Architectural Services in Surrey and Hampshire
About Us
GFW DESIGN + ARCHITECTURE is a small Guildford based architectural practice focused on residential and domestic projects. As a Chartered Architectural Technologist practice, we have the skills and experience to guide you through your project from concept to completion.
Our approach is collaborative and we are committed to ensuring our clients receive a quality service. We aim to create desirable lifestyles and living spaces through sustainability and good design, paying attention to light, movement and functionality.
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New build
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Loft conversions
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Extensions
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Alterations and refurbishments
Our Services
CONCEPT + PLANNING
The first stage of any project is to understand the property and how it can be adapted to suit the brief by making the best use of space and light. This is where a measured survey can be the most useful tool to start any project. Following the preparation of the ‘as existing’ plan and elevation drawings, we will begin the design process working through design options with you. Once you are satisfied with the design, generally after the first or second revision, we will submit the relevant planning application and liaise with the local authority on your behalf throughout the planning process.
TECHNICAL DESIGN
While waiting for your planning to be granted we will obtain quotations from Structural Engineers, Building Control and any other consultants who may need to be engaged for your project. Once planning approval has been granted we will begin preparing a set of technical drawings. These will have sufficient detail and construction specification information for Building Regulations Submission and for building contractors to tender on. We will identify and manage any third party submissions requiring consent i.e. Party Wall agreements etc.
TENDER + BUILD
Depending on the size of your project, you may wish to take on the tender and build process yourself. However, we would be happy to assist you in preparing tender documentation, appointing a builder and administer the contract through to completion.
'I recommend Wendy whole heartedly. I enjoyed everything about working with her. I felt her utter commitment to our project; her perseverance to get the best result for us; her technical and working knowledge is superb; she is professional at all times and works quickly and positively with other professionals; she makes fantastic design look simple! I felt trust early on and this remained steadfast. I feel she is incredibly competent and sharp-minded and we are thoroughly delighted with our build. I appreciated the journey with Wendy too - I always felt in safe hands; she was able to explain concepts and details with clarity and builds key working relationships as well as superb designs. Truly talented and easy to work with.'
Emma - Guildford
'Our loft conversion has been completely life changing for us - from the outside you‘d barely know it was there, yet on the inside it’s a complete haven with beautiful spaces and fabulous lighting. We could not have asked for a better outcome. Wendy’s dedication to our brief was evident from the word go and we would not hesitate to recommend her.'
Brigid - Merrow
'When we started discussing and planning our extension we assumed it would have to look quite similar to other extensions that we had seen on neighbouring houses. Wendy’s design was refreshingly different yet very much still in keeping with the style of our house. We are really pleased with what she has designed for us as it provides the light and airy additional space we need as well as being something we want to look at when we are relaxing in the back garden.
Wendy has guided us on the whole process, including some very important upfront expectation-setting for us in terms of planning application timescales. She has also provided invaluable advice on building regulations which impacted key features of the build. Throughout the process we have been reassured by Wendy’s thoughtful attention to detail.'
Simon + Caroline - Guildford
'We are so grateful to Wendy for supporting us with our first floor side extension and alterations to our internal layout, she was so good at thinking creatively and maximised all the space we had available. Planning was not straight forward however Wendy negotiated with the Planning Officer and we were granted planning permission based on the original design. We were so happy with the result, visitors to our house still comment on how much they love the design!'
JT + Sally - Guildford
Testimonials
