Architectural technology

Design

'I could tell how many steps make up the streets rising like stairways, and the degree of arcades' curves, and what kind of zinc scales cover the roofs; but I already know this would be the same as telling you nothing.   The city does not consist of this, but of relationship between the measurement of its space and the events of the past; the height of the lamppost and the distance from the ground of a hanged usurper's swaying feet...As this wave from memories flows in, the city soaks it up like a sponge and expands.'   (Italo Calvino, Invisible Cities, Vintage, London, 1997).

To best design   building conservation and alterations of existing structures, requires a combination of   Building Surveying skills   and Architectural Technology.   Identifying defects and acknowledging construction science during restoration and alterations combine to create design which optomise solutions sympathetically with the existing structures, which creates best use of space, materials and the end user needs, allowing the building to develop whilst retaining its history - its story!      

AHBSS is a Chartered Architectural Techologists registered company and RICS regulated practice.   More details regarding the interaction between Chartered Surveyors and improving existing properties can be found at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors website:

http://www.rics.org/site/scripts/documents_info.aspx?documentID=105&pageNumber=2

For information on developments which may require planning consent and information on Building Regulation requirements please click the link below:

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/genpub/en/1115311947777.html