Design
Concepts
&
Options
Transforming your vision into tangible architectural design concepts is where the excitement truly begins. At MJW Architects, our Stage 2 service takes everything we've learnt about your project during the First Meeting and develops it into clear, compelling design options that you can see, understand, and respond to.
This is the creative heart of the architectural process. We present you with multiple design concepts – typically two to three distinct approaches – each carefully considered to meet your brief, work with your budget, and respond to the unique characteristics of your Somerset property. You'll see your ideas brought to life through professional drawings, 3D visualisations, and clear explanations of how each option addresses your needs.
Whether you're planning an extension in Bath, a conversion in Bristol, Frome or Bruton, or a new build in rural Somerset, our Design Concepts stage ensures you're making informed decisions before committing to detailed design work. This collaborative approach means you have genuine choice, clear understanding, and the confidence that your project is heading in the right direction.
What Happens at the Design Concepts Stage?
Exploring Design Possibilities
The Design Concepts and Options stage bridges the gap between your initial ideas and a fully developed architectural design. Following your First Meeting in Stage 1, we now have a clear understanding of your requirements, site constraints, budget, and planning context.
During Stage 2, we develop feasibility sketch studies exploring different approaches to your project. Each concept represents a carefully considered response to your brief, site conditions, and regulatory requirements. We're testing ideas, exploring possibilities, and presenting you with genuine alternatives.
You'll receive professional 2D line drawings showing floor plans, elevations, and sections for each design concept, complemented by 3D rendered visuals that help you understand how each option would actually look and feel.
Seeing Your Ideas in 3D
Professional 2D drawings are complemented by 3D rendered visuals that help you understand how each option would actually look. These aren't simple computer sketches – they're photorealistic images showing materials, proportions, and how your project sits within its context.
For clients wanting deeper exploration, we can provide additional 3D rendered drawings, multiple viewpoints, and even virtual reality walkthroughs that let you experience the spaces before they're built.
We issue drawings by email for review in your own time, followed by structured feedback sessions – whether online meetings, meetings in our office, or site visits to discuss proposals in context.
Understanding Your Investment
Throughout this stage, we provide construction budget estimates to ensure each concept aligns with your financial expectations. Every design concept comes with indicative construction costs, so you can make informed decisions.
We're not creating beautiful designs you can't afford to build – we're developing realistic proposals that align with your budget whilst maximising architectural quality.
We also advise on specialist consultants that might be needed (structural engineers, ecologists) and identify any reports required for planning applications. No surprises later.
Presenting Your Options
We provide structured feedback sessions to review the design concepts together – online meetings, one meeting in our office, and one site meeting at your property.
This collaborative approach means you have genuine choice and clear understanding. You're selecting the design direction that feels right for you, not simply approving what we've already decided.
We listen carefully to your feedback, respect your preferences, and adapt our designs accordingly. The best architecture emerges from genuine collaboration.
What Is Included In Design Concept and Options
Multiple Design Concepts
Meetings and Feedback
Budget Estimates
Enhanced Visualisations
Consultant Coordination
Planning Requirements
What Makes Our Approach Different?
Genuine Choice
High-Quality 3D Visualisation
Local Somerset Expertise
Budget-Conscious Design
Next Steps: Stage 3 – Developed Design
Once you've selected your preferred design concept, we move to Stage 3 – Developed Design and Planning.
Stage 3 takes your chosen concept and develops it into a fully resolved architectural proposal, prepares all planning application drawings and documents, coordinates with structural engineers and other consultants, submits your planning application, and monitors the application through to approval.
Because we've thoroughly explored the design during Stage 2, progression to Stage 3 is smooth and efficient. Our transparent fee structure means you know exactly what Stage 3 costs before committing.