A Clear Path from Concept to Completion
IFG Design provides a bespoke architectural service focused on delivering quality, clarity and care at every stage. The diagram above illustrates the key phases of a typical project and how we guide clients through the process. While we’re often appointed for full service delivery, our approach is flexible and can be tailored to suit individual needs. Whether it’s your first project or one of many, we’re here to make the journey straightforward and rewarding.
Our process begins with an in-depth consultation to understand you, your vision, and the unique qualities of your property. We take time to gather a clear, detailed brief, discuss your budget and timescale, and offer practical advice on feasibility, planning requirements, and costs. This meeting typically lasts 1–2 hours and includes a modest fee reflecting the thorough, tailored guidance provided. Afterward, we’ll supply a detailed proposal outlining our services, so you can understand each step of the journey ahead with confidence and clarity.
Once appointed, we carry out a detailed measured survey of the property or project area, accurately recording existing conditions for all future design work. For larger or more complex sites, we’ll coordinate trusted surveyors for specialist measured surveys. We also review planning history, site constraints, and relevant policies to ensure your design responds sensitively to its context. Additional surveys (e.g. drainage or arboricultural) may be recommended if needed.
Using your brief, site information, and any design constraints, we develop a range of concept options to explore the full potential of your project. This stage is built around open discussion and collaboration, encouraging your feedback to refine ideas into a preferred, well-considered design. We can provide detailed option studies or 3D models to aid decision-making and visualisation. Cost awareness remains central throughout – we recommend obtaining an initial estimate from a builder or quantity surveyor to help keep the design aligned with your budget and goals.
We refine the agreed design for planning submission, preparing all required drawings and documents and coordinating with other consultants as needed. For complex projects, we may suggest engaging a planning or heritage consultant to strengthen the application. We also liaise proactively with the local planning authority or case officer throughout, seeking to maximise the chance of approval. While planning timescales vary (often around 8 weeks), we’ll keep you fully informed throughout the process.
This stage transforms the approved design into a detailed, buildable package. We produce coordinated technical drawings and comprehensive specifications that comply with Building Regulations, British Standards, and industry best practices. Resolving all design details here helps minimise on-site issues, ensuring a smoother, more predictable construction process. We also coordinate a trusted team of specialist consultants – including structural engineers, party wall surveyors, and interior and landscape designers – to make your design complete and fully coordinated before contractor tendering.
Before construction begins, Building Control approval is required to ensure compliance with regulations. We prepare and submit the necessary package to an approved inspector or local authority, carefully coordinating all required drawings and documentation. We address any feedback or requested changes promptly to secure consent. Our detailed and coordinated approach at this stage helps streamline approvals, minimise potential issues during the build, and provide both clients and contractors with greater confidence in the project’s compliance and readiness to proceed.
During construction, we maintain close and active involvement to ensure the design is realised exactly as intended. We collaborate continuously and proactively with contractors, sub-contractors, and suppliers, managing every detail carefully and providing timely clarifications whenever needed. If appointed as Contract Administrators, we conduct regular site visits, monitor progress closely, and certify payments at agreed stages – offering you ongoing reassurance that the project remains on schedule, within budget, and is built to the highest agreed quality standards.
At project completion, we carefully ensure every detail is delivered to the highest standard and meets your expectations. We conduct thorough snagging inspections to identify and address any outstanding issues, and provide clear, comprehensive handover information so you can confidently use and fully enjoy your new space. Additionally, we continue to support you throughout the post-completion defects liability period, offering peace of mind that any issues arising will be dealt with promptly, fairly, and efficiently, ensuring your long-term satisfaction.