About us
We are architects, designers and planners working closely with our clients to design well-thought-out spaces tailored to their individual needs. SETT provides innovative & creative solutions to the unique challenges of each project, whether they are physical constraints, planning obstacles, or budget limitations. We are strong advocates that the more restricted a site is, the more interesting (& enjoyable) the solution will be.
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Our team has extensive experience working with both private and developer clients on a range of residential projects including internal layout reconfigurations, extensions & loft conversions, one-off houses to multi-dwelling developments & masterplanning.
Our services
We provide full architectural services to take a project from initial conversations through to completion on-site. This is complimented by our planning consultancy service designed to help navigate the planning process.
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Our architectural services follow the RIBA Plan of Work; an industry standard for the process of designing buildings. The Plan of Work separates the design development into stages with clear aims & outcomes:
RIBA Stage 01: Feasibility & Layout Strategy
The aim of this stage is to explore the possible design routes of the project and to confirm the direction of the project.
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This starts by conducting a thorough review of the site & brief to understand the aims and constraints of the project. The main factors of this assessment are a rigorous analysis of the site and an evaluation of the local planning policy and relevant planning history of the area.
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We then prepare layout options which demonstrate different approaches available to achieving the aims of the brief, whilst resolving the constraints discovered. We will then review the different options with you and discuss the advantages of each design.
RIBA Stage 02: Concept Design
The aim of this stage is to develop the project to a singular concept design.
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From the Stage 01 feedback, we refine the layout design taking on board any additions or amendments to the brief. This often results one preferred design focus, but then a couple of minor iterations within it.
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We will also prepare concept design options that explore the external look of the building(s) in more detail including the material palette and composition. We will then, again, review the different options with you and discuss the advantages of each design.
If necessary, we will advise that pre-application planning advice is requested from the local authority to provide valuable insight to the design and to grant greater confidence once we submit the application.
RIBA Stage 03: Planning Preparation & Submission.
The aim of this stage is to confirm the external design and to submit for the relevant approvals.
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From the Stage 02 feedback, we will make any tweaks and amendments to the proposals. We will then formalise the design and prepare them to be submitted alongside the relevant applications for determination by the local authority.
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We will then submit and monitor the application whilst it is being determined, liaising with the planning officer on your behalf.
RIBA Stage 04: Technical Design.
The aim of this stage is to prepare the technical design drawings & specification for building control submission and costing & construction.
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We will review the planning approval and advise on any planning conditions that need to be discharged.
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We will then progress the project through technical design and provide a full package of documents & drawings for building control submission. We will liaise with the structural engineer, and any other consultants, on your behalf and co-ordinate their information within the architectural drawings.
