Like our architectural designs, our answers aren't one-size-fits-all.
However, we've written some responses to the questions that commonly pop up. If your curiosity isn't satisfied, don't hesitate to reach out whether it's a chat over the phone or a quick email.
You could try to navigate the construction journey alone, and for some small jobs asking a builder to draw up a simple plan may be the best way forward.
However, your building project could be one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, so we’d say it’s important to get it right and know you’re in good hands.
With us, it's not just about creating safe building structures (although that’s obviously crucial and reason enough to use an architect!); it's about crafting spaces that inspire, delight, and stand the test of time – tailored to you. We have all the contacts, great builders and contractors, so you can be assured of the best, stress-free experience as we can manage from start to finish providing lots of advice and guidance along the way.
We’re a RIBA Chartered Practice, which means we follow the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Code of Conduct.
We would say it’s one of your first appointments when thinking about your project. The earlier the better! As a practice we start with a consultation to understand your requirements. We provide the brews and biscuits, we get to know each other and take it from there.
As soon as you have an idea. Every iteration, every design, every thought is put onto paper. It's easier to make changes on paper than on site!
We work in 2D, 3D and use VR Headsets to test everything we design. Through architectural drawings and 3D visualisation we can explore the site and building together. We see the site as a whole. It's about the experience, the approach, the journey.
Everything we produce is conveyed to you. Even the VR.
Your initial meeting will be held either at your home or in our office. At the initial meeting we will discuss your requirements, ideas, concepts and our experience in relation to them.
It's an important step, after all, you will be working with us (hopefully) closely and we feel that open communication and collaboration is a key part of finding the right solution.
Hopefully you’ll be inspired by our past projects and the lovely kind words previous clients have said about us.
At BCAE, your project becomes our project, your vision becomes our vision, we learn about you, you learn about us and together we make it an enjoyable process and build a one-of-a-kind project. We’ll take away your worries or concerns, won’t bore you with jargon, we listen intently, we’re creative and together we’ll be your perfect partner to create a space that not only looks great but truly reflects you and your lifestyle.
If you want to get to know us more, have a look here – especially the section on ‘the things we care about’.
We’re excited about all projects – from crafting brand-new homes to breathing new life into historic homes, from sprucing up interiors to adding impactful extensions. Plus, we're all ears for collaborating with independent businesses and community groups looking to improve their spaces, whether it's coffee shops, workspaces, or zen-inducing yoga studios.
We’re always honest about the costs upfront and won’t underestimate. The las thing we want is to give you a nasty shock.
The right budget for the job depends on the scope of the project, the materials, labour requirements, VAT and many other factors. No matter the budget we always look to stick within them. Having an honest chat about costs from the outset is always our approach.
Our design process is split into stage 2 – concept, and stage 3 - developed design.
We will take a detailed brief of your requirements and discuss what is important to you. Following this, we produce a number of different options in 2D and 3D and use VR Headsets to test everything we design. We look at how spaces interact with each other, the journey within the building, how the proposal will look and explore materials and design. We then present options during a face-to-face meeting, work on a near final design, meet again, then submit to planning.
This comes down to project complexity, decision making time, local authorities and many other factors. We will usually outline a timeframe during our initial meeting.
Once we have produced the technical design, we enter into a tendering process with builders or contractors. BCAE can be appointed to project manage from start to finish.
Initially you may require a topographical or building survey, along with ecological surveys and reports. We will advise if we think these are needed.
Once we have worked up the design it is often a good idea to talk to a builder or contractor who may be able to provide some initial costings for the project. Cost consultants are also a good idea if you are keen to figure out your exact costs as early as possible.
Other team members such as Structural Engineers, MEP (looking at the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems of a building) SAP (assessing the energy performance) and others often come after the planning permission is granted. The number of other consultants you will need is project dependent and we will discuss this during our initial meeting.
Part of our service is to guide you through the planning process and deal with any planning requirements and planning queries during the decision period.
Our plans and designs are informed by both national and local planning guidance but as a practice we always look to go over and above to create high quality architecture, that is within budget, which is fit for purpose, eye catching and positively adds to its surrounding area.
We cover the whole of the North-West.
We’re based in Euxton, near Preston, and also have an office in central Manchester.
Your support,
is our strongest pillar
"Ben understood our vision from the first design appointment, and his drawings took our lifestyle into full consideration. Arron and Ben have stayed in contact throughout the build, ensuring any amendments are in line with the aesthetic we want for our finished home. It would have been a lot more stressful without their help!"
Oliver
The Barn
"Arron has been an fantastic support since we embarked upon our renovation. He was on hand to answer all our questions and made the design process really enjoyable. We were looking for an architect who would make suggestions and challenge us and Arron certainly did that. Our final design is incredible and we are so excited to see it come to life. We couldn’t recommend BCAE more."
Naomi & Jack Campbell
Glen Avenue
"We were truly blown away by the concepts and can’t wait to proceed to the next steps!"
Jemma & Lee
Wigan Road
"Thank you, Ben, for all the work you have done on the design – Its down to you it's got through 😊 and nice to hear about the comments, Just shows your talent!"
Kim Ray
Astley Street
"We have worked with both Ben and Arron at BCAE for some time now on projects throughout the North West. From concept through to technical delivery, the BCAE team always go above and beyond. Their professional yet personal touch makes them a pleasure to work with and we look forward to working together in the future. Thanks again guys, on to the next project!"
Arron Dewhurst
A.R.N Projects
"We have been working with BCAE Architects on a couple of our commercial projects, including the conversion of a care home into residential apartments with an innovative focus on intergenerational living. Throughout the process, Arron, Ben and their team have consistently delivered. The attention to detail in their designs and presentation is particularly commendable—they’ve managed to bring our vision to life in a way that is both practical and inspiring.
We’ve been thoroughly impressed with their ability to meet deadlines without compromising on quality, and their proactive approach has ensured that any challenges are swiftly addressed. We look forward to continuing our partnership on future projects.”
Omair Haider
Millennium Care Group - Managing Director
"CitySide Work with BCAE across multiple projects, each with unique challenges and complexities. Their expertise has been evident in the development of a 72 bed care home within an £9.5m construction budget, a sensitive 110 home development in open countryside, a 36-bed HMO split into townhouses, and a comprehensive 108-acre mixed-use masterplan, as well as completing multiple other feasibility study’s for our sites. From concept to detailed design at Stage 4, BCAE Architects consistently deliver innovative solutions, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach that ensures our projects are not only functional but also exceed expectations. Their commitment to quality and design flair makes them a valuable partner."
Benjamin Carr
Cityside - Co-founder
