DESIGN + CONSTRUCTION
With over 18 years of expertise in designing educational buildings and 23 years in the construction industry, our RIBA-qualified Chartered Architects are equipped to meet all your design and construction needs.
Let us manage the complexities of your project, helping to oversee every detail from beginning to end.
Service Types
Architect Design
Grayling Thomas Architects have over 23 years of experience in the construction industry, specialising in education buildings for the past 18 years. Our RIBA-qualified architects work closely with Business Managers and Headteachers to define project briefs, create feasibility studies, and develop detailed layouts for planning and building regulation submissions. We are skilled at maximising value within school budgets and provide contract administration from project start to handover (RIBA Stages 0-7). Our aim is to relieve Headteachers and Business Managers of the pressures involved in delivering projects on time and within budget.
Feasibility Studies
Grayling Education Surveys have partnered with schools for over 10 years, conducting Feasibility Studies to explore potential site developments. These studies provide detailed costings and options, creating a “shopping list” for schools to consider. The feasibility often contributes to a phased masterplan, allowing Business Managers and Headteachers to strategically assess projects and their impact. Our experienced Architects and Surveyors offer phasing strategies that minimise disruption, ensuring construction work on live school sites does not affect pupils’ performance or staff operations.
Planning Applications
Grayling Thomas Architects are experts in securing planning approvals for schools, handling both Outline and Detailed Planning Applications. We understand planning legislation and offer early advice on expected outcomes. We also submit Planning Pre-Applications and provide support through Grayling Education Surveys with services like Measured Surveys and Premises Assessments. We manage complex site issues (e.g., Archaeology, Ecology, Flooding) by involving specialists and handle the entire planning process, including discharging conditions, to assist Business Managers, Bursars, and Headteachers efficiently.
Free Consultations for all design and construction services.
Construction, Project Management + Contract Administration
Grayling Thomas Architects excel in managing construction projects for schools, handling everything from contract documentation to selecting builders and overseeing the entire process. We aim to relieve schools, Bursars, and Headteachers from the daily management burden by coordinating with builders and subcontractors. We specialise in minimising disruptions to the school environment, ensuring construction has little or no impact on day-to-day operations. With expertise in health and safety, we work closely with consultants and contractors to design out risks early in the project, prioritising the safety of pupils and staff.
Cost Planning
Managing costs is crucial for school projects, and Grayling Thomas Architects are highly experienced in cost planning within the constraints of school budgets and funding. Our team provides regular updates to Headteachers, Bursars, Business Managers, and Governors to ensure projects stay on track. We create and monitor detailed cost schedules throughout the project, advising on contingencies and contract clauses like damages. Additionally, we collaborate closely with Quantity Surveyors and can assist in their appointment for effective financial management.
Principal Designer + CDM
Under the CDM 2015 Regulations, construction projects must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive if they last over 30 working days with 20+ workers on-site or exceed 500 person-days. Clients must appoint a Principal Designer, a role we provide to schools and clients. As Principal Designers, we manage health and safety throughout the pre-construction phase, performing risk assessments and designing out risks early on. We assist clients with pre-construction information, guide contractor appointments, and coordinate with all designers to mitigate risks. We also liaise with the Principal Contractor to ensure ongoing risk management during construction.
Structural Engineering
At Grayling Education Surveys, we collaborate with Structural Engineers to address property issues related to structural elements such as cracking, faults, mezzanine additions, and underpinning. Understanding a building’s structure is essential for its maintenance, and we provide advice through Structural Engineers and Condition Surveys to assess long-term impacts and necessary repairs. We also partner with Structural Engineers on new projects, whether reconfiguring existing buildings or designing new blocks. With over 22 years of experience, we guide schools on securing Building Control approval and selecting suitable construction methods for their specific needs.
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
Grayling Education Surveys can advise on Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Consultants for both existing and new build projects. We offer guidance on: ·Existing main services capacity ·Mechanical systems including boilers and air handling plants ·Electrical systems including lighting and power ·Fire alarms ·Security alarms and systems ·Emergency lighting and smoke detection ·Fob access control systems Our expertise ensures schools receive tailored solutions for their specific mechanical and electrical needs.
Contractor Appointment + Selection
We have over 22 years experience of selecting and appointing the right Contractor for a project and we maintain lists of Contractors suitable for particular builds. Choosing the right Builder, with the right experience, is an important part of any project and one which we take seriously and agree with the Client beforehand. We can also advise on the Procurement or Contract type to be entered into with a Contractor.
Oxfordshire
7 Goddards Lane
The Theatre Chipping Norton
Chipping Norton
OX7 5NP
Cambridgeshire
Sheraton House
Castle Park
Cambridge
CB3 OAX
