Why an Initial Design Consultation is the best first step for your project

Posted: 14 August 2026

Do you value my time and expertise? Good, I thought you did – carry on reading then.

Ikonografik Design - sketch designs

Projects don’t start with drawings; they start with a conversation and meeting of minds. That’s why an Initial Design Consultation has become such an important part of how I work. It’s a chance to walk and talk through your project on site together. I’ll listen to you tell me what you’re hoping to achieve, and we’ll explore the ideas that could genuinely set up your project for success and help shape your home or development project.

With a wealth of industry experience – nearly 30 years – I’ve seen a lot of things and made a few mistakes. I’ve learnt from this and want to share this knowledge with you, so you don’t make the same mistakes.

There will be an opportunity to talk about your ideas with a professional [me, ta-dah!], no matter how crazy you may think your ideas are. I will listen to your story and seek to understand your unique circumstances and requirements. I will help show you how your project will make a positive difference to your life.

All of this for a small fee up front, a very small proportion of your total project cost. Oh yes, this is refunded if you continue to work with me. You’ll get dedicated time with a Chartered Architectural Technologist with decades of experience. We’ll look at what’s possible, what’s practical, and what’s worth thinking about early – from design options and buildability to costs, sustainability and approvals.

Ikonografik Design - sketch designs

What to expect during your Initial Design Consultation

I’ll help you to:

  • Embed sustainability, energy efficiency and comfort into your project from the word go, not bolted on at the end.

  • Identify key risks that may impact your project and work out how to proactively reduce them.

  • Establish feasibility and work out practical ways to deliver your project as you wish.

  • Discover loads more stuff that you probably haven’t thought of yet.

Clients tell us this session gives them clarity, confidence and a realistic sense of the journey ahead. That’s exactly why we do it. Good projects start with good decisions, and good decisions start with informed conversations.

If you’re considering a retrofit, extension, new build or development, booking an Initial Design Consultation is the best first step you can take.

What are you waiting for? Get in touch and send me a message today.

Architectural hand sketch of an alternative ground floor layout featuring glazed walls and courtyards, pictured next to a Staedtler eraser.
Initial architectural floor plan sketch on tracing paper showing room layouts, stairs, and seating areas.
Hand-drawn architectural concept sketch for a residential floor plan detailing kitchen, dining, and utility spaces.
Architectural floor level planning sketch showing staircases, floor height transitions, and room dimensions.

If you’re bouncing around ideas, or if you’re ready to…

...start your project, or anything in between - please do get in touch and we can kick things off with a chat.

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