Eric lategan (021) 910 2552 designing your vision Interested in developing your own home? We design upmarket residential and commercial buildings. OUR DESIGN CRITERIA Our designs are based on the following criteria regarding new and to-be-renovated residential developments. 1. View - most important as this will add an immediate value to your property. 2. North orientation - energy saving advantages in Winter as in Summer. 3. Wind protection - mainly directed at the outside entertaining areas. 4. Privacy - the same criteria as for wind protection. 5. Practical floor plan - Flowing and spatial usage of space to suite specific life style. 6. Contour usage - use of split floor levels in relation to natural ground levels. 7. Natural light - sufficient to interact with the surrounding garden landscape. 8. Interior design - lots of attention to finishes ie.floors, walls, bulk head ceilings and lighting. 9. Aesthetics - our clients will suggest their preferential architectural style and we shall transform their briefing into an eye catching masterpiece. 10. Echo friendly - recycling, solar energy and use of natural products. OUR EXPERIENCE We have done multi facet housing developments and upmarket residential dwellings country wide and also as far afield as Central Africa and the Madeira Islands. Our clients is mainly South Africans, but we have also serviced many clients from abroad wishing to relocate or invest in the South African property market. Our studio do not necessarily pursue a specific architectural style neither do we encourage any populist architectural tendencies. Our clients have the freedom to suggest their favourite choice of design and we shall with all the necessary skill and diligence compile a concept that will suite their life style and taste. We are also very keen to do renovations and facade upgrades of any existing dwelling. We specially like a good challenge and would therefore also welcome your enquiry with us for a life changing adventure. You have seen our port folio and if you think we can be of service to you, then please phone us (no obligation) and we shall schedule you on our program. THE PROCESS The process for any new development takes plenty of proper planning. It is therefore imperative that sufficient time is allowed from the initial concept to final approval of your proposed development by the local authority. The process are more or less as follow : FIRST PHASE 1. Site appraisal and contour survey. We also look at the surroundings as this could have an influence on your planning and design. 2. Your briefing...ie. All your requirements... from the foyer to the last linen cupboard, your architectural choice (give me lots of pictures) and any specific needs and your minimum budget. 3. We then diligently start compiling the first concept sketches, consisting of all the floors and a formal 2D elevation of the building. We can also compile a photo realistic 3D from the proposed sketches. *. We will also prior to the above investigate if their are any title deed restrictions, servitudes, town planning requirements or possible contravening of the local zoning scheme. If your property is within a controlled estate or reserved area and need approval from a controlling body, we shall handle the application on your behalf. SECOND PHASE 1. Once the concept drawings have been accepted by yourself, we shall proceed with the design drawings. These are mainly 1 : 100 scale drawings, consisting of all the relevant floor plans, elevations, sections, site plans and reticulation drawings and specifications, all to be submitted to the Local Authority and/or Controlling Body. Depending on the demands of the development, the time constraint for the above could vary from 20-40 working days. 2. On completion of the above we submit the drawings to the Local Authority for scrutiny and final approval. Council approval normally takes about one month, depending on the area where you intend building. On approval of the above you are ready to start building. If you had no special applications, town planning departures, re-zoning applications, controlling body guideline control applications or any other unusual requirements, the above services can be delivered within 3 months or sooner from the date of our appointment. SUPPLEMENTARY SERVICES Supplementary to the above we also provide the following optional services. 1. Appointment of any associated services ie. Engineering, Town Planning, Costing, Health & Safety. 2. Compiling of window and door schedules. 3. Compiling of finishing schedules 4. Material and Workmanship documentation 5. Tenders and adjudication of contract. 6. Contractual agreement between the client and the main contractor/builder. 7. Project administration and site inspections. 8. Update and submission of as-built drawings. 9. Compliance certifications 10. Completion certification for occupation.