About Us
THE PRACTICE
CSA Architects is a design-led RIBA Chartered Practice based in Truro, Cornwall. We are a friendly, professional, practice of ten creative, motivated and experienced individuals, and we are driven by a passion for delivering high quality design.
Established in 1990 and with a longstanding reputation in Cornwall, we provide full architectural services on a range of projects including private homes, residential developments and commercial and leisure projects.
HOW WE DO IT
Our bespoke service is focused on our client’s aspirations and the specific requirements of the project to deliver exceptional buildings. We are proud of our extensive portfolio, which is testament to the strong relationships we have formed with our clients and the project teams we work with.
“Good ideas are common – what’s uncommon are people who’ll work hard enough to bring them about.”
Ashleigh Brilliant
We offer a complete range of architectural services in Cornwall and throughout the South West
Feasibility Studies
Fixed fee, low cost feasibility studies to help establish your brief and budget whatever the size of the project.
This is the most important part of the project, and where we can add the most value. We will undertake some preliminary appraisals to assess the options and feasibility of the project. This can range from a sketch design solution to a full feasibility study, and will enable you to decide on the best way forward. We will also identify the need for any approvals and other consultants, most commonly a structural engineer.
We are a studio where people can drop in, and our doors are open for a free initial chat.
Masterplanning
Long-term, strategic outline development appraisals to suit the scale of development.
From large-scale, mixed-use developments, to the creation of new communities, we provide everything from conceptual proposals, to Urban Design strategies and viability appraisals, all based upon analysis, evaluation and engagement.
Concept Design
Helping you visualise your idea, based on an establish project brief.
Using the initial project brief, we will develop outline proposals and present a number of initial concepts for you to choose from. We will also liaise with local planners as a priority. The final design brief should reflect your aspirations, and provide you with a home that adds value and improves your quality of life.
Planning Submissions
Transformation of the idea into a formal planning application, with all relevant supporting information.
We will spend more time at this stage transforming ideas into something that can be built. This includes coordinating the work of other consultants into the designs. Once agreed with you, the design proposals will then be submitted for planning approval, if required.
Technical Design
Building Regulations applications, working drawings and Tender Packages suitable for pricing.
We will prepare the technical drawings and a specification, and/or a schedule of works that will be used to price the tender and construct the building. We can then invite and appraise tenders from builders and administer the building contract on your behalf.
Construction
Management of the project throughout construction, to ensure it is delivered on time and on budget.
Throughout the construction phase we will administer your contract with the builder, carry out regular inspections, deal with queries, instruct any additional work required, monitor progress on site, keep track of cost, value the works and certify payments due to the builder.
WE BELIEVE IN…
- Functional buildings that work for the people who use them
- Sustainable, robust buildings that respect the Cornish environment
- Buildings that delight and inspire the people who use them
- Spaces that harness natural daylight and the materials it illuminates
- Quality design, whatever the budget
- Understanding where and how we live
- Collaborating with talented people and businesses
- Simple design through hard work
- Asking questions and challenging the brief to ensure the best outcome
- Communicating ideas in whatever way helps
- Focused creativity
- Sharing ideas and knowledge to positively influence the design process