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Our approach · from idea to completion

Building design office and architectural renovation: our approach

Building or altering a home is an intensive process. You want to get it right first time, with clear drawings, insight into permits and the right guidance.

As a building design office and architectural adviser, we support private clients and smaller developers with the renovation, alteration and extension of homes, from the first idea to completion.

  • Your wishes translated into clear building drawings
  • Design and technical development matched to the applicable regulations
  • One familiar point of contact throughout the agreed project phases
Plan an introduction See all steps
A clear and manageable process

Our approach in eight clear steps

The exact assignment differs per project. Each phase therefore has its own goal, result and decision point before the next step begins.

  1. Introduction

    Wishes, budget, schedule, the home and any permit question are mapped out.

  2. Existing situation

    The home is surveyed and relevant available documents are collected.

  3. Design

    Sketches and options are discussed and developed into a final design.

  4. Permit

    Applicable rules and the required application documents are researched and prepared.

  5. Technical development

    Specification and construction drawings record details, materials and construction information.

  6. Quotations and contractor

    Offers can be prepared, explained and compared on their content.

  7. Construction

    The agreed support safeguards design quality, technical coordination and decision-making.

  8. Completion and aftercare

    Completion is supported with checks, outstanding items and the handover of documentation.

Steps 01 and 02 · setting the basis

Introduction and reliable project information

A good design starts with insight into your question and into the existing home.

01 / First exploration

No-obligation introductory meeting

Every project starts with a personal introduction. We visit you or meet on site to look at the home, the situation and the surroundings.

During this meeting we take stock of:

  • Wishes and ideas for the alteration or renovation
  • Budget, schedule and relevant constraints
  • The first permit question: what seems possible and what needs to be investigated?
  • Available drawings, photos and earlier correspondence
  • The desired extent of design and advisory work

Based on the available information we discuss initial feasibility, possible steps and, where responsible, a rough cost range. You then receive a quotation for the agreed drawing and advisory work.

02 / Building survey

Survey and existing situation

Once you agree, we carefully survey the existing home. An accurate record of accessible dimensions and visible building elements is the basis for reliable drawings.

Where relevant and visible, we record:

  • Floor plans, elevations and sections of the existing situation
  • Visible main structural elements, such as load-bearing walls, beams and floors
  • Relevant building services and building physics aspects
  • Insulation, glazing and ventilation where known or visible
  • Differences between existing documents and the observed situation

The survey is processed into a digital base drawing using a suitable CAD or BIM workflow. Parts that cannot be seen may need further investigation or a check by a specialist.

Steps 03 and 04 · designing and checking

From spatial concept to a well-founded application

Living quality, technical feasibility and regulations are not treated separately.

03 / Preliminary and final design

Design phase: from sketch to final design

Together with you we develop the design step by step. The preliminary design (VO) explores the new layout, extensions and spatial interventions.

  • Sketch floor plans, elevations and sections
  • Options for extensions, roof extensions and internal openings
  • Daylight, sightlines, circulation and connection with the outdoors
  • Balancing wishes with budget and structural possibilities
  • First check against the zoning plan and the Buildings Decree (Bbl)

After discussing the preliminary design, we process your feedback and develop the chosen direction into a final design (DO), the basis for the permit and technical development.

04 / Environmental permit

Permit and regulations process

Renovations and extensions may require an environmental permit and assessment by the municipality, design review or heritage bodies.

Depending on the assignment, this phase includes:

  • Research into the zoning plan, the Environment and Planning Act and local guidelines
  • Checking against relevant parts of the Buildings Decree (Bbl)
  • Drawings for the permit application
  • Site plan, elevations and necessary justifications
  • Daylight, ventilation and energy performance data where applicable
  • Contact with the municipality, design review and building control when agreed

We keep you informed, explain substantive questions and process necessary design changes within the agreed scope.

Steps 05 and 06 · preparing construction

Technical drawings and comparable quotations

What is to be built must be recorded clearly enough in advance for pricing, coordination and construction.

05 / Technical drawings

Specification and construction drawings

Once the design and permit are clear enough, the technical development follows. Its content is matched to the project size and the responsibilities of the parties involved.

Where appropriate, we provide:

  • Specification drawings with details of foundation, floors, facades and roof
  • Connection details between existing and new building parts
  • Window frame schedules, door and window layouts and stair details
  • Overviews of materials and finishes
  • Construction drawings for the contractor and relevant subcontractors
  • Coordination of positions and starting points for structure and building services

A clear set limits differences in interpretation and supports targeted questions before construction starts.

06 / Tendering

Tendering, quotation advice and contractor selection

With good drawings and a defined scope, quotations can be requested on comparable starting points.

If you wish, we help with:

  • Drawing up and sending requests for quotation
  • Explaining drawings and scope to contractors
  • Comparing price, additional and reduced work, schedule and conditions
  • Assessing proposed alternatives and exclusions
  • Advice on choosing a suitable contractor
  • Recording points of attention for the contract

This lets you base your choice not only on the final price, but also on content, quality, completeness and schedule.

Steps 07 and 08 · construction and completion

Staying involved during construction and completion

Even with good drawings, questions come up during a renovation. An agreed support role helps to show the consequences of changes in good time.

07 / Construction

Construction support and site management

When this is part of the assignment, we can stay involved as building adviser and design office to safeguard the design, technical starting points and agreements.

The agreed role can consist of:

  • Regular site visits and reporting
  • Comparing the work with the drawings and technical description
  • Assessing proposals for additional and reduced work
  • Spotting and discussing technical problems
  • Coordination with the contractor and relevant consultants
  • Keeping track of agreed information, decision points and changes

The powers and responsibilities of construction support or site management are clearly agreed in advance.

08 / Completion

Completion and aftercare

At the end of the process we can support the handover, record outstanding items and help organise the available project documentation.

At completion, the assignment can include:

  • A visual check based on the drawings, the permit and the recorded agreements
  • Recording and discussing visible outstanding items
  • Supporting the follow-up of agreed repairs
  • An overview of warranties received and relevant documentation
  • Answering further questions during the agreed aftercare period

Hidden defects or specialist installations may need separate checks by qualified parties.

Connecting space, technical work and process

Why bring in a building design office?

A building project, especially a renovation or alteration, involves spatial, technical and legal points of attention. A specialised building design office translates your question into verifiable information and acts as a knowledgeable sounding board.

  • Building drawings aimed at the applicable standards and project requirements
  • A clear translation of your wishes into feasible solutions
  • Early warning of risks of errors, delays and extra work
  • One familiar point of contact from first idea to the agreed completion
  • Architectural attention to space, light and everyday living quality

The result is a renovation or alteration that is not only technically sound, but also pleasant and logical in everyday use.

Discuss your process
For a focused first assessment

Which information can you gather in advance?

You do not need a complete file yet. A few basic details help us prepare the introductory meeting in a more focused way.

Illustration: workspace with unrolled building drawings and a monitor
Project information
  • Project address and type of home
  • Short description of the existing and desired situation
  • Photos of the relevant rooms, facades, roof or garden
  • Available sales, archive or permit drawings
  • Known correspondence or questions from the municipality
  • Rough schedule, budget and desired project size
Go to contact Send project information
Approach FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the project process

Does every project start with an introductory meeting?

Yes. In a first meeting we take stock of the home, your wishes, the available information, schedule, budget and any permit question. After that, the right scope for drawing and advisory work can be set.

Why does the existing home need to be surveyed?

A reliable survey is the basis for design drawings, technical development and coordination with consultants. Parts that cannot be seen may need further investigation.

Which regulations are checked during the design?

Depending on the project, we look at the zoning plan, the Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet), the Buildings Decree (Besluit bouwwerken leefomgeving), design review policy and any heritage conditions.

Can Amstelada compare contractors' quotations?

When this is part of the assignment, Amstelada can prepare requests for quotation, explain questions and make differences in scope, price, schedule, conditions and alternatives clear.

Can Amstelada stay involved during construction and completion?

Yes. The agreed role can include site visits, reporting, review of changes and additional or reduced work, technical coordination and support at completion and with outstanding items.

Explore your project question further
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Start your process with care

From first question to a clear project scope

Send the project address, your wishes and any photos or drawings. We will discuss which phases and results suit your project.

Go to the contact page See the address and how to prepare your enquiry. info@amstelada.nl Send your project information directly by e-mail.