Here at PDG Architectural we know that every detail matters so we provide our clients with an initial sketch scheme design to better capture the objectives and needs of our clients. 

Design drawings are essential to provide a workable solution, so we use it for various reasons like:

• communicating, building, and expanding the brief
• developing the idea as agreed with the client and turn it into a logical and coordinated design
• communicate the final version of the design with other parties, such as local authorities, contractors, building control body etc.
• Note the completion of the construction as well as any changes to it.

Bear in mind that the initial sketch does not intend to be accurate or definitive, it is purely a way of exploring and communicating design and aesthetic concepts.

Feasibility studies are usually undertaken in the early stages of a project and involve a verification process to evaluate if the project is achievable from a technical and economical point of view. 

We tend to execute these when there is any doubt regarding the development of the project and we hand them over to the client in a structured way so that they can decide whether or not to proceed to the next phase.

PDG Architectural is proud to be given the responsibility of your project and we will treat it with great consideration. In doing so, we meet with the clients and talk through the whole process to find out what they need and how it can all fit within the client’s budget.

If the customers’ expectations exceeds their budget and they go ahead and make major decisions without being aware of all the aspects, it could lead to costly mistakes. Montages and design drawings are beneficial as a basic first step and we do recommend them as a starting point, especially because they are relatively inexpensive when compared to wasting money on decisions that could have been avoided from the start.

When we talk about planning drawings, we usually mean a set of technical drawings that are meant to accurately convey the geometric characteristics, building or fabrication directions/specifications so that the builder can produce the design. 

These drawings are useful for a number of reasons like communicate visions and concepts, produce coherent design ideas, assure clients of the value of a design, give an overall impression of the project’s layout and its surrounding buildings, but more importantly, for our clients to put forward/present as a component of their planning permission application.

PDG can assist in complex planning and listed building applications and can coordinate various consultants and supported documents as required to assist with the planning process, working closely with the planning authorities.

PDG have worked with a number of planning authorities across the country and have build working relationships with planners and continue to built on this on new authorities. 

Here are a few types of building plan drawings:
• site plans/ floor plans/ roof plans/ cross sections/ elevations/ landscape plans/ photographs and photo montages/ 3D floor plans

A Building Regulation package contains a set of detailed technical drawings.  To assist with Building Regulation Drawings, PDG Architectural will contact and keep in touch with any third party consultants to obtain the planning check approval.

The standards are advanced by the Government and contain general guidance on the performance expected of materials and building work to comply with the building regulations and are then approved by Parliament.

They cover all aspects that should be followed throughout the build, as well as foundations, structure and overall stability of the building, fire safety, site preparation and resistance to contaminates and moisture, toxic substances, resistance to sound, ventilation, sanitation and water efficiency, drainage and waste disposal, fuel storage systems, protection from falling, collision and impact, electrical safety and adequate facilities for people with disabilities, just to mention a few.

Similar to Building Regulation Drawings, Tender Drawings are a also set of documents that go into more detail to combine studying the nature of a project including client requirements.

 All these come together to assist with the construction process, considering details such as insulation, finishes and usually every material and method used for the construction. 

The more clear and comprehensive the details provided are, the more difficult it becomes for the contractor to get away with unjustified extras in the construction process.

Working drawings are usually drawings that are included in the production information needed by the construction team. They need to include the construction process, showing any abnormal characteristics or requirements that need special consideration. These plans will be based on further explanations including estimates of cost and sections of the building.

Even if they could need further clarifications, they are complete enough to proceed with the construction without any supplementary information.

And because they go into such detail and allow you to describe specifically what you want, setting out at the same time the responsibilities of each participant in the project, they are the most essential stage in the process of giving life to your project.

NBS is the official UK-based system of specifications, launched in 1973 and used to outline the materials and quality levels of a construction project.

A specification is a detailed document that outlines everything from dimensions, materials, the performance standards, the premises of the site, the quality of the systems and products and any detail that cannot be included in the visual drawing or model.

This stage is essential as the specifications are required during the design stage and can even go into detail in terms of what products are to be used which play a crucial role in project fulfillment.

Autodesk Revit is the building information modelling software we have been using since 2012 to give life to our projects, alongside AutoCAD. We chose this software because it allows its users to track various stages in the building’s lifecycle, from concept to demolition, designing everything in 3D and annotating the model with 2D drafting elements.

BIM or Building Information Modelling is an intelligent 3D model-based process for creating and controlling information across the project lifecycle, that gives professionals the tools and understanding for a more efficient outcome.

One of the biggest advantages of this model is the digital description of every key aspect of the asset which allows updated drawings at any specific stage of the project, making it more easy for those who interact with the building to efficiently plan, design and construct. 

BIM uses the same principle as traditional design, communicating the design intent and evolving into a virtual construction model that analyses and detects any potential risks.

On top of that, the process models the building from real construction elements such as walls, flooring, roofs, windows, imitating the real building process and allowing the objects in the model to be manufactured, constructed and operated.

For PDG Architectural this means we can better optimize our actions at each stage of the development : describing the problem, gathering information, brainstorming and examining, coming up with a solution, getting feedback and finally revising everything, creating a greater whole life value for the asset.

3D Visualisation or more specifically 3D Architectural Illustration is a computer-generated image and refers to the process of transforming the design plan into a 3D construction that gives you the opportunity to examine the project before the actual construction begins. 

We know that sometimes it can be quite difficult to imagine how everything will fit together with the environment and that 2D architectural drawings can be difficult to interpret without having been trained and that’s why we are using the latest technology to help you with that. 

We can integrate all dimensions and building textures to produce stunning photorealistic images and walk-through visualisations of any proposed building, regarding if we are talking about the exterior or interior of the building, so you can tour your property virtually and even avoid any unforeseen problems that may occur along the way.