Frequently Asked Questions

MO Architects provide a full architectural service, including feasibility studies, planning and listed building applications, technical design, and on-site support for residential and commercial projects across Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands. We start with an initial chat and feasibility review, looking at your ideas, the site, planning constraints, budget, and timescales to give you clear advice on what’s achievable. We then develop a thoughtful, practical design that responds to how you want to use the space, the character of the site, and local planning policy. We handle planning and listed building applications, preparing the drawings and supporting information and dealing with the local authority on your behalf. Once planning is secured, we produce detailed technical drawings for Building Regulations and construction. If needed, we can also help with tendering, contractor selection, and on-site support during the build. Our service is flexible and tailored to you — whether you need help at one stage or from start to finish.

Involving an architect early in your project helps assess feasibility, planning constraints, budget, and design potential before costly decisions are made. Ideally, as early as possible — even before you buy a site or commit to a design idea. Getting an architect involved at the outset allows us to review feasibility, planning constraints, budget, and risks early on, helping you avoid costly mistakes and unrealistic expectations. We can advise on what’s likely to gain planning permission, how to make best use of the site, and where design changes could save money or add value. That said, it’s never “too late” to involve an architect. We often join projects where ideas are already formed or planning is underway and help refine, rescue, or strengthen the proposal. Whether you’re at the first idea stage or part way through the process, early architectural advice usually leads to better outcomes, smoother planning, and fewer surprises on site.

There’s no one-size-fits-all fee, as every project is different. Our fees depend on the scale and complexity of the project, the level of service you need, and how far we’re involved — from early feasibility and planning through to technical design and site support. Where the scope of work can be clearly defined, we’re happy to offer a fixed fee, giving you cost certainty from the outset. For larger or more complex projects, fees are usually broken down by stage, allowing flexibility as the project progresses. We’re always clear and upfront about costs. After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a written fee proposal setting out what’s included, how the fee is structured, and when payments are due. Our focus is on delivering clear advice, robust design, and genuine value, helping you avoid costly mistakes and make confident decisions.

Your role is at the core of the design process. Everything we do is to achieve the vision established with you. You know you want something that looks great and performs well but you may not know what your needs entail or you may not have fully formed your vision. We empower you with the correct advice and knowledge to make important decisions that are key to the success of your project. We welcome your input as that's the fun of the design process. Exchanging ideas and sharing knowledge is something we love. You can be involved in the process as much as you like. We are open to any and all requests and suggestions from you (we have even been asked to install a roof top open air bath for one of our clients), knowing that they you the experts when it comes to how the space will be used. We truly consider our clients valuable members of our team and enjoy the collaboration we have with our clients to bring about inspiring end results. If you have specific ideas, it often provides a great starting point for the design process. When we design for projects, we start the process by asking you a lot of questions. We ask things like: Who lives in your home? How do you envision the new or remodeled home will be used? What types of feelings do you want the new space to invoke? What do your family’s future plans look like? We don’t want to just design you beautiful spaces, but also spaces that will be used and enjoyed, and that will serve you well for many years to come! We can only do this with extensive input from you.

In addition to helping you to design your project, in many projects we take on the role of ‘lead consultant,’ becoming responsible for coordinating the works of all the other design team members into one cohesive package of information. Generally, you as the client will directly appoint each of the individual consultants, however we will let you know what other disciplines are required, and make introductions to those with whom we have good prior experience. We also like to meet new people so if you have contacts or know someone you would like to work with we are more than happy with this too. For domestic renovations and extensions the main design consultants required are: - Building Surveyor - Structural Engineer - Building Control Inspector - Party Wall Surveyor - Principal Designer for CDM Other consultants that may be needed: No two projects are identical, from differences in the brief of the project, to the condition of your property. Depending on what is involved, other consultants may be considered, such as: - Planning Consultant - Mechanical & Electrical Consultant - Energy Consultant - Cost Consultant - Lighting / Audio Visual Consultant - Landscape Architect - Interior Designer We are here to guide you through the design process smoothly and introduce the right disciplines if required for your project.

When starting your project, there are different stages to the design and building process. We work with the RIBA Plan of Work (https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/resources-landing-page/riba-plan-of-work)and go from Stage 0 to Stage 7, and each Stage serves a different purpose. Stage 0 – Strategic Definition stage At this initial stage, the fundamentals of your project are explored, and all the pros and cons are weighed up. Stage 1 – Preparation and Brief This is the stage in which the initial brief is decided and is where the client requirements are considered further to prepare for the project. Stage 2 – Conceptual Design Stage This stage sets the Architectural concept for the project. Proposals are prepared and regular design reviews are held in order to make sure the design is on the right track. Stage 3 – Spatial Coordination This stage is mainly about testing the architectural concept to make sure that everything prepared in stage 2 is correct, before the detailed information at stage 4 is needed. This is normally the stage at which your planning application is submitted. Stage 4 – Technical Design Stage This is where the information required to construct the building is prepared. This normally the stage at which the Building Regulation Application is submitted. Stage 5 - Construction This is where your project will really begin to take off and is the construction phase. We will keep track of the construction work and make sure it is all at the agreed contract. Stage 6 - Handover This then leads on to stage 6, probably the most exciting stage for someone completing their own project. This is the stage in which the building is handed over to the client, any building contracts are concluded, and the aftercare is initiated. Stage 7 - In Use The final stage, stage 7 is where the building is analysed to ensure it is operating effectively and to the clients’ desire and to pick up any defects that may have occurred in the early life of your project and work to resolve them. We know that this can be daunting for clients who are new to this process, and we are here to guide you through every step of your project with minimal stress.

Planning Permissions are more about the external appearance of the building and making sure any landscaping considerations are in keeping with the local environment. Ultimately, Planning Permissions are there to avoid architectural ‘eyesores’ and oversized extensions being built that would be ‘out-of-keeping’ in an area. Building Regulations set the minimum standard for the design and construction of buildings to ensure that any work has been done correctly. They cover safety standards for the construction of everything from staircases and chimneys to the heating efficiency of boilers and providing access facilities for the disabled. You may need building regulation approval to cover work on your home both internally and externally. Both are legally required and must be submitted to your local council before beginning any work. Failure to comply could lead to a fine.

Most planning applications are decided within eight weeks, unless they are unusually large or complex, in which case the time limit is extended to 13 weeks. We can provide with an idea of the likely timeframe in consultation with the local planners. If the planners can't decide your application within eight weeks, they should obtain your written consent to extend the period for maybe making design alterations. If they have not done so, you could appeal to the Secretary of State but appeals can take up to a year to decide and it may be quicker to reach a compromise with the planners if it can be achieved. If the planners turns down an application or don't make a decision within the timeframe allowed, you can make an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate and have the matter resolved by a Planning Inspector. We can guide you through this process.

There are other permissions other than planning and building regulations applications which may include: - Utility Connections - Nature Licences - Conservation and Listed Building Permissions - Environmental Permits - Protected Species Permits - Highways Permits - Section 106 Agreements - Party Wall Agreements - Footpath/Highway Diversions There may be others and we carry out an initial assessment with yourselves to understand what may be required and what help from specialists may be required.

The short answer is no. The long answer is that the role of the structural engineer is an integral part of the design team solving the technical aspects to ensure structural integrity of your vision - essentially making sure the design is structurally sound once complete. They work out and produce complex calculations that must be submitted to Building Control to prove compliance with the Building Regulations making sure things like beams and columns are in the right place and the correct sizes to suit the design. This also enables the builder to accurately quote for the correct structure in the building.