Orchard WAlls
Orchard WAlls
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Development of eight residential dwellings completed in 2024, comprising four detached and four semi-detached homes constructed with masonry and featuring timber frame attic trusses.
Situated in Effingham Village, Surrey.
Position:
Position:
architect and technical manager
architect and technical manager
Front Façade
About
About
The site was formerly occupied by a generous, detached house with an extensive garden, located in a rural Surrey village. It is bordered by other detached properties and features notable conservation elements, including a listed wall, mature hedgerows, and established trees.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities
I took over the project after its initial stages and managed RIBA Stages 4 to 7, which cover Technical Design, Construction, Handover, and Close Out. My responsibilities included producing detailed technical drawings, preparing internal fittings schedules, and reviewing manufacturers’ information prior to production. I supported the construction process by responding to site queries, oversaw property air pressure testing, and assisted in preparing sales and marketing materials. Additionally, I ensured compliance with building regulations and warranty requirements, facilitating smooth handover, sales, and overall project completion.
Tasks
Tasks
Design Management & Coordination: Lead and coordinate the architectural design throughout all project stages, managing consultants, design information, and interfaces to ensure programme adherence, buildability, and the original design intent.
Building Regulations Compliance (2023): Ensure full compliance with UK Building Regulations 2023, with particular focus on structural integrity, fire safety, energy performance, moisture control, stair design, and overheating mitigation in room-in-roof dwellings.
Technical Design & Detailing: Oversee the production of coordinated technical drawings and details, resolving complex roof junctions, supporting regulatory compliance, and delivering practical, buildable solutions.
Construction Phase Support: Provide architectural input during construction, responding to RFIs, addressing site challenges, and inspecting critical installations of roofs, steelwork, and trusses to ensure quality and compliance.
Risk, Quality & Cost Management: Identify and manage design risks associated with complex roof construction, supporting cost control, value engineering, and consistent quality across the development.
Handover & Close-Out: Coordinate as-built information and compliance documentation to facilitate Building Control approval, discharge of planning conditions, and smooth project handover.
During Construction
During Construction
Skills Gained
Skills Gained
Topics Learned: Working on a development project in a rural setting has demonstrated how modern residential construction practices can be effectively balanced with sustainable approaches and complex heritage or preservation regulations. The experience also involved collaborating with a range of experts to creatively solve challenges while maintaining professional and ethical responsibilities.
Management Skills: This project helped me develop key management skills, including overseeing stakeholder expectations, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and optimizing resources to balance risks and achieve project objectives efficiently.
Enhancement: Through this experience, I enhanced my problem-solving abilities, strengthened my technical and regulatory knowledge, and gained a deeper understanding of integrating design quality, sustainability, and compliance in a real-world development context.
Achievement
Achievement
On this project, I successfully identified challenges in coordinating complex roof junctions and heritage compliance requirements and implemented improved technical detailing procedures that enhanced buildability and reduced construction delays. By reorganizing the technical drawing workflow and coordinating more effectively with consultants, I saved time for the construction team and ensured smoother project delivery. Additionally, my proactive support during the construction phase was commended by both the project manager and site team for maintaining quality and compliance under tight schedules.
In summary
In summary
Working on this residential development in a rural Surrey village, I managed the architectural aspects from detailed technical design, tendering, and contract appointment to completion and handover. I produced detailed technical drawings, coordinated consultants, ensured compliance with UK Building Regulations 2023, and supported the construction phase by responding to RFIs and inspecting critical installations. The project required balancing modern construction practices with sustainability and heritage preservation requirements, optimizing workflows to improve efficiency. Through this experience, I developed strong management, problem-solving, and technical skills, contributed to smoother project delivery.
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