Studio

About

Lanza Architects was established in 2019 by Architect Lucia Milone who has over 10 years experience working in and around the Cotswolds and is experienced in working with listed and heritage buildings. Lucia particularly enjoys working with the contemporary style juxtaposed the historical buildings, which require sympathetic interventions to enhance the existing building.

The design led practice focuses mainly on bespoke residential properties, including barn conversions, extensions and alterations to existing homes or new build design.

Although a Limited company, Lucia works independently to ensure the high quality of design is maintained throughout the design process and continued during the construction stages. This results in Lucia taking on a smaller number of projects but ensuring each one is approached with the same attention to detail, required for bespoke, design.

Lucia has great attention to detail. Her consideration of the client & contractors needs are very good. I would highly recommend Lucia and look forward to working with her on future projects that might arise.

- Shawn Mustoe, Director of Shawn Mustoe Ltd

We simply cannot speak more highly of Lanza and Lucia. From the moment we first consulted her to when we moved into our fabulous home, Lucia has been the consummate professional: outstanding communication, complete understanding and empathy for the brief we gave, exciting and realistic design advice and ever present smiles and encouragement. Lucia has our deepest respect and gratitude and it’s a pleasure to give her the highest possible recommendation.

- John and Christina Horan, Client

Services

Our fee is based on the RIBA stages of work and we offer services from stage 1 Feasibility Studies through to Stage 6 completion. These stages of work are generic over the Architectural industry and the guide below indicates to which each stage refers to within the design process.

We can discuss the various stages with you to understand your requirements and take you through each stage of the project.

Stage 1 - Feasiblity Studies

At this early stage, we will meet with you to understand the brief for the project. We will organise measured building surveys (where required) on your behalf and prepare some initial sketches to further refine and fully understand the brief.

Stage 3 - Developed Design and Planning Submission

By this stage the design has been largely agreed and we now refine the drawings and add materiality to the elevations and prepare sections (where required). If planning consent is required, we also prepare statements to submit with the planning application. The minimum statement required is a Justification Statement but a Design, Access and Heritage statement will be prepared for projects involving listed or historic buildings. In some cases we will advise a planning and / or heritage consultant is required where the application is more complicated and contentious. Other consultants may be required at this stage and we are happy to advise on these.

Stage 5 - On Site Contract Administration

The full extent of our services includes providing on site assistance and managing the Contract between the client / employer and the Contractor. If a traditional method is preferred, we would carry out regular site visits, approve interim payments and assess practical completion of the works.

Stage 2 - Concept and Sketch Design

The next stage is to take the brief and any very initial ideas and work this into formal drawings using the measured building survey as a basis to work on. We prepare a set of digital plans for further discussion.

Stage 4 - Technical Design Drawing Package

Once planning consent is received (if required) we move onto the preparation of technical detail drawings for pricing and construction. The package of drawings can either be a full technical drawing package to ensure comparable tenders if a client is seeking a quotation from more than one Contractor or we can prepare a more basic drawing package which is generally sufficient for smaller scale minor projects. Other consultants may be required at this stage, such as Structural Engineers and Building Regulation Control Inspectors and we are happy to advise on these.

Stage 6 - Completion and Use

The final stage of our services is an extension of stage 5, where we would assess the works following an agreed timeframe, referred to as the “Dilapidation Period” and assess any ‘making good’ works before certifying ‘Final Completion’ of the project.

Further Information and Advice

For more information on the stages of work, refer to the RIBA website. You will also find useful advise on the following website, useful links through logo’s below;

RIBA [Royal Institute of British Architects]

ARB [Architects Registration Board]

SPAB [Society and Protection of Ancient Buildings]

Planning Portal

Should you wish to discuss your project with us, please contact us via the contact form tab and include your name, site address, and a little introduction to your project.

Contact