Our Services
Fine Designs can provide a full professional Architects service from receipt of the clients design brief to the completion of the works.
Stage 1 >>>
Our initial consultation with you at your home or site is free of charge. This meeting allows us to appreciate the existing dwelling, building or site.
We will be able to offer sound advice regarding design potential, works costs and local legislation. We will then tender our fee directly following this meeting for your approval. We will hope that you would be impressed by our enthusiasm and inspired by our design proposals.
Following our appointment, we will immediately survey the existing and prepare sketch design options for your consideration. We believe in a personal approach to design and these initial design options will be discussed and developed with you. The result will be a well thought out and clever design, tailored to your specific requirements and making use of every design possibility.
All sketch options will be costed to give you early comfort with regard to your works budget. We won’t be satisfied till you have a design that you are excited about and can afford.
Stage 2 >>>
Local Authority Approval
Most works will require some form of Planning or Building Control Approval. We offer advice at the initial consultation stage as to the appropriate applications that will be required.
We are also experienced in developing or altering Listed Buildings and obtaining consents from Historic Scotland.
Fine Designs can prepare the drawings and specifications required for all submissions to the local authority. We will submit the applications and deal with any queries until approval is granted.
Stage 3
Once all local authority approvals are in place the next stage is to obtain builder’s tenders for the works.
We can coordinate all drawings and specifications from structural engineers and all other design consultants in the preparation of a working set of drawings suitable for contractor tendering and site construction.
Once you have appointed a contractor we will offer to provide a works inspection service. This service looks after the client’s interests on site. We would administer a site works contract, inspect the works on site, resolve problems, monitor the works programme, and ensure that the completed works comply with current Building Regulations.
We would ensure that the design and standard of finish meets with the client’s expectations. Our service terminates with the hand over of the Completion Certificate from the local authority. A photographic record is kept throughout the entire construction process and a copy of this record is handed over to the owner for their own use.
How we enhance your living space
Home Extensions
Today’s home and how we use it has changed greatly. It now tends to centre round an open plan, large family kitchen, with a lounge that opens directly on to the garden.
A space to interact directly with TV/Internet plays a bigger and more influential impact on our way of life. Bedroom En-suites and changing areas are also desired.
Home owners now have a more informed idea of what they want, many find that they live in a dwelling that was built and designed for a previous generation and how they lived. Some simply live in a house that is just too small. We relish the opportunity to explore all the potential design opportunities to breathe new light into your home.
Kitchens
We are your trusted partner in creating bespoke kitchens that harmoniously blend your unique style and culinary aspirations.
At Fine Designs, we understand that the kitchen is the heart of your home, a space where memories are made and flavours are crafted. With our passion for both aesthetics and functionality, we strive to transform your kitchen into a masterpiece that reflects your individual taste and enhances your daily culinary experiences.
New Builds
A green field site offers a wonderful opportunity to design a unique home that’s tailored to the owners requirements.
The choice of accommodation and how you choose to use the space is a personal choice and particular to you. Everyone has their own idea of their dream home, a modern villa or country cottage, a new build house gives you the chance for the home of your dreams.
We believe that a new house should respond to its local environment and should as much as possible share a direct relationship with the external landscape. This union with the site settles the footprint of the house and connections are formed from inside to outside. Sloping sites can suggest a split level design, a beautiful view can point to room locations, orientation to the prevailing winds and the natural sun path can capture and utilise natural energy resources and draw sun light were required into the home.
A sustainable approach to energy use within a new house design is of course important in the current climate of rising energy costs. The use of energy saving constructions and materials in conjunction with a carefully considered design will reduce significantly the energy use of the new house.
Garden Rooms
The desire to live in a space that relates directly to the garden has become a popular and attractive space to any home.
It usually takes the form of a lounge, with a raised ceiling, and plenty of glass both in the roof and in the façade, with sliding or bi-folding doors to allow wide and direct access to the external landscape.
Listed Buildings
We are always interested and excited to work with buildings of architectural heritage.
We do not view listed buildings or buildings within conservation areas to be restrictive to development.
We see them as a design challenge as they are usually buildings or character with details that deserve respect. An appreciation of the historical fabric of the building, an understanding of the construction and design methods, and a knowledge of what will find favour with Historic Scotland is required from the outset.
We have found that a clever design that highlights the character of the building yet delivers the design brief, coupled with the use of quality materials usually appeals to the local authorities.
Interiors
At Fine Designs, we understand that your home should be a reflection of your individuality and a place where you can truly unwind.
With our passion for exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail, we are committed to creating bespoke interiors that surpass your expectations and create a lasting impression.
View our full gallery >
Transforming homes since 2004
An example of an improvement made to a Edinburgh period town house.
Removing an existing small dark single-storey rear kitchen extension to a period dwelling in Dunfermline and replacing it with a modern alternative.
Kitchen Extension
Home Extension