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Renovation design — Architect
Explain what works poorly now and which features you want to retain. Share previous alterations, known defects and occupancy plans so the design can account for an existing building's constraints rather than treating renovation as a blank-site exercise.
Service scope
Architectural planning of changes within an existing building, balancing its current condition and layout with new functional requirements. Retention, repair and alteration decisions depend on available records, inspection and the specialist investigations included in the project.
What is normally included
- Existing-building design review
- Proposed layouts and material strategies
- Phased renovation design coordination
What is not included
- Concealed-defect diagnosis from photographs alone
- Automatic survey of hazardous materials
Typical tasks
- Review the existing accommodation
- Record retention and change priorities
- Develop renovation proposals
- Identify investigations and specialist inputs
- Coordinate the agreed phase or drawing package
What to include in your brief
- Current plans and building history
- Desired changes and retained features
- Known defects
- Occupancy during works
- Required design stage and budget
Choosing the right professional
Look for experience with comparable existing buildings and ask how unexpected discoveries are handled. Distinguish design from condition surveys, hazardous-material assessment and contractor methods, and confirm how the proposal will be checked before work starts.
Important considerations
- Hidden defects can alter scope after opening-up
- Occupied works may require a different design and phase plan
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