.
The first step we take in the consultative process is to research and understand the key project details. From there we are able to create a ‘Deal Sheet’, which is essentially a brief business plan for the project. At this stage, the project will be assigned a planner, who will discuss the brief in greater detail, as well as carrying out an initial viewing of the building or site.
The aim of this first visit is to identify any potential planning issues and assess the site itself. If it is a refurbishment project, the aim will include thinking about the flow of space and light in the building, as well as considering the practicalities involved in the scheme, such as site access.
This is also the beginning of a working relationship with the Lapora Estates PARTNER TEAM. Ultimately, it’s an opportunity to ask any questions or raise any concerns about the process ahead, or issues that need addressing.
Following the consultation and initial project confirmation, partners will be issued with a letter of appointment which serves as a contract. The appointment outlines the key stages of work that relate specifically to your part of the project, and we expect all associated fees to be quotes.
Each scheme is unique and therefore, so are its requirements. The proposal lists any other partners that may be needed and survey requirements to enable the designs to develop. It also outlines the Lapora Estates stages, which are calculated on the scope of services identified from the first consultation.
At the beginning of a project we carry out cost analysis and assess the potential to deliver the project both to budget and to brief.
Typically we strive to meet the project brief, working with suppliers in Stage 3 to reduce costs where necessary. Occasionally the project budget will limit what can be achieved within the brief, and in such cases, compromises will be agreed.
There are a number of assessments that may be required for the project. As standard, what is called a dimensional building survey will be undertaken, whether for a new build or re-model. There may be requirement for a level survey (known as topographical) or arboricultural (tree) surveys to help us formulate the design accordingly.
In Stage 2, the initial concept is developed into a design, and once signed off, will be formulated into a comprehensive planning application.
Clear Architects will then submit this to the relevant local council on our behalf and monitor the application with the relevant case officer.
This is an independent, unbiased process undertaken by either the local planning department or, if necessary, the local planning committee.
Any project is like a Rubik’s Cube; every change we make has a knock-on effect. How we want to use the space can have implications on what decisions we make in other areas of the house as well as having repercussions on our project time-frame and budget.
For this reason, before progressing to the planning submission stage, it is very important that we are happy with our design – right down to the finest details. Any subsequent alterations post planning approval, may result in needing to make further, amended planning permission applications. Not a place we want to go in any project.
Following planning approval and sign off of the initial concepts, detailed designs are then created during Stage 3.
By the end of this stage, all aspects of the design will be completed and will be used for acquiring construction costs. Our design is effectively ‘built’ on paper.
Based on the detailed design, we work on one of two procurement routes, depending on our preference. Either a quote and final price negotiation with our preferred contractor for a specific project, or we undertake a traditional tender process whereby 3 construction companies tender for the work.
You will already have been advised about any other consultants and will have the opportunity to view some of our partners.
Once the procurement route is agreed, the tender costs are returned and we evaluate them, advising you of our thoughts once completed. It is obviously important that we get the building to site with costs that we are happy to progress with.
Once 90% of the overall costs have been approved, work will commence on the site. Finishing details or technological aspects may still be unknown, which is perfectly normal at this stage. The cost of the project can be adjusted once definitive decisions have been made on such items.
Starting work on site is a really exciting milestone for any project, whether it’s a renovation or a new build. We enjoy working closely with contractors to ensure the design concept is executed with precision and any snagging issues on site are ironed out quickly, ensuring the project is delivered on time and in budget.
The appointed contractor will work from a set of construction drawings we produce, which add interior details and client requirements that may not necessarily have been known at the time of the tender.
While these drawings co-ordinate all aspects, Clear Architects is typically appointed to administer the building contract and oversee construction, making it an even more fluid process. This is designed to give clients peace of mind, providing a valuation of the works on site and payment certificates. This means you only pay for what the contractor has actually delivered on site, work which has been verified and signed off by us.
Project management is an additional service offered by Clear Architects to ensure the smooth running of the scheme and to integrate the contracting team with your exact needs outside the contract. This takes the pressure off you, the client, to manage elements of the build (such as materials or kitchens) to be delivered to the site within the programme and the design.
After the flurry of activity and having embarked on this exciting journey with us, you will find yourself at the final milestone.
Whether a Residential or Commercial project, a refurbishment, a new-build or restoration, we have a unique, well-crafted, architect-designed building that is both functional and beautiful – and something our customers feel very proud of.
In stage 5, we work with our own agents and local agents to maximise the sales of our projects and properties, sourcing customers who are searching for the Smart Homes of tomorrow.
Our customers repeatedly comment on the detail of construction, unique finishing, and the innovative technology incorporated within our homes, that makes everything available in one push of a button.
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