Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions clients ask us most often. If yours is not here, call +44 (0)20 8960 8899 or email info@w1design.co.uk.
Architecture
It depends on the property, location and proposed works. Some projects may fall under permitted development rights, while extensions, alterations, new-build projects, listed buildings and properties in conservation areas may require planning permission or other consents.
We assess the property and proposed works at an early stage and advise on the appropriate planning route before detailed design progresses.
Planning timescales depend on the type and complexity of the application and the local planning authority.
In England, a standard planning application is normally decided within 8 weeks, while major applications are normally subject to a 13-week statutory period. More complex projects can take longer, particularly where additional information, consultations or amendments are required.
We manage the planning process, prepare the required information and coordinate with the relevant consultants and local authority throughout the application.
Yes. W1 Design is led by Moein Memari, an ARB-registered architect and member of the RIBA and the BIID.
Only people on the UK Architects Register may legally use the title “architect”, so you can check the registration directly with the Architects Registration Board.
Yes. We can advise on Party Wall etc. Act 1996 requirements as part of the design and project process and coordinate with the appropriate party wall surveyors where required.
Party wall matters can arise when carrying out structural work to a party wall, building on or near a boundary, or undertaking certain excavations close to neighbouring buildings. The required notices and procedures depend on the proposed works.
We can help identify potential party wall requirements at an early stage and coordinate the process alongside the design and construction programme.
Yes. We develop the design to address relevant Building Regulations requirements and coordinate with building control and specialist consultants as required. Our technical design process helps ensure that the project is properly developed before construction begins.
Yes. We can provide feasibility advice before you commit to a property, helping you understand what may be possible in terms of layout, extensions, planning, development potential and other constraints.
Yes. We provide architecture and interior design as part of our services, allowing the external architecture, internal spaces, materials and finishes to be considered together. This can be provided as a standalone design service or as part of our Design & Build process.
Yes. Through our Design & Build service, W1 Design can take a project from initial design through planning and technical development into procurement and construction.
Having design and construction coordinated by one team can help maintain continuity between the design intent, specification, budget and programme.
For clients who already have a contractor, we can also provide the architecture and interior design services independently, allowing the project to be tendered and built by their chosen contractor.
Interior Design
Yes. We can be appointed for the interior design alone and work alongside your architect or contractor, or take on the whole project ourselves.
Yes. We select and schedule furniture, fittings and finishes as part of the design, and can manage ordering and delivery so everything arrives when the site is ready for it.
Yes. We present the design with drawings, material samples and visuals, and nothing goes to site until you have approved it.
Yes. Restaurants, retail and offices make up a large part of our work, alongside private homes.
W1 Design is led by a member of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID), who is also an ARB-registered architect.
Commercial Fit-Out
Yes. Many of our commercial clients are brands with established standards. We develop the design within those guidelines, adapt them to the building and make sure the finished site matches what was approved.
Yes. We prepare the drawings and information landlords and their surveyors need for licence for alterations, answer their comments and keep the approval running alongside the design so it does not hold up the programme.
Where neighbouring units are trading or the building is occupied, we plan noisy and disruptive work, deliveries and access around them, including working out of hours where the building requires it.
It depends on the size of the unit, the landlord’s requirements and lead times on equipment and materials. We give you a programme at feasibility stage and update it at every stage, so you can plan recruitment and opening around it.
Most of our work is in central and west London. For existing commercial clients we also deliver sites elsewhere in the UK.
Yes. We provide shop fit-out and retail design services from initial concept through to technical design and construction. We can coordinate space planning, interior design, finishes, lighting, building services, signage and other specialist requirements to create a fully considered retail environment.
Our design and build service can also take the project from design and procurement through to construction and completion.
Yes. We work on restaurants, cafés, bars, hospitality and other commercial interiors, combining interior design with the technical and construction requirements needed to deliver the project.
Depending on the project, we can coordinate planning, building regulations, landlord approvals, mechanical and electrical services, lighting, finishes, signage and construction.
Yes. We can design alterations to existing shopfronts, entrances, glazing, signage and external finishes, taking into account the existing building, planning requirements and any landlord or estate design guidelines.
Where required, we can also coordinate planning, advertisement consent, listed building consent and landlord approval before works begin.
It depends on the proposed alterations, the property and its location. Changes to a shopfront can involve planning permission, advertisement consent or other approvals, particularly where the proposal affects the external appearance of the building.
Listed buildings and properties in conservation areas may have additional requirements. We assess the proposed works at an early stage and advise on the approvals that may be required.
Yes. We can design and coordinate shopfront signage, fascia signs, projecting signs, window graphics and external branding as part of a retail or commercial project.
Where required, we can also coordinate the relevant planning, advertisement, landlord and listed building requirements.
Residential Refurbishment
For a full refurbishment, usually yes, as services are off and the house becomes a building site. For smaller or phased projects it is sometimes possible to stay. We discuss this with you at the start and plan the programme around it.
Internal work to a house usually does not need planning permission, but extensions, changes to the outside, listed buildings and conservation areas often do. Building regulations approval is needed for most structural, drainage, electrical and thermal work. We confirm what applies at feasibility stage.
Yes. We prepare the information the freeholder and managing agent need for consent, and work within the building rules on working hours, access and protection of common parts.
The cost is checked at each design stage, and on design and build projects we agree a fixed price for the agreed scope before work starts on site. Any change is priced and agreed with you in writing before it is carried out.
Of course. We can guide you through every selection, or work with choices you have already made, and make sure they suit the budget and programme.
Design & Build
Not necessarily. You are not paying for redesign when a contractor finds the drawings difficult to build, and cost is tested at every stage rather than discovered at tender. We show you how the price is built up so you can see where the money goes.
Yes. Choose a design-only appointment and we will prepare the tender package, help you compare prices and can inspect the work on site.
On a design and build appointment W1 is responsible for both the design and the construction under one contract, so there is no question of who should put it right.
Yes. We deliver restaurants, shops, workplaces and homes, and the same approach applies to each.
Yes, and many clients do. We can take the design through feasibility and planning, then agree a design and build price once you are ready.
Our Process
Yes. Some clients need feasibility and planning only; others come to us with planning approved and need technical design and construction. We agree the scope at the first meeting.
You see cost at every stage, not just at the end. We give an order-of-cost view at feasibility, check it against the concept and developed design, and confirm it at tender.
If you appoint us for design and build, we agree a fixed price for the agreed scope before work starts on site. It only changes if you decide to change the scope, or if something genuinely unforeseeable is found once the building is opened up. Any change is priced and agreed with you in writing before the work is done.
We do. We prepare and manage planning and listed building applications, landlord consents where needed, and the Building Control process through to completion certificates.
Yes. With a design-only appointment we prepare the tender package, help you compare prices and can inspect the works on site.
It depends on the size of the project, the approvals it needs and the route you choose. At feasibility we give you a programme covering design, planning, procurement and construction, and we update it at every stage so you can plan your move, opening date or lease around it.
You receive the certificates, warranties and manuals for the building, and we return to deal with anything that needs attention during the defects period.
Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas
Yes. We can assist with the architecture, interior design and refurbishment of listed buildings, taking account of the building’s existing character and architectural or historic significance.
Depending on the proposed works, Listed Building Consent may be required in addition to planning permission. Listed Building Consent is a separate consent for works that affect the special architectural or historic interest of a listed building. We can develop the design and coordinate the information required for the consent process.
Yes. We work on projects within conservation areas and consider the character of the existing building and surrounding area when developing proposals.
We can advise on planning requirements, permitted development rights and any additional restrictions that may apply before the design progresses.
Yes. We can assist from the early feasibility stage through design, planning and Listed Building Consent, followed by technical design and construction where required.
The extent of work and level of specialist input will depend on the building and the proposed alterations.
Licence to Alter & Landlord Approval
Yes. We can prepare and coordinate design information for a Licence to Alter and other landlord approval processes for commercial properties.
This can include architectural drawings, proposed layouts, specifications, finishes and relevant technical information. We can also coordinate with landlords, managing agents, building consultants and specialist contractors throughout the approval process.
A Licence to Alter is a landlord’s formal approval for proposed alterations to a leased property. The requirements vary depending on the lease, landlord and proposed works.
We can review the proposed works and help prepare the architectural and technical information required for the landlord’s approval process.
Yes. We can coordinate the information required for landlord approval, including architectural drawings, layouts, finishes, specifications and relevant mechanical, electrical and building services information.
We can work with the landlord, managing agent, landlord’s surveyor and other consultants to help move the approval process forward.
Building Regulations & Building Control
A Building Notice is generally intended for smaller projects and does not provide formal approval of the plans before construction starts.
A Full Plans application involves submitting detailed plans and information to the building control body for assessment before the work proceeds. It provides a more developed technical route and is generally more appropriate for larger or more complex projects.
In some circumstances a Full Plans application is required rather than a Building Notice, for example certain work to buildings covered by the Fire Safety Order.
Yes. We develop the design and technical information required to address relevant Building Regulations requirements and coordinate with building control and specialist consultants where required.
Depending on the project, this can include architectural drawings, technical details, fire safety, accessibility, energy performance and coordination with structural and building services information.
Yes. Where appropriate, we can prepare and coordinate the Full Plans Building Regulations application, including the architectural and technical information required for building control assessment.
The exact information required depends on the type, size and complexity of the project.
CDM & Principal Designer
CDM stands for the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. They set out duties for clients, designers and contractors to manage health and safety throughout the design and construction process.
CDM applies to both commercial and domestic construction projects, although the duties of a domestic client can operate differently.
Where appropriately appointed, yes. We can undertake the Principal Designer role under CDM 2015, subject to the project’s requirements and our agreed scope of appointment.
The Principal Designer’s role includes planning, managing, monitoring and coordinating health and safety during the pre-construction phase and ensuring foreseeable risks are properly considered during design.
The requirement depends on the project and the number of contractors involved. Where a project involves more than one contractor, the client must appoint a Principal Designer and Principal Contractor under CDM 2015.
We can advise on the appropriate CDM arrangements for your project and, where agreed, undertake the Principal Designer role.
There is no single fixed fee because the level of CDM and Principal Designer input varies considerably between projects.
Our fee can be agreed as a fixed fee for a defined scope of services, or incorporated into a wider architectural appointment where appropriate. The fee will depend on the size, complexity, duration and risk profile of the project and the level of coordination required.
Architectural Fees
Architectural fees depend on the size, complexity and scope of the project and the services required.
Depending on the project, our fees can be agreed as a fixed fee, percentage of the construction cost, or another agreed fee structure. We define the scope and deliverables at the outset so you understand what is included.
Yes. Where the scope of work can be clearly defined, we can provide a fixed architectural fee covering an agreed package of services.
For projects where the scope is likely to change or develop during the design process, a percentage-based or stage-based fee may be more appropriate. We discuss the most suitable structure at the beginning of the project.
This depends on the scope of appointment. Our proposals clearly set out which design stages, planning services, Building Regulations, technical design and project coordination services are included.
Specialist consultant fees, statutory fees and other third-party costs are normally identified separately where applicable.
Project Management
Yes. We can provide project management and design coordination throughout the project, depending on the agreed scope.
This can include coordinating consultants and contractors, monitoring progress, managing design information, attending site meetings, tracking key decisions and helping to coordinate the project through to completion.
Yes. Through our Design & Build and project management services, we can coordinate the project from the early design stages through planning, technical development, procurement and construction to completion and handover.
The exact level of project management is agreed as part of the appointment.
Yes. We can work alongside your existing contractor and provide design coordination and project management services where required.
We can coordinate the design team, contractor, specialist consultants and other project stakeholders while helping to maintain the agreed design, programme and project requirements.