How it works

We are frequently asked what the stages in the process are from concept to construction so we have outlined below the process up to the submission of planning permissions.

From that point onwards, we offer services scalable to your needs. Generally this could look like one of 4 packages with varying level of involvement on your project. These are detailed below but if you have any questions we are happy to discuss these further - feel free to contact us.

Getting started

Consultation & LOA

We’ll have a discussion with you to establish the project ideas and the Architect will conduct a preliminary site visit to understand the full requirements. Based on this OX-Ai will prepare a ‘Letter of Agreement’ outlining the scope of the work and the associated fees.

Survey & drawings

Following a detailed survey of the site by OX-Ai (and/or a chartered surveyor, for more complex projects), work begins to prepare the existing drawings.

OX-Ai typically produces a client-inspired/instructed option + an alternative suggestion (if you prefer yours, that’s ok! We’ll help you deliver it)

We can also prepare mood boards to help clients compare similar schemes and provide inspiration for the project.

Planning permission

The agreed proposals are submitted to the local council - we’ll guide you on the appropriate permissions to submit for. Once approval is granted, you’ll probably want to start building!

Of course, you can hand the planning permission drawings to a competent builder for them to start construction, however, there are a number of reasons we don’t recommend this to our clients. Choosing the right path for your projects depends upon a number of factors, from your construction experience to the complexity of the design.

Here is where OX-Ai can provide a scalable service, based on your requirements, for your peace of mind and the success of your project.

Optional service levels (post-planning permission)

Standard

We’ll engage with trusted structural engineers to deliver a sensible solution, with deliverables of:

  • Structural scheme

  • Building regulation drawings

to ensure that your contractor knows where everything is going (and so will you), avoiding rush decisions during the project timeline.

Standard +

We can optionally provide:

  • Services diagrams (indicative drainage, ventilation, electrical and lighting layouts)

  • An interiors scheme based on how you want the space to function and feel

Enhanced

We can produce a full set of construction drawings, suitable for building regulations submissions inclusive of the deliverables in our standard and standard + offer, in addition to:

  • Specification of works

  • Outline scope of works

  • Junction details

  • Designer risk assessments

  • JCT Contract formation

Enhanced +

As an additional service OXAi can act as the contract administrator, where we work as an independent administrator of the agreed contract to ensure projects are run and delivered to an agreed standard - essentially, making sure that you get what you’ve paid for, and the contractor delivers what is priced in the contract documents

If you have any questions, are unsure what level of service you need or want for your project, we are happy to discuss what we can offer. Please do not hesitate to contact us!