Our Services
At Fourfold Design, every project starts with listening — to your needs and ambitions as well as the space. Whether you're planning a full renovation, exploring early ideas, or have a project underway and need some help, we’re here to guide you with creativity, ambition and experience.
Home alterations come in all shapes and sizes — and so do the ways we can help. From early-stage advice to full design and construction support, or have works in progress, we tailor our services to suit your project.
In addition to full architectural services, we offer focused design studies (like kitchens, bathrooms or furniture layouts), interior design, garden design, or a one-off ‘Napkin Sketch’ consultation for work you are considering doing, or ‘Project MOT’ to review ongoing work.
Our work is structured around the RIBA Plan of Work stages, providing a clear framework for clients, while allowing flexibility to respond to specific needs of each project, site and brief. The summaries below outline the purpose of each stage and the typical architectural deliverables.
Stages 1–2: Briefing & Concept Design
This stage establishes the foundations of the project and sets the direction for everything that follows. We begin by developing a clear brief, understanding how you live in your home now, how you want it to evolve, and the constraints of budget, planning policy and site conditions.
Concept design is a collaborative process and is given the time it deserves. You will be presented with a series of design options, explored through a combination of 2D drawings and 3D sketches or visualisations. These studies test layout, light, connection to the garden and overall spatial strategy. The stage concludes with a clear summary of the agreed design direction and cost guidance, providing confidence before moving forward.
Stage 3: Spatial Coordination
At this stage, the agreed concept is developed into a considered architectural scheme. The focus is on refining the layout, proportions and key elements so the design is both buildable and cost-aware. Windows, doors, kitchen layouts and external materials are resolved, and the project is coordinated with a structural engineer.
The design is reviewed against building regulations requirements, including fire safety and thermal performance, and developed drawings are prepared to support a planning application or Certificate of Lawfulness. By the end of this stage, the project is sufficiently defined to understand construction costs and to proceed with statutory approvals.
Planning Application / Certificate of Lawfulness
This stage focuses on securing the necessary statutory approvals to allow the project to proceed. We prepare and submit the required drawings and documentation, manage the application process, and respond to any feedback from the local authority.
Stage 4: Technical Design
Technical Design translates the approved scheme into a detailed and coordinated set of information suitable for tendering, building regulations approval and construction. The emphasis is on clarity, coordination and build quality.
Key elements such as junctions, materials, windows, doors, kitchens and bespoke joinery are carefully developed, alongside specifications and consultant information. This stage ensures that the design intent is protected and that contractors are pricing and building from a clear and robust set of drawings.
Stage 5: Construction
During construction, we remain closely involved to support the delivery of the project on site. While we do not act as a project manager, by attending regular site visits, we can respond to technical queries, review work in progress and provide guidance as decisions arise.
This ongoing involvement helps maintain design quality, resolve issues early, and ensure the completed building aligns with the agreed drawings, specifications and regulatory requirements.
Garden Design
Where appropriate, garden design can be integrated alongside the architectural work. This is a light-touch service focused on strengthening the relationship between house and garden, with layouts, materials and planting considered as part of the overall design rather than as an afterthought. Garden Design is also a stand-alone service if with Fourfold Design if you want to rethink your outdoor space.
From early thoughts to projects already underway, I offer a free consultation for anyone looking to explore options, ask questions, or sense-check their approach.