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Category Archives: News

26
Jun 2023

How to Improve the Likelihood of Successful Bid Applications

The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) can be a game-changer for schools and academies looking to renovate at-risk or outdated buildings. Competition to gain this funding, however, is fierce. In fact, only 19% of the 4,547 institutions eligible for CIF funding experienced successful bid applications in 2023. It’s not surprising that the success rate is this low. Bid applications are an incredibly tricky and time-consuming process, with so many different hoops to jump through. Of course, you’ll want to do everything to ensure your bid application’s success, but how can you increase your chances?  What is the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF)? […]

Image to depict a successful bid application
23
Jun 2023

Do I Really Need a Structural Surveyor?

Buying a property will likely be the largest financial investment you make in your lifetime. As such, it’s important you feel confident in your decision. Your home should be both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound. But how can you be certain that the building you’re eyeing up doesn’t conceal any hidden dangers beneath its surface? For most people, employing a structural surveyor to assess the building’s quality is the way to go. But what does this actually consist of?  What is a Structural Survey? A structural survey is essentially an investigation on the condition of the structural elements of a property. […]

Image of a Structural Surveyor
19
Jun 2023

Who are the ESFA and what do they do?

Structural and condition issues can not only be costly to fix, but extremely disruptive. When it comes to running a school, regular maintenance is required to help you avoid any issues arising. This being said, not all breakages can be pre-empted and foreseen. It’s in these instances that bodies such as the ESFA are helpful, providing vital funding where it’s needed most. Who are the ESFA? This acronym stands for the Education and Skills Funding Agency. Sponsored by the Department for Education, the ESFA is a division of the Government. They provide funding to schools and colleges in desperate need […]

Image of a piggy bank to indicate school funding provided by the ESFA
16
Jun 2023

What is A Condition Survey? 

Especially for those who are new to the property ladder, the process of buying a house can quickly become overwhelming. After all, there’s so much you need to consider, from applying for a mortgage, to viewings, insurance, and more. Perhaps one of the most important steps when buying a property, however, is the survey phase. Despite being optional, they are incredibly important to identify any issues that may end up costing you down the line. There are three levels of optional surveys you can pay for, with the most basic being a condition survey. But exactly what is a condition […]

Image of man explaining what a condition survey is.
12
Jun 2023

The Evolution of Neo-Futurism Architecture?

Architectural design and development are constantly evolving. Just take a look back to what were deemed to be ‘futuristic’ designs back in the early 20th century. How many have already been eclipsed by the architecture of today? High-rise developments are scattered across most major cities and neo-futurism architecture (a relatively new movement) is now becoming increasingly common.  What is the idea behind Neo-Futurism Architecture? Neo-futurism is applied to an extensive variety of building designs. These range from skyscrapers to bridges, galleries and museums, to even park benches. This concept is separated from traditional architecture by its approach to realising aspirations […]

Example of Neo-Futurism Architecture
9
Jun 2023

Architects Essex: What to do if you’ve outgrown your current office space

When it comes to business, expansion should be celebrated at the highest level. This is especially true in today’s climate, where disposable income is low and many businesses are struggling. If you’ve come to outgrow your current office space, however, this can throw a spanner in the works when it comes to enabling growth. That’s where the work of architects in Essex can swoop in to save the day! What are my options? If your current office space is no longer fit for purpose, you have a number of options. Obviously, which you choose will depend on whether or not […]

Image of office to depict the work of architects in Essex
5
Jun 2023

Domestic Architecture: Transforming your garden for summer

Sunny days are few and far between for those of us living in the UK. As such, when the summer months roll around, we want to be spending as much time in our gardens as possible. As domestic architecture specialists, we’re here to ensure your outside spaces are designed in a way that is both functional and aesthetic. Through the power of design, allow us to transport you to another continent right from the comfort of your own deck chair.   The role of an architect   If you’ve never worked with an architect before, it can be daunting entering […]

Example of domestic architecture
2
Jun 2023

Environmental Building: How to make your property more eco-friendly

If there is any hope of transitioning to a net-zero economy by 2050, everyone must play their part. Whilst actions like recycling and taking public transport are valuable, alone, they are insufficient. If we want to make a significant impact, substantial change is necessary. Environmental building is a great way of turning these ambitions into reality. The issue is, however, that 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 already exist today. As such, if there is any hope of reaching these sustainable targets, it falls to homeowners to make necessary changes. But how can they go about doing […]

Image of solar panels, a popular option for environmental building
29
May 2023

Project Management Company: Preparing to begin a project

As a project management company, there is a lot you are responsible for when you take on a new job. From preparing the correct documents prior to commencement, to ensuring deadlines are met on time, the buck stops with you. As such, it’s vital that your approach is effective and efficient. For those of you looking to enlist the help of a project manager in Essex, it’s even more important that you choose someone who is an expert, as well as being organised, and trustworthy. What is a project management company responsible for? For those who have never worked with […]

Stock image of a specialist working for a project management company
26
May 2023

How does the CIF Appeals process work?

Securing the necessary funding for crucial infrastructure projects can prove to be a complex and competitive endeavour. Especially within educational settings where available resources are stretched thinly as it is. Fortunately, however, the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) and CIF appeals process have long provided schools with a beacon of hope. This scheme supplies financial support for academic institutions struggling to make necessary improvements to their facilities.  Being government-led, the scheme aims to allocate funding as fairly and efficiently as possible. There may be instances, however, when a school feels that their application may have been unfairly assessed or overlooked. In such […]

Image of a school who are eligible for CIF and CIF appeals