Services

PCMS offers quality architectural design and project management services to a wide range of clients including businesses, the public sector, schools and homeowners.

Our building design services include the complete management of your project, the detailed architectural design, gaining consents and approvals, as well as managing the construction phase.

Our passion is about delivering space - practical working and learning spaces, or comfortable living spaces. Whether you are extending, refurbishing or building a new home or premises, we can design practical, environmentally friendly and cost effective solutions.

Construction Project Management

PCMS specialises in project management of construction projects, from the initial stages of feasibility and concept designs through the planning approvals and contract tender process, to construction, commissioning and handover. PCMS can help you through all the stages of planning, co-ordinating and managing construction projects.

Full project management services are recommended for businesses, schools, local authorities, residential customers and property developers. PCMS is a Corporate Member of the Association for Project Management, which demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the professional development of our project and programme management.

The starting point for all PCMS projects is developing the design brief. Efficient planning at an early stage is important to identify dependencies, key decision points and milestones and also to agree a completion date that fits in with wider business or personal objectives.

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Architectural Design

"A well-formulated design brief with clearly written objectives will result in an effectively planned scheme that meets expectations."

PCMS designs are influenced by our approach to sustainability, a project's build-ability, and an understanding of how space is best used.

We develop concept drawings using modern architectural software. This enables design proposals to be visualised in 3D to help explain them as part of the design process. Once you have approved the concept drawings, we will produce a full set of measured plans for planning permission and building control purposes.

Safety is incorporated into designs so they comply with statutory requirements. Structural elements and building services are considered at an early stage to ensure their suitability. PCMS will provide cost estimates of your project to give you some indication of what your construction costs will be.

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Consents & Approvals

The local authority planning process can be time consuming and avoiding delays at this stage is important. Therefore handling the process correctly is essential to ensure your project timescales are achieved. PCMS will manage your planning application, and liaise with the local authority planning department on a regular basis to ensure a successful outcome.

Building Regulations set minimum standards for the design and construction of buildings, and include areas such as structural build quality, drainage, ventilation, heating and lighting and disabled access. For the majority of construction projects, PCMS apply for building control approval from the local authority once the construction drawings and specification of works are prepared.

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Construction Management

Following on from the appointment of your main (or principal) contractor, PCMS can manage the construction process through to completion, commissioning and handover, including making regular site visits, answering technical queries and liaising with specialists.

Unless you are a domestic client, you will have duties under the Construction Design & Management (CDM) Regulations 2007 which set out the legal responsibilities for ensuring health and safety before, during and after any type of construction project. For the majority of projects, commercial clients have a legal duty to appoint a CDM Co-ordinator. PCMS offer this service to co-ordinate and manage the health and safety aspects of construction projects.

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Facilities Management

PCMS offers good value for money by providing clients with a facilities management service to cover both planned and reactive maintenance.

Planned works, properly carried out, significantly reduce the instance and cost of reactive maintenance. Statutory inspections and testing are also included. Following survey, PCMS can provide facilities management services to include any or all of the following: heating and air conditioning, water, drainage and plumbing, escalators and lifts, ventilation and refrigeration, telephony and IT networks, security and alarm systems, fire detection and protection, electrical distribution (incl. PAT) and asbestos management.

PCMS uses a network of approved contractors to carry out maintenance, and provides a single point of contact and efficient administration of maintenance activities. We also have the capability to specify and project manage remedial works where required.

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Other Services

PCMS offers other services too including help, practical assistance and advice with the following:

• Space Planning
• Relocations
• Refurbishment / Dilapidations
• Property Management
• Energy performance certificates
• Advice on Acquisitions and Disposals
• Display Energy Certificates

Contact PCMS to find out how we can help you with your building project.

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