Our Services: Executive Architect

Based on our wealth of experience Found can act as Executive Architects for retail, commercial and private residential projects in the UK whether it be new build, refurbishment or a heritage building project. Our role is to collaborate with the concept or design architect/designer to ensure that the original vision of the design becomes reality while ensuring its compliance with UK planning and building control requirements. To fulfil this role, we can:

• Assemble the Project Consultant Team
• Obtain Planning Consent
• Obtain Building Control Approval
• Produce Planning Drawings
• Produce Tender Drawings
• Produce Construction Drawings
• Provide On Site Attendance

In the UK, the role of an Executive Architect is a specialised and critical function within the architectural and construction industry, primarily focused on the technical delivery and execution of building projects. Unlike the Lead or Concept Architect, which are services we also offer, who is typically responsible for the design vision and client engagement during the early stages of a project, in our role as Executive Architect we ensure that the design is translated accurately and efficiently into a buildable and compliant reality. Our responsibilities begin in earnest during the construction drawings phase and extend through to construction and handover. However, if we are appointed early in the design process, we can also advise during the concept design stage to ensure compliance with UK regulations, limiting impact on the design during the latter stages.

In our role as Executive Architect, we typically work closely with the client, design architect, contractors, consultants, and regulatory bodies to ensure that the project adheres to UK building regulations, planning conditions, and technical standards. This includes the production and coordination of detailed construction drawings, specifications, and schedules. We have a deep understanding of technical design, materials, procurement processes, and construction methodologies, and are often tasked with identifying and resolving complex technical issues as they arise on site.

Another important aspect of our role as Executive Architect’s role is coordination and communication. We act as a bridge between the client’s design aspirations and the realities of construction, often managing the design team and liaising with project stakeholders including engineers, project managers, cost consultants, and legal advisers. Our goal is to safeguard the integrity of the design while ensuring it is feasible and safe.

For international projects undertaken in the UK, particularly those involving overseas design firms, our role is as a local partner appointed to act as Executive Architect or Architect of Record. This means we assume legal responsibility for compliance with UK legislation, health and safety laws, and planning conditions, and we are invariably also the main point of contact with local authorities. This makes our role indispensable to the successful delivery of complex, multi-disciplinary projects in the UK’s highly regulated building environment.