+ Doesn't it cost a lot more to build sustainably?
No ; two thirds of the full sustainable agenda can be achieved with no extra cost, just more thought; the final third depends on a cost-benefit analysis of each intervention to rate the long-term benefit against increased capital outlay. This is especially vindicated if the building is for an owner-occupier who can reap the benefit over the middle long term.
+ Do you do partial services?
We prefer not to, as the continuity from first concept to realised building is very important.
+ Do you do one-off houses?
We will not indiscriminately take on ‘a house in a field ‘, causing sprawl, increased traffic, inefficient services. We look at each case on an individual basis and if we see planning gain in the case we will generally try to assist a client.
+ Do you do alterations and extensions?
Yes.
+ Do you do reports of inspection?
Yes.
+ Will you supervise the work of others?
Not generally.
+ How much do you charge for a consultation?
Usually €150 +Vat at our premises; €500 + VAT on site (+ expenses)
+ How much do you charge for a design?
Every project is different: Fees are negotiable depending on the nature of the service and particular brief and circumstances. For routine work we base our fees generally on a matrix of five broad building categories, within which there are three levels of complexity in each. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and we'll be able to give you a comprehensive quote then.
+ Will you take work all over the country?
Yes especially if reasonably adjacent to a train station / rail head.
We also have a work base by the ocean in West Cork where we like to take away a brief for creative work. This also allows us to cover work on site in the entire southern area of the country, with fast broadband service available there.
+ What does building work cost?
We use indices and databases of cost based on our own completed work and a number of references. We advise that costs are project specific, based on the whole design and site, and not just loosely based on floor areas.
+ Will you apply for planning permission only?
Not generally; we like to be involved in the entire project through to realisation.
+ Is there a conflict between the creative / practical?
We don’t think so and in fact find that one stimulates the other. Paul Leech prefers the French spelling of 'ingenieur' as it suggests the ingenuity of good engineering leading to delightful and elegant solutions often expressing the inner nature of the site and brief.
+ Will you help students?
Generally yes, mostly by referring them onwards to bibliographical web or other references, based on their queries ; it’s important for students to do the work themselves.
+ Do you inspect works completed by others?
Generally not but we examine instructions on a case by case basis and try to be helpful by referral if we cannot be of service ourselves.
+ Are you too small as a practice?
Specialists gain from staying relatively small; we have completed full services on projects up to €7.5 Min size and can upsize or downsize as appropriate keeping our core skills in place.
+ Are you too quirky in design?
Well we believe that each client / site / budget tends to generate a unique solution; our job is to explore and unlock the mystery of each situation in a unique and special design.
