Frequently asked questions

Choosing the right architect is key to bringing your ideas to life. We take time to understand your goals and ensure we’re on the same page. Our approach is collaborative, and we’re always open to your ideas while offering professional guidance. If you want a team that listens and delivers a solution that works for you, we might just be a perfect match.

We offer a range of architectural services tailored to meet your needs. From residential and commercial projects to bespoke designs and renovations, we take pride in creating spaces that reflect your vision. Our services include planning and design, building regulations, 3D graphics, principal designer, lease plans, master plans, contract tender and contract management, ensuring everything runs smoothly from concept to completion.

Yes, we’re experienced in handling all aspects of planning permission. From understanding the local regulations to submitting detailed applications, we’ll guide you through every step of the process. If there are any challenges, we’ll address them with practical solutions to keep your project on track.

Each project is unique, so the cost will depend on factors like size, scope, and complexity. A good rule of thumb is budgeting 10% of your project budget for professional fees which can include architectural, structural engineering, planning applications and building control.

The timeline varies depending on the project. We’ll give you a realistic timeframe from the outset and work hard to keep things on schedule. If any changes arise, we’ll keep you informed and adjust accordingly, always keeping your best interests in mind. We can typically submit a design in a planning application in 6-8 weeks depending on the client’s decision-making speed. Most projects will take at least a year from start to finish.

Yes, we have experience with both residential and commercial projects. Whether you’re planning a new home, an office, or an industrial space, we approach each project with the same level of attention to detail and commitment to your vision.

We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Our designs are as unique as our clients, and we aim to create spaces that resonate with your style and needs. Whether it’s modern, traditional, or somewhere in between, we work with you to craft a design that feels right for you.

We believe in collaboration. From the first meeting to the final touches, we’ll involve you every step of the way. Your input is vital to ensuring we bring your vision to life, and we’ll always keep you updated on progress and key decisions.

We’re committed to delivering a smooth, stress-free experience, but we understand things don’t always go as planned. If issues arise, we’re here to find solutions. We’ll work with you and our team to ensure things stay on track, and we’ll always be transparent about any challenges that come up.

Yes, we have a network of trusted contractors that we collaborate with. If you need help sourcing reliable builders or tradespeople, we can connect you with professionals who share our commitment to quality. We’ll coordinate the process, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

The first step is to get in touch! You can reach out through our website, call, or email us to have an initial call. We’ll discuss your ideas, needs, and budget, and start planning how to make your dream space a reality.

Yes, we are based in the South East and specialise in projects across this region. Whether you’re in Sussex, Kent, Surrey, or beyond, we’re familiar with the local area and regulations, and we understand what works best for homes and businesses here. We’re proud to be a trusted local architect, dedicated to bringing the best solutions to your projects in the South East.

At Spruce Architecture, we combine a deep understanding of the South East’s unique landscape and design heritage with a fresh, realistic approach. We focus on creating practical, innovative spaces that are beautifully designed and built to last. Our local knowledge, attention to detail, and dedication to customer service make us the ideal choice for your project.

Absolutely. Our experience working in the South East means we’re well-versed in local planning laws and building regulations. We can help you navigate the complexities of planning permission in areas like conservation areas, listed buildings, and the specific regulations for towns and villages across the region. We make sure your project meets all the necessary requirements, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

The South East of England is rich in architectural history, from traditional cottages to modern builds. At Spruce Architecture, we embrace this diversity. Whether you’re renovating a period property or starting a contemporary build, we tailor our designs to reflect the character of the area while incorporating the latest design trends. We believe in creating spaces that complement and enhance their surroundings.

Yes, we specialise in designing rural and countryside projects. Whether it’s a barn conversion, a new build in the countryside, or a more sustainable approach to rural architecture, we have extensive experience working in these settings. We understand the challenges of rural design, from local planning considerations to integrating with natural landscapes, and we know how to bring your vision to life while respecting the environment.

Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. The South East offers many opportunities for green building, and we work hard to create environmentally friendly designs that make the most of natural materials, renewable energy, and sustainable construction techniques. Whether you want to incorporate energy-efficient solutions or design a home that blends harmoniously with nature, we’ll guide you through all the eco-friendly options.

Yes, we offer a full range of services, from initial consultation and design to overseeing the construction process. We’re there every step of the way, ensuring your project is delivered to the highest standards. Whether you’re in an urban area or the countryside, we’ll make sure everything runs smoothly, on time, and within budget.

Definitely. We know the South East’s design vernacular inside and out, and we love creating spaces that fit seamlessly into the local context. Whether you want to preserve the historic charm of a building or design something entirely new, we ensure that the final result complements the local architecture, making your space feel like it truly belongs.

Being local ourselves, we understand the unique needs of clients in the South East. Whether it’s a bustling city centre project in Brighton or a peaceful rural retreat in the countryside, we’ve got the local insight to provide the right design solutions. We’re also familiar with the local community, culture, and lifestyle, which helps us create spaces that truly fit your needs.

Yes, we have a wealth of experience working with grade II listed buildings and heritage properties across the South East. From sensitive renovations to modern additions, we understand the importance of preserving the historical integrity of these buildings while ensuring they meet modern standards. We’ll help you navigate the complexities of working with historic properties to create a functional, beautiful space that stays true to its heritage.

Our process starts with understanding your goals and vision. We then create a tailored design that reflects your style, needs, and the unique aspects of your property or site. We’ll keep you informed at every stage, and our local knowledge ensures that every detail complies with the planning and building regulations specific to the South East. Whether you’re in a city, town, or rural area, we manage every aspect, ensuring a smooth and efficient project.

Our fees are calculated on time and effort spent on each stage. We do not charge as a percentage of the construction costs as we feel it is a conflict of interest.

We understand how important it is to stick to your budget. From the very start, we’ll discuss your overall budget and ensure we’re aligned on expectations. We provide clear, transparent proposals, and we keep a close eye on costs throughout the project. If any changes arise, we’ll make sure you’re fully informed and offer cost-effective alternatives that don’t compromise on quality.

Don’t worry – we’re here to guide you every step of the way. We’ll break things down in a clear, approachable way, ensuring you understand the process from the initial consultation to project completion. We’re always available to answer questions, provide updates, and offer advice. Our goal is to make the experience as easy and enjoyable as possible for you.

We’re all about collaboration. Your input is crucial throughout the design process. From the start, we’ll listen to your ideas, preferences, and concerns, and we’ll keep refining the design until it feels right for you. We’ll work closely with you to make sure the final result is something you love, so you can feel confident every step of the way.

We understand how frustrating delays can be, so we do everything we can to keep things on track. Our team is experienced in managing timeframes, and we coordinate all aspects of the project to avoid any hold-ups. If any unforeseen circumstances arise, we’ll keep you informed and adjust the timeline accordingly, always working to minimise any disruptions.

Planning applications can be daunting, but we’re here to simplify the process for you. We have in-depth knowledge of the local planning regulations in the South East and will handle all the paperwork for you. If any challenges arise, we’ll address them quickly, ensuring the best chance of a smooth approval process.

While we always aim for a smooth project, unexpected issues can arise. If they do, we’ll address them head-on and keep you in the loop. Whether it’s a change in materials or unforeseen site conditions, we’ll find a solution and ensure your project continues to progress. We’re committed to delivering the best outcome, even if things don’t go according to plan.

Quality is at the heart of everything we do. From the design phase through to construction, we pay attention to every detail. All designs are checked by at least one other peer. We regularly monitor the work on-site to ensure everything is up to standard, and we only work with trusted contractors who share our commitment to excellence. We make sure you get the highest quality at every stage of your project.

We manage a full contract tender process, creating pricing documents for trusted contractors to quote against so we can run a full analysis. The final choice is always your to make but we will endeavour to help you along the way with our professional opinion.

We understand that needs can change as the project progresses. If you want to make changes, we’ll work with you to understand your new requirements and adapt the design or plan. We’re flexible and will ensure that the changes are made without disrupting the project’s overall timeline or budget.

We don’t just design spaces and walk away – we’re here for the long term. Whether you need ongoing maintenance advice or want to make future alterations to your space, we’re happy to help. We’ll stay in touch and provide guidance on any changes or improvements you may want to make down the line.

While we strive for perfection, we know that sometimes things don’t go as expected. If there are any deviations from the original plan, we’ll make sure to discuss them with you and come up with the best possible solution. Our priority is to ensure your satisfaction, no matter what challenges arise.

We believe great architecture is about blending creativity with functionality. We’ll take the time to understand your needs and the practical aspects of your project while also injecting fresh, innovative ideas. Our aim is to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also serve you well for years to come.

Your input is invaluable to us. From the initial design stages through to construction, we’ll keep you involved in key decisions. We’ll present you with options, provide expert advice, and listen to your feedback, ensuring that the final result is a space that truly reflects your needs and vision.

We have experience designing spaces that are accessible for people with a range of needs. Whether it’s mobility considerations, sensory preferences, or other accessibility features, we can tailor your design to ensure it works for everyone. Our goal is to create a space that is comfortable and functional for all who use it.

Once the design is finalised and submitted to the local authority they can take up to 4 weeks to validate the application. This means to check all the documents that are needed have been included. Once it’s validated it their usual target is 8 weeks for a determination but they can ask for extensions of time.

It usually takes around two weeks to compile all the documentation and send the tender pack out to contractors. They are usually given four to five weeks to complete their costs and then around a week for us to analysis and question their responses before we can give you a full analysis.

Yes we are happy to complete lease plans or title plans suitable for the land registry or legal packs. We can usually do these within two weeks.

We usually invoice a small amount as a commitment to get started, this will be noted on your proposal document. Then we periodically invoice throughout each stage as work progresses. The final invoice of each stage is often issued just before we submit to planning or building control. When we are charging on a hourly basis in contract administration we issue invoices at the end of the month for all the hours completed that month.

Yes have worked on a range of commercial projects for our clients. This has included warehouses, new blocks of apartments, farm buildings, wineries, breweries, schools, banks, industrial parks.

Projects typically need to start with the design before discussing with a builder. A builder wont be able to give you an accurate figure until they see some drawings. It’s normal to not speak to a builder until you finalise the design with your architect. We can take you through a full contract tender process once we have the plans approved so we can negotiate with the builders on your behalf.

We speak to you about project budget very early on, usually in the first phone call. This is because we want to give you advice on what we are seeing things costs on a real time basis. We can advise you on what the average cost for certain types of projects are and then aim to design you something to fit in your budget.