Work
What we do
ABC Architects is an innovative design led RIBA and RIAI architect practice located in Belfast covering all regions including Belfast, Sligo, Donegal. Roscommon, Leitrim, Down, Tyrone and Dublin.
We offer a wide range of services relating to the architectural environment. We use our skills to create places that are loved by their occupants, easy to use and economical to run and maintain.
How we work
The best results are obtained by early collaboration in a project. This will help in defining clear design outlines, sound budgets and solid project plans. The sooner we get the possibility to support, the better. To do a great job for our clients, it is important for us to get to know them and to really understand their needs. Most of the time we form long-term relationships, which allows us to support our clients as they grow and evolve.
Sustainable Design
Successful design and construction is an outstanding achievement by any standard, but deeper green aspirations necessitate demonstrated expertise, creative vision, and coordinated planning. Our commitment to Sustainable Design is reflected in our holistic approach that takes into account data-driven energy efficiency measures, natural site resources, and the human side of health, wellness, and eco-literacy to create environments that harmoniously connect people, place, and purpose.
Our Services
Brief Development
How should an environment, a building, a room be used? To explore the personal needs of our customers, we initiate a conversation. This often creates a new way of thinking and expands on the original ideals and vision. A good starting point developing your brief is by going through your existing home and making a list of what works for you and what does not work for you. Time spent at this initial stage is invaluable as a design is only as good as the brief.
Initial Design
When the brief is finalised we will carry out a survey of your site (new builds) or your home (extensions, renovations). We then develop an Initial Design in the form of sketch designs and diagrams. We agree with you the time plan, budget, roles, communications and the services you might require from us. We will advise you on building regulations, the need for specialist consultants or services if required, planning requirements, and health & safety regulations.
Detailed Design
Your feedback on the Initial Design will become part of the Detailed Design for your approval. We will provide you with drawings – including floor plans, elevations (views) and sections (cut-through). Other presenting tools we might choose include models and 3-D walk through. This is an important two-way process which will require your feedback and discussion.
Planning Application
If planning permission is required we prepare the drawings and make the application on your behalf.
Construction Drawings & Specification
Following planning permission we produce full Construction Drawings, including site works and specification finishes. We also prepare a technical and quality specification to ensure that the project requirements are clearly stated for the contractor. The detailed design will incorporate any changes as required under a Grant of Planning Permission. We will also liaise closely with specialist consultants as required and undertake a review of Building Regulation compliance.
The Tender Process
We prepare tender documentation for main and specialist contractors. It is advisable to have at least three contractors submit costings (tenders) for a project. We review the contractors and tenders with you and making not that he successful tender may not necessarily be the lowest one. In fact, if a tender is very low, the contractor may have missed something. We will also advise on the most appropriate Form of Building Contract for your project as well as on insurance requirements during construction.
Building Works & Regulations
During construction, if required we will act on your behalf as an independent advisor, inspecting the building work at intervals to ensure that it is being carried out generally in accordance with the contract documents.
About
About ABC Architects
Headquartered in Belfast, ABC Architects has specialised in all aspects of architectural planning and design since 2008. In our office, in our collaborations, and in our response to the ever increasing need for a healthier populace and planet, we believe an emphasis on quality design can transform a place and elevate the connections within it.
Culture
How we work is inextricably linked to our belief in the power of design to do the greatest good for a place and its people. We strive to elevate the human experience and the long-term stewardship of our planet by emphasizing the spirit of a place through quality and enduring architecture, sustainable design objectives, sensitivity to sites and landscapes, and design transformations that embody an individual's and a community’s highest ambitions.