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Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the name come from?
After working here and abroad, we came to believe that more time needs to be spent on the ‘front end’ of the design process, the research side – the question asking stage of things.
The idea of R+D was to invest time in this stage of things through in depth analysis and ongoing Client and fabricator dialouges. These discussions are usually concerning a broad range of issues including the context of the site, the making of a place and the projects connection to the landscape, materials, appropriateness of the size and scale of the project, how the project ages and green issues.
What sets R+D apart from many architectural and design practices is our emphasis on how people experience a space or place, 'how it feels'. We believe that our designs are more than photographs or images - that they are meant to be lived in,visited and experienced.
Why hire an architectural or design practice?
Any given design process consists of a series of choices or decisions that must be made in order for a given project to progress. Research + Design manage this process and ensure that Clients benefit from a thorough and well considered menu of options and possibilities throughout the design process.
In short, we ask better questions (ie Research) and open up the possibilty of better answers. We provide insight.
Insight can take into account the complexity of the project and how this relates to the Client. It can be intuitive or reflective and can make real and meaningful connections with people, the landscape or the local culture.
What types of projects do you do?
The Research + Design website represents a portion of what we do. We are involved in a broad range of project types for example: multi media and recording spaces, multi media exhibit spaces , small residential extensions, alterations to period properties, a new yoga studio, large refurbishment of a holiday village clubhouse, feasibility studies and planning proposals for residential developments in Cornwall and Devon as well as public art and community projects in the Southwest area.
How are your professional fees determined?
R+D projects are designed through a series of stages:
Formation of a brief
Sketch design
Outline design
Detail design
Planning submission,
Building regulation submission
Schedule of work and tender
Contract administration
We charge fixed price fees for each of these stages which relate to the size and complexity of a given project. Generally, our fees are very competitive with local practices and run in the region of 12% of the cost of construction for smaller residential projects to 6-9% for larger commercial and residential developments.
We endeavour to maintain a strong element of cost control in our projects through the use of thorough and complete Schedules of Work, contract documentation, and industry standard building contracts. Depending on specific project requirements, quantity surveyors may also be appointed to help ensure cost control.
Please note that Research + Design do not offer contract administration services for smaller residential extensions.
Research + Design services are also available on an hourly or 'timecard' basis. Please contact our office directly if you would like to discuss either of the above options.
What types of projects would you like to be doing in the future?
In addition to the above, we are currently developing R+D in two further directions. Both of these directions involve our ability to work with and incorporate the work of specialized fabricators,craftspeople and artists in the region and our interest in the experiential and material qualities of architecture, buildings and places.
The first is towards residential design. This is a natural development from our current and past professional experiences with highly crafted apartment and home interiors in New York City and London. There’s a sector of coastal properties in Devon and Cornwall - areas with genuinely inspiring views and landscapes. We are ideally situated and suited for these types of sites and projects.
The second is we would like to develop R+D as a small hub of social and architectural activity in Plymouth where people are encouraged to stop by, say hello, and discuss projects and ideas - where we can engage with the local creative community in the design of public architecture, buildings and places.
Organizations and professional bodies
Sites about place
Green Building Sites
Art and Architecture Sites
Arts in Plymouth Last Friday
Charities
