Education

How much will my project cost?

This is dependent on many varying factors, including whether you are extending, renovating, converting or building a new home. There are also a number of different elements that will effect the outcome of cost, including varying site conditions, the age and existing condition of your property, history of the site, and more. It is common to quote square metre rates and whilst this is a good starting point, the overall project spend has to consider:

• the specification of interior finishes and fixtures, which could double the cost of your project from a house of standard specification
• abnormal site conditions – ground conditions, site access, drainage, tree roots etc.
• legal and professional fees (including the cost of borrowing) and surveys
• renewable energy investment

How do I get planning permission?

We have a 100% approval rate of planning applications in Dorset and Hampshire and have built great relationships with the planning officers as a result. Our great record of successful applications means we understand how to approach the process, but as with every project, the process differs from scheme to scheme. If you would like to know more about the planning process, we have put together a brief guide for you. You can download this above, or follow the link below.

Why do I need an architect?

An architect can see potential in every project where others may not. We pride ourselves on identifying small details that will make a difference to your project, and on getting planning permission first time around.

Do you work with listed buildings and projects in conservation areas and national parks?

Yes! As we mentioned above, we have a very successful planning approval rate, including success in the green belt and the New Forest National Park. We were also awarded the Winner of the New Forest National Park Building Design Awards 2019 for Best Conservation to a listed farm house.

What scale of projects have you experience working on?

Footprint have proven experience and have been working with clients in the education sector ranging from £150,000 extensions to single primary schools, CIF bids and works for academies, masterplanning for multi academy trust, new SEN school provision, school expansion projects for councils up to circa £6m, refurbishing department areas in FE as well as multi million pound new build projects in a Technical Advisor capacity within London. We love to engage with staff and pupils and are currently delivering an ‘emerging technologies’ teaching unit over 3 terms for a school in London.

Do you have experience with SEN and alternative provision schools?

Yes, we currently have a live ESFA funded alternative provision school due to for completion in Summer 2019. We have completed a bespoke autism specific learning environment for post 16 pupils with Asperger’s Syndrome / Higher Functioning Autism, a replacement classroom building for supporting young people with a comprehensive range of special education needs and disabilities, and a 60 place primary school campus designed to cater for children with autism spectrum conditions (ASC).

Have you worked with the council in our area before?

We have worked with a variety of stakeholders and councils on some of our community and education projects. These include Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Poole, Wiltshire, as well as some boroughs within London.