Our Process
About
inkPAD is a Chartered Architecture practice based in Teignmouth, South Devon. Established in 2016 but with over 25 years’ experience , we deliver a professional, dynamic service. Providing unique and creative design solutions that add value to your building project and are responsive to your needs, context and environment.
Our Process
We use the RIBA Plan of Work as a guide—it’s a great structure for managing a project from start to finish. But we also know that every client, site, and brief is different, so we keep things flexible and adapt the process to suit you. Here’s how we typically work:
1
brief, surveys & existing drawings
We start by understanding what you want to achieve. Whether it’s a new home, an extension, or a renovation, we’ll talk about your goals, budget, timescales, and any site-specific considerations. If needed, we can help you assess different options before you commit.
We work with you to develop a clear brief—what spaces you need, how you want to live or work in them, and how the building should feel. We’ll also look at the site, local planning policies, and anything else that might affect the project.
We will either send one of our team around to survey your building or organise external consultants to do a survey.
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concept designs
This is where the fun starts.
We start bringing ideas to life as 3D representations and drawings, meeting with you to review the designs.
We develop the project strategy and provide you with an outline architectural proposal.
At this stage we will advise you whether planning is required, we can also discuss the proposals with external partners and advise on and obtain quotes for other consultants that are required.
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Create concept designs in line with the brief.
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Prepare alternative options for discussion.
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Review design with client, amend options if necessary.
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Issue plans, sections, 3D representations, sketches.
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2
developed design
We build on the design work from Stage 02 coordinating the architecture with structural elements.
Finalising layouts and highlighting any alterations or amendments that are required. We ensure the designs will comply with building regulations.
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Review designs with client.
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Finalise layouts.
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Finalise external and internal aesthetic (this does not include for a full interior design service).
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Add depth to the drawings with notes and details
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Advise whether a party wall agreement is required.
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Coordinate other consultants required for planning. (e.g. ecologist, heritage, drainage, arboriculturist, highways,)
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Prepare design statement for submitting to planning.
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Submit the planning application via the planning portal (planning fees will be paid directly by yourselves).
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Act as your planning agent throughout the process ensuring you are kept up to date with progress and answering queries.
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3
4
technical design
Technical drawings, specifications and schedule of works. This information is used to achieve building control sign off, gain accurate fee quotes from QS’s or contractors and construct from.
The level of information can vary greatly depending on the service you wish and your level of experience with building projects, so we offer 3 different packages for Stage 04.
Technical Design – Basic.
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1:200 Site Plan.
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1:50 Below ground floor, foundation, Ground & First Floors setting out information.
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1:50 Elevations.
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1:50 Typical Sections.
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Fire Strategy.
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Ventilation Strategy.
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Basic specification of key elements to achieve building control sign off.
Technical Design – Standard.
As above +
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Window & Door Schedules.
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Small Power, Services and lighting layouts.
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Details of primary elements, wall / Floor / Roof
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Details of Key junctions.
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Coordination of consultant information.
Technical Design – Plus.
As above +
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Coordination of Subcontractor information.
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External works details
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Door elevations and Ironmongery Schedule.
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1:10 / 1:5 details Junction
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Staircase details.
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Scheule of works.
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Describe your image
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Describe your image
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5
construction to completion
Once the Technical Design information is completed, we can compile all the information and send out to contractors for tendering purposes. We will meet the contractors on site and discuss the project with them.
Once we have received the prices, we will review with you and recommend the best contractor for your project.
Depending on your needs, we can be hands-on with site visits to make sure everything is built as designed.
6
handover
Once construction is finished, we carry out final inspections, sort out any snags, and make sure everything is handed over properly. You move in, and we’re still on hand if you need anything.
Meet The Team
Michael is a Chartered Architectural Technologist with over 25 years of experience, working on projects ranging from domestic extensions to large-scale commercial and leisure developments around the world.
His career has taken him from Devon to London and beyond, collaborating with leading practices on projects for clients including Center Parcs, Forest Holidays, Eden Project, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Merlin Entertainments and the BBC. Since returning to Devon in 2013, Michael has continued to deliver creative and technically robust solutions for both local and international schemes.