Land & Architectural Survey Blog

Category: Business

  • Top 5 requirements architects forgets to look out for

    Part of an architect’s role is to convince a client that they are the best person for the job. The design brief helps them see the finished project in its entirety, but also provides clients with a sense of scale in terms of time and money. To avoid any problems mid-development, it is essential to set out the requirements accurately and clearly establish what you plan to achieve. Getting things pinned down from the start avoids disagreements at a later stage and the possibility of a formal dispute. Excellent communication is always the best way of guaranteeing a good working relationship.

    Be honest about deadlines and phases of development

    Be honest about deadlines and phases of development

    A detailed brief should include a breakdown of the work that is to be completed, along with a schedule of what stage will be happening when. This gets everyone started with a clear idea of what to expect. Clients appreciate clarity when it comes to deadlines, so always bear in mind the amount of time each stage will take, from the initial consultations, to the engineers survey, to the build being habitable.

    Disagreeing with a client over an aspect of their project can present something of a dilemma, however if there are any challenges that cannot be overcome, it is vital to inform them of these impossibilities. Designers can be inventive and suggest changes where appropriate, but your professional judgement will tell you when something is completely unfeasible.

    Disagreeing with a client over an aspect of their project can present something of a dilemma, however if there are any challenges that cannot be overcome, it is vital to inform them of these impossibilities. Designers can be inventive and suggest changes where appropriate, but your professional judgement will tell you when something is completely unfeasible.

    Agree on a realistic budget with your client

    When you know what a client’s budget is for any given project, you can tell them what is possible. Many people are keen to extend their home rather than move, so they may be taking out a second mortgage or home improvement loan. Nevertheless, despite having access to money some clients will still be reticent to talk about final figures. Make it clear that you need to assess exactly what is possible before you start to draw up plans, and point out that they may be pleasantly surprised!

    Discuss the quality of a build in the early stages

    Ask a client to compile a look book filled with photos of work they like and ideas that reflect their vision. You can put your professional slant on the plans, but at the same time demonstrate that you understand what they are trying to achieve. It’s sensible to make every design decision before work begins, as changing things on site can set back the build.

    Ensuring you get paid and requesting a retainer fee

    Ensuring you get paid and requesting a retainer fee

    The amount architects charge and which services they charge for can be confusing to a lay person. There are no set charges and no one method of billing, it depends on the type of project and the amount of time you will have to devote to it. When weeks run into months it makes sense to negotiate a retainer-fee, this is then applied to the final invoice when a project is complete.

    The amount architects charge and which services they charge for can be confusing to a lay person. There are no set charges and no one method of billing, it depends on the type of project and the amount of time you will have to devote to it. When weeks run into months it makes sense to negotiate a retainer-fee, this is then applied to the final invoice when a project is complete.

    To safeguard the rest of your fee, establish a payment schedule from the start and maintain a close relationship throughout. Be alert for any issues that could result in a delayed payment, or non-payment, and tackle them before they escalate.

    To safeguard the rest of your fee, establish a payment schedule from the start and maintain a close relationship throughout. Be alert for any issues that could result in a delayed payment, or non-payment, and tackle them before they escalate.

    Managing the build and employing contractors

    Managing the build and employing contractors

    As a designer, you are not usually responsible for employing contractors or floor plan experts like measured building surveyors, but you can recommend a trusted firm.

    As a designer, you are not usually responsible for employing contractors or floor plan experts like measured building surveyors, but you can recommend a trusted firm.

    When it comes to dealing with a builder on site, many clients would prefer not to and will pay you to manage the entire project. If you do take on this responsibility, you’ll need to check and sign off each stage of the work before the builder is paid.

    When it comes to dealing with a builder on site, many clients would prefer not to and will pay you to manage the entire project. If you do take on this responsibility, you’ll need to check and sign off each stage of the work before the builder is paid.

  • Grow your architectural firm with systems and more profit

    Build a better business with strong process foundations

    Build a better business with strong process foundationsBuild a better business with strong process foundations

    No matter what business is being looked at, there is always a foundation of processes that build up how the organisation operates. For an architectural firm, large or small, many of these processes are similar to any other company. Processes range from client acquisition, design to concept, quality control, change management, project control and analysis, ordering and other financial management tasks. Some of these tasks will be the same across any company, where others that look at design, acceptance and customer consultation may be more specific to the architect business. By enhancing these core processes and making them more efficient, effective and even less resource intensive, there is the opportunity to reduce costs, create more revenue and in turn drive up business profit.

    No matter what business is being looked at, there is always a foundation of processes that build up how the organisation operates. For an architectural firm, large or small, many of these processes are similar to any other company. Processes range from client acquisition, design to concept, quality control, change management, project control and analysis, ordering and other financial management tasks. Some of these tasks will be the same across any company, where others that look at design, acceptance and customer consultation may be more specific to the architect business. By enhancing these core processes and making them more efficient, effective and even less resource intensive, there is the opportunity to reduce costs, create more revenue and in turn drive up business profit.

    Start simple with fundamental processes

    Start simple with fundamental processesStart simple with fundamental processes

    For any architectural business who is operating in a live working environment, a complete overhaul of business processes is not advisable in one go. A wise approach is to look at some of the core processes that have a large impact on the business operation. These core processes hold the key to streamlining your organisation from the bottom up. One prime example may be the way in which you get clients and keep them. This is the marketing and client retention processes that are the bread and butter of your business. Strategies for effective communication, client service delivery and project assurance may be a great starting point.

    Cut out the unnecessary for efficient service delivery

    Cut out the unnecessary for efficient service deliveryCut out the unnecessary for efficient service delivery

    Every business is unique and requires tailored solutions to improve client retention and conversion to sale of services. Implementing a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software can streamline sales and customer relationships electronically.

    Every business is different and has varying needs, but in order to improve your client retention and conversion to sale of services, you may look to implement some CRM software. CRM software (Customer Relationship Management) allows you to manage all aspects of sales and customer relationships electronically. It will allow the booking of resources, management of time scales, communications and much more. By implementing this type of solution, you are able to cut out some of what would have been manual management of customer data. Resources spent on administration in the past could be better used in other more effective areas. With a more robust system in place, there is also an opportunity to be more effective in getting and maintaining customers, thus increasing turnover and profit. Done right, the costs of implementation are quickly negated by improved profit.

    Monitor, review and revise systems development


    Monitor, review and revise systems developmentMonitor, review and revise systems development

    As with any process change or new development, it won’t be perfect first time unless you are very lucky! Very much like your first architectural design, first time round, the customer may not be quite satisfied, so you go away, tweak it and try again. This is the same with process and systems implementation. We need to take time to review successes, learn from mistakes and implement a revised version to tackle what we found. This continued cycle of review and revision allows the wealth of experience to be built into the processes, making a product that is as streamlined as possible.

    As with any process change or new development, it won’t be perfect first time unless you are very lucky! Very much like your first architectural design, first time round, the customer may not be quite satisfied, so you go away, tweak it and try again. This is the same with process and systems implementation. We need to take time to review successes, learn from mistakes and implement a revised version to tackle what we found. This continued cycle of review and revision allows the wealth of experience to be built into the processes, making a product that is as streamlined as possible.

    For further reading…

    For further reading…For further reading…

    If you would like to read further on how to use systems and process development to enhance the productivity and profitability of your architectural business, ‘Process to Profit – Systemise Your Business to Build a High Performing Team and Gain More Time, More Control and More Profit’ is an excellent read that will help get you started on the road to more success. This is a great starting point that will show you how even small changes can mean big things for your business. Why not take a look today?

    If you would like to read further on how to use systems and process development to enhance the productivity and profitability of your architectural business, ‘Process to Profit – Systemise Your Business to Build a High Performing Team and Gain More Time, More Control and More Profit’ is an excellent read that will help get you started on the road to more success. This is a great starting point that will show you how even small changes can mean big things for your business. Why not take a look today?

  • What is a Measured Survey?

    A Measured Survey is a detailed drawing showing the dimensions, locations, and permanent features of your property, which can be a building or land.

    This type of survey is essential for identifying the layout of your property and its permanent attributes.

    According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), measured surveys are usually drawn up to a scale of 1:100 for buildings, 1:50 for listed buildings, and 1:250 for land.

    The location of your property is determined by GPS (Global Navigation Satellite System) coordinates or can be created locally specifically for your property.

    The positions are relative to their reference points, such as GPS or the local established control points.

    The Land Registry emphasizes the importance of accurate location data, which is then used to establish the property’s boundaries and create a definitive record.

    Permanent features are a crucial aspect of a measured survey, as they define the characteristics of your property.

    • Walls
    • Windows
    • Doors
    • Beams
    • Columns
    • Built-in cabinets/wardrobes
    • Ponds
    • Trees
    • Pavement
    • Street furniture

    According to the UK’s Planning Portal, permanent features can be used to distinguish between buildings and land, and are often referenced in planning applications and insurance policies.

    As highlighted by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), measured surveys provide a detailed record of these features, allowing for accurate assessments and decision-making.

    References

  • What do you get in a topographical survey for a property?

    A topographical survey is used to produce a detailed map of all man-made and natural features within a given area. Also known as a land survey, they are used to inform a variety of property management, development and redevelopment projects. In addition to planning purposes, a survey might also be needed for record keeping. Data collected from a survey is used in variety of plans, from standard drawings or plans on paper to advanced 3D digital models.

    Purposes of a Topographical Survey

    A survey might be needed for a variety of record and planning purposes. Surveys are then used by architects and builders to develop or redevelop the land or property on the site. They can also be used for modelling and visualisation purposes, or simply for maintaining historical records for the site. A survey might also be used to help manage and monitor a site, for example to help manage and mitigate land erosion.

    Surveys might be needed for various projects, including designing a road or highway, railway, airport, housing estate, or commercial development. Surveys may also be needed to obtain the location of neighbouring properties and boundaries when dealing with the placement of a party wall or the sale and acquisition of land. Surveys are also helpful for locating specific details about an area, such as the location of trees and tree canopies or any surface features and services that might affect a property or the development of the land.

    What’s Included in the Survey

    Surveys might be needed for various projects, including designing a road or highway, railway, airport, housing estate, or commercial development. Surveys may also be needed to obtain the location of neighbouring properties and boundaries when dealing with the placement of a party wall or the sale and acquisition of land. Surveys are also helpful for locating specific details about an area, such as the location of trees and tree canopies or any surface features and services that might affect a property or the development of the land.

    What’s Included in the Survey

    A topographical survey measures the boundary, height and features of an area of land including the area around an existing structure. Typically, a survey will include measurements for any existing buildings and structures on the site. It will also include details on the boundary of the site. Information on the terrain will also be included, such as a grid of levels, ground surfaces, and the position of shrubs and trees. A typical survey also includes all utilities and services on the site such as drainage details and the position of service covers or manholes.

    A topographical survey measures the boundary, height and features of an area of land including the area around an existing structure. Typically, a survey will include measurements for any existing buildings and structures on the site. It will also include details on the boundary of the site. Information on the terrain will also be included, such as a grid of levels, ground surfaces, and the position of shrubs and trees. A typical survey also includes all utilities and services on the site such as drainage details and the position of service covers or manholes.

    A survey may also include additional detail beyond the boundary of a site, such as the location of utilities including utility poles and manholes that might affect the site being surveyed. The survey might include the location of nearby trees and buildings that could also affect the project. Additional details can be included depending on individual needs, such as details and measurements on any features next to the site or underground services and features. Generally, surveys with a higher level of detail will cost more than one with less information.

    Determining the Level of Detail

    The amount of information included in a land survey often depends on individual project and client requirements.

    The details included in the survey are informed by the area that is being surveyed as well as the detail and accuracy required.

    For example, a survey based on a scale of 1:100 will be more accurate than one done to a scale of 1:200 or 1:500.

    The scale will also determine the level of detail that will be included.

    Clients should always speak with land surveyors about their requirements before the survey is undertaken, including the extent of the survey area and the level of detail required.

    Generally, surveys with a higher level of detail will cost more than one with less information.

    The survey might include the location of nearby trees and buildings that could also affect the project.

    Additional details can be included depending on individual needs, such as details and measurements on any features next to the site or underground services and features.