Design Process
Q: How does the design process work at Houz Design?
A:
Our design process adapts depending on your project — whether it's a small extension or a full new-build — but the foundation is always the same:
✔️ We listen first,
✔️ Design to suit,
✔️ Keep you involved,
✔️ Deliver all required approvals.
Here’s a typical journey:
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Initial Contact & Discovery
We start by understanding your existing property and what you're hoping to achieve. This helps us prepare a tailored architectural fee proposal based on your goals, site conditions, and what's likely to be involved. -
Concept Stage
Once you accept our proposal, we usually begin with a design concept phase. This includes initial layouts or visual ideas based on your criteria — a solid starting point. We’ll then go back and forth with you to refine it until it feels right. -
Detailed Design & Drawings
When you’re happy with the concept, we move into producing full planning and/or building warrant drawings, including elevations, sections, specifications, and any documents needed to meet regulations. -
Client Review & Final Sign-Off
You’ll always get to review everything before we submit to the council. Nothing goes ahead without your approval — and we’ll explain every detail clearly. -
Submission & Management
We handle everything: planning submission, building warrant submission, coordinating with engineers or energy assessors, and managing council responses. -
Revisions? We Handle Them.
If changes are requested during the planning or warrant process (which can happen), we revise the drawings as needed — at no extra cost. Our fixed fee includes all reasonable revisions until a decision is reached. -
Communication & Support
We keep in touch throughout — clients are added to a private WhatsApp chat so we can easily share updates, answer questions, and stay responsive. You're never left wondering what's happening.
Q: Do you include me in the design decisions, or do you just submit drawings?
A:
You're very much part of the process. We work closely with you to make sure the design matches what you want — from initial sketches to final submission. We don't just draw and submit — we collaborate, refine, and adjust with your input.
We keep you fully informed through every stage, usually via WhatsApp, email, or phone, depending on what works best for you. You’ll always have visibility and control.
Q: What if my project is more technical or complex?
A:
No problem — more complex projects just require more technical stages, which we build into your fee proposal. This might include:
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Multiple design iterations
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Structural coordination (e.g. for multi-storey builds or unusual foundations)
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Energy and drainage compliance
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More in-depth regulatory checks
We scale our service to match your project’s needs — while still giving you clarity, fixed pricing, and excellent communication.
Q: What happens if the council asks for changes after submission?
A:
We take care of that as part of our service. If a planning officer or building standards officer requests revisions or clarifications, we’ll revise the drawings or provide the necessary detail — all included in our fixed fee.
We only charge more if you ask us to radically change the design direction after everything's already been submitted.