About us
The Team
Aaron Chetwynd
AA Dipl RIBA – Architect
Aaron is a qualified RIBA Chartered Architect who trained at the Architectural Association in London. He worked in Malaysia for CS Lim Architects during the South East Asian economic boom on a variety of hotel, leisure and retail projects. In addition, he also worked in the British Film industry as an Art Director on many feature films and television productions. Of note, Aaron has worked for Branson Coates Architecture in London on many high-profile projects including public buildings, works of art, sculptures, international retail plus restaurants. More recently Aaron founded Aaron Chetwynd Architect Studio and now has more than 15 years experience in retail, residential and commerce. He is a member of Stafford Chamber of Commerce. Aaron is also a tutor of Architecture at Nottingham University and a visiting critic at schools of architecture throughout the UK. Aaron is also an Accredited CA Conservation Architect with the RIBA and has worked on many important historic building with a knowledge of English Heritage and dealing with conservation officers.
Anna Chetwynd
AA Dipl RIBA – Architect
Anna is a qualified RIBA Chartered Architect who trained at the Architectural Association in London. She has worked in the capital for GTD Architects and Wimberely Allison Tong & Goo specialising in hotel and leisure. Anna has also worked in Kuala Lumpur for various architectural practices specialising in bijou restaurants, retail and domestic projects. In addition, she has worked in the British Film Industry on feature films as a Graphics Designer and Prop Maker, plus on smaller independent films as an Art Director. Anna has also worked as an imagist for various architecture practices. Currently she is a partner at Aaron Chetwynd Architect Studio and also a visiting critic for architectural students at Nottingham University.
Ben Todd Jones HNC
Senior Architectural Technician
Ben is a qualified architectural technician, specialising in sustainable design and green architecture. He has worked for various architectural practices in both the Staffordshire and Shropshire regions. Ben’s work experience includes becoming an associate at Keith Boardman & Associates’ and a successful period of self-employment prior to becoming a partner at our studio. He has more than 15 years experience in the sector and has worked on a variety of education, retail, residential, industrial and health-care projects. Of note, Ben has experience working with individuals on bespoke housing projects and with large organisations including several NHS Trusts, Staffordshire County Council, Beth Johnson Housing, Laura Ashley and HSBC.
Initial Appointment
Before the design process begins, we meet with clients to discuss their design requirements. Some have very specific ideas of how the project should look and what needs to be achieved. Others seek inspiration from our years of experience. As part of this process, we’re happy to offer guidance and offer expert assistance as and where needed.
Scheme Design
After the initial meeting, we work on developing a set of scheme designs. This is achieved using stages set out by the RIBA. Only chartered architects who are a member of the RIBA may use these steps – which provide a well founded professional system. Leading up to the planning stage, we’ll do a measured survey of the site and surrounding area. This allows us to draw-up accurate elevations and review the existing work proposals developed from our initial meeting. From this we are able to calculate the feasibility of what can be achieved. Then we’ll schedule a follow-up appointment with the client. This is to discuss the project plans, explain what the work entails and make any final tweaks as necessary. During this stage we’ll draw-up a computer simulated or physical model of the project – depending on the proposed project size.
Planning
The planning stage can take 8 weeks to complete. During this time the progress of an application will be monitored. As part of this process, the team may liaise with the planning and conversation officers. Submitted with the planning proposal is a set of elevations documents. This is so the planning team can visualise how the intended project will look once complete. We will also provide a design and access document, to ensure governments requirements are met. Both of these are provided with the actual planning application form, which we can assist with filling in.
Building Control
Once planning is tentatively approved, the team can set about working on detailed design drawings. These demonstrate that stipulated building regulations and controls are fully adhered to. A set of these drawings are then submitted to the same local authority for building control approval. The detailed drawings typically include how the building is sectioned and what materials will be used as part of the actual construction process.
Site Inspection
Reassuringly we provide a site inspection service. This is during the actual construction phase – during which one of the team will carry out regular site visits. The aim is too ensure work progresses to your satisfaction. As with the planning stages, we can help identify any objectives you may have and assist with aspects of feasibility. We’ll use our experience and expertise to manage and advise contractors. Ensuring your project runs on time and on budget.
For further reading, please refer to the RIBA stages and client guide to engaging an architect. Both provide further information about the architectural process and good policies practised by chartered architects. To learn more visit the Royal Institute of British Architects website or call +44 (0) 207 580 5533.