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24
Jul 2023

School Architecture: Reducing your carbon footprint

We’re all trying to do our bit to help the planet and the education sector is no exception. When it comes to school architecture, there are a multitude of ways you can work to reduce your carbon footprint right from the off. This means that not only are you able to inspire the next generation, but you’re also able to do so with little negative impact on their future. What is a carbon footprint? Your carbon footprint is a measurement of how much greenhouse gas is produced through the daily activities of an individual, school, organisation, or community. In the […]

Image of school architecture
21
Jul 2023

Dilapidation Survey

As tenancies come to an end, it’s only natural that landlords will want to ascertain the condition of their property. Of course, some light wear and tear is only expected. This is especially true if the property isn’t a new build. In situations where more serious damage is suspected, however, there are plenty of third-party services available to determine its extent. Arguably the most common of these methods is a dilapidation survey. It’s a professional and efficient way of assessing and documenting the condition of a property and mapping out the necessary steps needed to restore it. But what does […]

Image of a block of flats, an example of a rented property that may need a dilapidation survey
17
Jul 2023

Architects in Essex: Tips for Planning Permission

As architects in Essex, we know the planning permission process better than most. We’ve been helping our clients secure the go ahead for their projects for over 40 years. When you’re proposing a large-scale project, the planning process can be gruelling and costly. It’s in these instances that professional guidance is so vital if you want to succeed. Knowing where to start can be tricky, with lots of different things to consider throughout the process. Below, our architects in Essex have shared a few of their top tips for a successful planning permission application. Knowing the different types of planning […]

Image to depict the work of architects in Essex
14
Jul 2023

Who Pays for A Party Wall Surveyor?

As a homeowner, you’re responsible for looking after your own home. When it comes to shared walls, however, things get a little trickier. When repairs are necessary, often nobody wants to bear that responsibility, especially if they believe next door is at fault. As you’d expect, it’s not uncommon for tension and disputes to occur due to the high cost of repair. Should this be the case, a party wall survey may be required, carried out by a specialist building surveyor. But who pays for a party wall surveyor?   This is just one of the many surveying-related questions we’re regularly […]

Image of surveyors explaining who pays for a party wall surveyor.
10
Jul 2023

Salix Funding: Funding Options for the Public Sector

With global warming continuing to become a growing concern, businesses and individuals alike are making changes to lower their carbon footprint. This being said, many companies lack the money required to make these crucial modifications. This makes prioritising the environment tricky. As such, Salix funding and other schemes have been introduced to help. What is a Carbon Footprint? A carbon footprint is a measurement for the amount of greenhouse gases that are produced by our actions. Namely, carbon dioxide and methane. It helps individuals and businesses to be more aware of the impact they are having on the planet. Moreover, […]

Image of money to depict Salix funding
7
Jul 2023

Organic Architecture: Blending in is the new standing out

We’re all looking for ways that we can reduce our carbon footprint and make a positive impact within the world we live. Alongside the sustainability movement comes developments within the world of building design too, with organic architecture becoming an increasingly popular concept. When it comes to designing a building, be it residential or commercial, it can be tricky to bring all your visions to life in one viable plan. Not to mention, you then need to consider planning permission and a plethora of other variables too. If you’re at the beginning of your project, it’s time to bring in […]

Example of organic architecture
3
Jul 2023

A breakdown of CIF funding uses from the experts

CIF, also known as the Condition Improvement Fund, has long provided the education sector with vital funding. Recognising the damage of down time and the knock-on effect this can have on learning, the ESFA provide schools with the perfect solution. The real question, however, surrounds CIF funding uses. What can this financial support be used for? CIF Funding Uses CIF is used for a variety of different projects, where these will significantly improve the condition of an educational facility. This scheme helps schools avoid closure due to structural issues. The CIF guidelines for their most recent round splits projects into […]

Image to depict CIF funding uses for the education sector
30
Jun 2023

Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship

It’s no longer the case that a degree guarantees an easy pathway into the world of work. For many employers, experience comes above all else. What’s more, apprenticeships are seen to be the solution to this. Now, however, there is the concern that apprentices aren’t getting the same level of educational training that’s provided by universities. But what if there was something that combined the best of both apprenticeships and a university degree for aspiring surveyors? That’s where a chartered surveyor degree apprenticeship comes in.  How does a Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship work? Established back in 2015, degree apprenticeships have […]

Image of a chartered surveyor degree apprenticeship application form
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