During the early 1990s the emphasis was on teaching - in particular helping The Prince of Wales establish his Institute of Architecture in London running one of the first courses in Sustainable Architecture in the UK. Richard Twinch also worked under Paul Oliver in establishing the International Studies in Vernacular Architecture Department at Oxford Brookes - as well as teach in the Diploma School of Architecture with Leyla Shamash.

In the last 12 years over thirty five projects have been completed, many of which were supervised on site. Many more projects have been granted full planning permission, but not gone ahead for various reasons or been taken on by the clients directly. By working closely with the planners only one full planning application has been rejected in his time, though a couple of others have been withdrawn.

Increasingly the practice's work is concentrating on the 'front end' i.e. feasibilities, planning and working drawings - as on all but the larger jobs, clients are preferring to manage their own projects.

The practice works as an association around Richard Twinch, the proprietor, and as work expands others are brought in to help with the workload in particular David Hyams RIBA (Oxford). Simpson Assocs (Henley) and other local engineers provide valuable engineering advice and calculations. It is advisable to have a full transferable building survey carried out, so a surveyor is brought in at an early stage. The increasing sophistication and speed of accurate computer modelling allows a 3D computer model to be used as routine from the earliest design stages.  A physical  model maker  can also sometimes prove valuable for tricky spatial/construction problems.

Transforming the built environment has the capacity to transform people's lives. Children are particularly sensitive to their environment and the practice welcomes the opportunity of working with families young and old.

Imagination without knowledge and experience results in fantasy. Richard Twinch has many years of experience studying, practicing architecture and making buildings at many different levels. He is well versed in geometry and proportion; traditional building techniques and modern technologies, and these are all brought to bear in assessing and developing each project imaginatively.

As well as an appreciation of the benefits of modern technologies, crafted items in wood, brick, stone and iron give a building 'soul', which goes beyond 'character'. Examples of such craftsmanship can be viewed by following the hyperlink above.

looks at the whole situation

examines the main strategies whereby the building/buildings will meet client needs both now and in the future

concentrates on 'dreaming up' possibilities and examines them in the light of space planning, volumetrics, cost and timing

clarifies ideas and aims

usually requires a measured survey by a a third party - typically cost £700 + VAT and takes a few weeks depending on access and workload

design work is a similar cost and happens over a month or so to allow time for feedback and discussion.

discussion with the relevant authorities (including those for listed building advice) 

the detailed design, including sections, elevations and materials.

Photos can be taken from specific points and then be merged with 3D computer models to provide realistic 'before & after views for clients and planners. 

This process was used to gain permission for an extension to a house in Southrop. This is particularly useful in sensitive areas.

Google Earth Images are useful to assess the impact of developments on sites and assess their impacts on neighbouring properties

In more complicated projects Building Regulations are dealt with by submitting detailed plans, sections, elevations and calculations including heat loss (Part L1) and any structural calculations to be carried out by an engineer coordinated by Richard Twinch Design. It is advisable to get permission in principle before the work gets underway as the regulations are getting more onerous and specification ever tighter.

The overall standard of thermal insulation has increased- in effect widening walls to add more insulation and reducing the amount of glazing you are allowed. As before, additional glazing can be traded off against additional insulation - although now it is assumed that double-glazing is argon-filled as standard. Designs with a high proportion of glazing now need triple-glazing together with thicker walls and roofs - all of which have cost and space implications.

Feasibility

Planning

Party Wall Agreements, Working Drawings, Specification, Tender

Contract Management, Details, Site Supervision

Fee estimates are drawn up in advance and compared overall with an overall 'target' fee estimated in advance and based on the old RIBA fee scale. Each stage is agreed in advance together with a formal letter of agreement as required by ARB (Architects Registration Board).

Will an extension require planning?

How much will it cost?

What about Building Regulations?

How long will it take?

What about the neighbours?

Can I convert my loft?

What about Listed Buildings?

Can I save VAT on Listed Building?

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