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 our guide—it provides a clear structure for managing a project from start to finish. We also know that every client, site and brief is different, so we stay 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 helpful, we can explore different options before you commit.
We then 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 review the site, local planning policies and anything else that might affect the project.
We’ll arrange a measured survey of your property, carried out by a member of our team or by trusted external consultants.
Describe your image
concept designs
This is where the fun starts.
We begin translating the brief into early design ideas—3D visuals and drawings that we review with you.
We’ll develop the project strategy and present an outline architectural proposal.
At this stage, we’ll advise you on whether planning permission is required. We can also discuss the proposals with external specialists and obtain quotes for any additional consultants needed.
-
Produce concept designs aligned with the brief
-
Prepare alternative options for discussion.
-
Review designs with you and refine as needed
-
Issue plans, sections, 3D views and sketches
Describe your image
Describe your image
2
developed design
We build on the design work from Stage 02, coordinating the architectural design with the structural strategy. We finalise layouts, highlight any required amendments and ensure the proposals comply with the Building Regulations. We’ll review the designs with you and confirm key decisions, before refining the external and internal aesthetic. We also develop the drawings with notes and key details.
-
Advise whether a party wall agreement is required
-
Coordinate any specialist input needed for planning (e.g. ecologists, heritage specialists, drainage engineers, arboriculturists, highways consultants)
-
Prepare the design statement for the planning submission
-
Submit the planning application via the Planning Portal (planning fees are paid by you directly to the local authority)
-
Act as your planning agent throughout, keeping you updated and answering queries
Describe your image
Describe your image
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.
-
1:200 Site Plan.
-
1:50 Below ground floor, foundation, Ground & First Floors setting out information.
-
1:50 Elevations.
-
1:50 Typical Sections.
-
Fire Strategy.
-
Ventilation Strategy.
-
Basic specification of key elements to achieve building control sign off.
Technical Design – Standard.
As above +
-
Window & Door Schedules.
-
Small Power, Services and lighting layouts.
-
Details of primary elements, wall / Floor / Roof
-
Details of Key junctions.
-
Coordination of consultant information.
Technical Design – Plus.
As above +
-
Coordination of Subcontractor information.
-
External works details
-
Door elevations and Ironmongery Schedule.
-
1:10 / 1:5 details Junction
-
Staircase details.
-
Schedule of works.
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
5
construction to completion
Once the Technical Design is complete, we’ll compile and issue the tender pack to selected contractors and meet them on site to walk through the project and answer questions.
When the tender returns are received, we’ll review them with you and recommend a preferred contractor.
From there, you can choose the level of our involvement:
-
Handover & on-call support — we place you with a reputable contractor and remain available for ad-hoc queries.
-
Site monitoring — we stay involved with regular site visits to check quality, progress and compliance with the drawings and specification.
-
Full contract administration — we administer the contract between you and the contractor, managing valuations, variations and programme to keep the project on track and reduce stress.
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’ experience, delivering projects from domestic extensions to large commercial and leisure developments worldwide.
His career has taken him from Devon to London and beyond, collaborating with leading practices on projects for clients including Center Parcs, Forest Holidays, the Eden Project, Pfizer, Merlin Entertainments and the BBC. Since returning to Devon in 2013, Michael has continued to deliver creative, technically robust solutions for both local and international schemes.
Ian has been a key part of the inkPAD team since 2021, bringing technical expertise across all project stages. With a BSc (Hons) in Architectural Engineering and an award-winning carpentry background, he specialises in turning design concepts into detailed, buildable solutions. Ian is an Associate member of CIAT and is working towards full chartered status. His respect for the natural environment underpins his focus on sustainable, high-performance building design.