LA Hally Architect

LA Hally Architect is an award winning RIBA Chartered Practice, with a young, fresh and innovative approach to design.  Our small team of fully qualified Architects is committed to delivering high quality bespoke architecture, tailored to the needs of you and your family.

“We first find out from our clients what their current and expected needs are then we work with them to create their personalised design:- Working on all scales of the project from the overall concept down to the detail of junctions between different materials. We create lifestyle architecture that provides a flexible uplifting environment of flowing, well lit, inspirational spaces that can transform the way you live.”  Lesley Hally, Practice Director

Founded in 2009 by Lesley Hally,  LA Hally Architect focuses on high quality private residential projects, which are approached with a passion for contemporary design and detail.  Although most of our work is based in Hampshire, we have also had successful projects in the New Forest Channel Islands, Surrey, Berkshire and London, and our projects have been featured in range of  publications, such as Real Homes Magazine, Grand Designs, Homebuilding and Renovating and Build It, as well as featuring in Channel 4’s “Homes by the Sea”.

At LA Hally Architect we understand that each client is individual, which is strongly reflected in our work.  Instead of prescribing to a strict design aesthetic, we instead work closely with our clients to discover their dreams and aspirations for their new home, tailoring each project to their taste and requirements. It is our overall aim that users of the completed building experience joy and beauty in the clever use of materials, detailing, space and light.

LA Hally Architect is an RIBA Chartered Practice, so you can be sure of a hight quality of service. Additionally we ensure that all projects are handled by a fully qualified Architect, so you can be sure that you are getting the appropriate knowledge and expertise.

Undertaking a building project, whatever its scale, can be a daunting experience. When you use an RIBA Chartered Practice,  you are employing someone who has undertaken seven years of architectural training – no other building professional is trained in design and construction to such a level of expertise.  An RIBA Chartered Practice will help you achieve your aspirations and vision, as well as add value to your project through good design and sound construction.

An RIBA Chartered Architect can help you realise your objectives and guide you through the design and construction process. They provide a service that extends well beyond producing a set of drawings – they’ll handle the paperwork, bring value for money, peace of mind and imagination to your project whilst keeping it on track.

For more information on the benefits of working with an RIBA chartered practice, please read Working with an architect for your home (an RIBA publication), or visit the RIBA website, architecture.com

At LA Hally Architect we offer a full range of architectural services, from concept design, to preparing and submitting planning and building control applications, technical detailing, and providing contract administration on site.

Whilst we are keen to be involved in projects from conception to completion to help you through the process and ensure the project is successfully delivered on site, we understand that this isn’t for everyone. Our services are therefore provided in a flexible manner which allows you to decide just how much involvement you require from us. The core services that we can provide are;

The first step on every project for us is the initial meeting.   Its a great opportunity to run through your likes and dislikes about the property, any key features, or things that could work better for you, and to see the site and surrounding area – maybe there is a key view you want to capture, or a space which requires privacy from neighbours.  We can run through this all in detail with you, and aim to answer any initial queries you might have.  Once we have a clear understanding of the scope of the works you are looking to undertake and the level of involvement you require from us, we can then prepare a detailed fee proposal for you.

For some, smaller projects, it may be that all you need is some design inspiration.  We first ascertain your requirements in the form of a detailed brief, which will often include images, material ideas, space requirements etc.  We then build on these to create a sketch proposal for the project in both 2D and 3D, based from a survey of the existing property.  The brief is a really key part of the design process, so it is important to consider what is important to you.

The design process is very much a collaboration between client and architect, and so we will seek feedback from you as we go – we do not operate a ‘one size fits all’ approach, and so there is flexibility to tweak and change things as the design progresses!

The majority of projects that we work on will require planning permission of some form.  From Full plans applications for new build properties, to Householder extension applications, conservation area consent etc, we are able to help prepare and submit these applications on your behalf.  We also regularly work with independent consultants, and will advise you of any specialist input we feel you may require.

At the planning stage the design becomes more defined, and we suggest speaking to a local contractor or cost consultant to confirm that the scheme is within budget before any permission is sought.

Whilst planning permission can never be guaranteed, we have a good understanding of how the application may be viewed by the local council, which will form part of the dialogue whilst developing the proposal.  We do however have a high success rate with our applications, and encourage early discussion with the local authority.

For most projects where it is understood that planning permission will be required the design and planning stages will often be combined, which we feel provides a more fluid approach to the design development.

All construction work in the UK is required to be approved by a licensed building control inspector, who ensures that the building works are carried out in line with current regulations.  We can provide you with detailed drawings for this submission, working closely with both your appointed structural engineer and approved inspector.

The drawings produced at this stage are the base for your construction drawings, and look to include electrical layouts, feature lighting, material details etc, produced in collaboration with any specialists you may require.

We are happy to give more advice on the above, and are able to suggest both local engineers and approved inspectors if required.

In order to produce accurate costings for your building, we produce a comprehensive schedule of works to be issued alongside our construction drawings for pricing.  This schedule list outs in detail the work to be carried out, minimising the risk of things being missed on site or additional costs being requested.  As part of this we can also produce detailed internal layouts, detailing bathrooms or bespoke joinery items, and including any internal finishes you may have selected.

We will discuss with you the most appropriate way of pricing the works and any contractors we feel may be suitable, as well as tendering the project and assisting with the appointment of the selected party.

The role of the architect as Contract Administrator is to ensure that the works are carried out in accordance with the contract.  Through carrying out site visits, valuations and being on hand to answer any queries, we aim to make the construction process much more straightforward for you.  Our involvement in this process more often means that the original architectural intent of the proposal is able to be retained, and that any requests for additional payments etc. are able to be verified by ourselves, rather than you having to rely on the input of the contractor alone.  Ultimately it is our intention that the construction process goes as smoothly for you as possible.