Property Finding
The combination of expertise that we have of understanding existing buildings, planning legislation, building regulations and designing for individuals with a wide range of disabilities, allows us to assist with finding suitable properties for purchase or rent. In previous experiences, we have found that this can speed up the process to find an appropriate property that meets the requirements.
We initially will sit down with the family to identify the relevant requirements and will then liaise with all agents and search engines to identify properties of interest. Once certain properties have been identified, we are happy to assist with visiting family, case manager and occupational therapist to ascertain, which property they want to proceed with. We can also assist with any negotiations on the property purchase if required.
Following completion of a property purchase or rental, we can then assist wherever required. This sometimes includes a property purchase survey, schedule of condition (for rental property) and any design changes that may be required.
Feasibility Reports
Often, we are contacted by solicitors, case managers and occupational therapists to visit a property that the family are interested in to determine the feasibility of any changes that may be required. This can include reviewing any planning requirements, building regulation issues and the cost of changes required. In preparation of visiting the property, we will ask for the brief, in order to determine what may be required at the property. Our preference is always to visit with the family and occupational therapist/case manager as we can discuss together the potential benefits and issues that the property may have. We find that this gives everyone a better understanding of how the changes will best work at the property to accommodate the requirements.
Following our visit, if the property is deemed unsuitable, we would normally contact everyone prior to preparing a report in order to ask whether the report is required as this can save costs. If the property is suitable, we would prepare a report. This would normally include preparing a sketch proposal of the design discussed along with raising any potential issues with the property and a budget cost prepared by a chartered quantity surveyor for the building work.
As a firm of chartered surveyors and architects, with over 25 years of experience in this area of work, we believe that we are well poised to assist with this.
Design for Disability
As a firm of chartered architects and chartered surveyors, we have a vast range of experience and expertise with disabled design, supporting independence and well-being. This can include items as listed below.
- Access work
- Bathroom alterations, room reconfiguration
- Extensions to accommodate additional living space
- Storage solutions
- Hydrotherapy pool
- Rebound therapy
- Sensory rooms
- Garden design
- Smart home design
- Kitchen design
It is extremely important to us that we work with everyone involved with the project and look to provide a collaborative approach to the design. This includes liaising with the family, solicitor, occupational therapist, case manager and any other therapists that are involved.
Our design process would normally include preparing sketch schemes to discuss in more detail, working within the parameters we have, which will include the family’s design brief, budget constraints and any restrictions from planning or building regulation approval. Once a design has been agreed, we will complete the design and if required, 3D visuals can be provided in order to assist with how the space will be once built.
The design is a constant evolving process and we have found that this can quite often continue once the building work commences. Therefore, we will always ensure that the communication remains constant through the whole process until the building work is completed.
Sometimes we find that families find the process overwhelming when considering the design and layout changes along with what decisions may be required for finishes as part of the building work. We therefore, also offer an interior design service, which can include everything from conceptual design of the interiors through to assisting with choosing furniture for the new property.
Contract Administration
A Contract Administrator manages the contract between the employer and building contractor. This is a role that was historically performed by the architect or chartered surveyor; and in fact most of the popular forms of contract for decades have referred to the ‘architect / contract administrator’.
This service includes:
- produce detail design drawings
- write specifications
- tender to building contractors
- check the tenders for errors or omissions
- help clients select their building contractor
Our role during construction includes:
- undertaking periodic site inspections
- managing the works for our clients
- certifying interim payments
- agreeing the contractor’s final account
When should you get a Contract Administrator?
Contract Administration is used on many types of contract, including extensions, new build and internal refurbishments. We have found that clients find this a less stressful way of organising building works.
Disability Facility Grants
For a number of years, we have assisted with building work in conjunction with a disabled facilities grant from the local authority. Our knowledge of the grant process can assist with identifying what areas of a larger scheme could be considered for a grant. This can quite often includes items such as access, bathing equipment and bathroom alterations.
We can assist the client with directing them in the application process to potentially obtain a grant, which could assist towards the building work carried out.
You should be aware that the process can take a long time and therefore, the application should be carried out as soon as possible if looking to obtain any potential funding toward the overall scheme.
We are happy to provide further advice over the disabled facility grant process and the implications of this within the larger scheme.
Injury and Clinical compensation case
We specialize in bespoke building solutions for clients funded through clinical or injury compensation cases, creating homes that are both highly functional and welcoming. With years of experience, we work closely with solicitors, case officers, and occupational therapists to ensure every project is tailored to the client’s unique needs.
Our approach focuses on accessible home design that enhances safety, independence, and day-to-day comfort. From home adaptations, therapeutic pools, integration of mobility solutions with specialized equipment, every feature is seamlessly integrated into the home environment.
We believe that adaptations should feel like a home, not a hospital. Our designs blend practical accessibility with thoughtful, comfortable design, resulting in spaces that are warm, inviting, and reflective of your personal taste. The result is a home that empowers, supports rehabilitation, and meets long-term care or daily living needs—all while maintaining comfort and dignity.
We guide clients through every stage of the process, ensuring that all solutions are compliant, practical, and tailored to the individual. By combining architectural expertise with in-house interior design, we create homes that enhance independence, wellbeing, and confidence in everyday life.