Stuart Thompson Architects | STARC specialises in the innovative design of homes and buildings using green building methods that support our modern life and work styles.
The Studio was founded by Stuart in 2003 after working for local Cape Town based firms MLH Architects and Planners, Vivid Architects and PRP Architects in London. The studio is a collective of young architectural professionals, technologists and interns from Cape based institutions. We are connected to and aligned with local professionals in the allied disciplines of engineering and cost estimation. We specialise in the creation of contemporary new homes and the transformation of heritage sensitive houses into 21st century homes that will support the demands of our modern lifestyles and those of our children.
Stage 1 – Analysis of the Brief (5% of fee)
Analysis and appraisal of the client brief; Receive, appraise and report on the Client’s requirements regarding site information, planning and statutory requirements, the procedures to meet her requirements, the need for the appointment of any other consultants and the applicable methods of contracting.
Stage 2 – Design Concept (15% of fee)
Advised by any consultants appointed, prepare a design concept in broad outline showing intended space provisions, planning relationships and the materials intended to be used. Show the technical and functional characteristics of the project as proposed, outline the estimated costs in relation to the budget and the anticipated project program.
Stage 3 – Design Development (20% of fee)
Develop the design concept in enough detail to define the construction of the building, spatially co-ordinate the work designed by consultants & specialists, review the design with the relevant authorities and the budget and building programme with the client.
Stage 4a – Local Authority Approvals (20% of fee)
Co-ordinate the work designed by other consultants. Develop the work technically to a level sufficient to make submission to local authorities for approvals and assess any departures required at this point – as a supplementary service.
Stage 4b – Technical documentation and tendering (10% of fee)
Prepare construction documentation. Review the estimated cost of the works in relation to the budget. Prepare documentation to procure offers/tenders for the execution of the works.
Stage 5 – Contract Administration & Inspection (27% of fee)
Call for tenders and/or negotiate the building contract. Advise the client on the awarding of the building contract and complete the contract documents. Administer the building contract, certify payments and valuation of works (where no Quantity Surveyor is appointed). Inspect the works regularly and Co-ordinate all consultants work. Scrutinise the contractors and sub – contractors shop drawings. The type of building contract selected will inform the stage 5 obligations of the Architect & impact on the extent of service.
Stage 6 – Close out (3% of fee)
Provide Client with as built drawings, certificates, and relevant technical data and guarantees from the suppliers on completion of the works. Provide the contractor with Completion certificate and assist contractor with obtaining the Client’s occupation certificate.
Supplementary Services (time charge)
As these are not part of the standard service, they are available on a negotiated fixed fee or a time charge basis
- Marketing drawings, brochures, sales drawings etc.
- Physical Models and CAD rendered 3D perspectives
- Zoning Scheme Departures, Title Deed Amendments, Sectional Title Registration
- Measuring up existing buildings and Surveying, Maintenance Manuals
- Heritage Consultations, Statements and Assessments
- Environmental Impact Assessments
- Energy Efficiency assessments and SANS 10400-part XA requirements
- Cost estimates, preliminary and interim, Cost Control and Final Account
- Extra Council Submissions due to Client deviations or fast-tracking requirements
- Demolition Applications and Permits
- Any other Supplementary Services highlighted in the Client/Architect Agreement
We love designing buildings, and we love building. We can read the site and the spaces and see the potential new spaces and forms. We love improving old buildings, modernising them, opening up their spaces to light and new flows, repairing and making the whole structure new, efficient, and beautiful. We have done projects from Cape Town to False Bay, Fishoek to Simonstown, Hermanus to Plettenberg bay and Cape St. Francis to Jeffreys bay.
Architectural Service
We offer a full or partial architectural service as outlined below and expanded on by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession.
Analysis of the Brief (2% of fee)
Analysis and appraisal of the client brief; Receive, appraise and report on the Client’s requirements regarding site information, planning and statutory requirements, the procedures to meet her requirements, the need for the appointment of any other consultants and the applicable methods of contracting.
Design Concept (15% of fee)
Advised by any consultants appointed, prepare a design concept in broad outline showing intended space provisions, planning relationships and the materials intended to be used. Show the technical and functional characteristics of the project as proposed, outline the estimated costs in relation to the budget and the anticipated project program.
Design Development (20% of fee)
Develop the design concept in enough detail to define the construction of the building, spatially co-ordinate the work designed by consultants & specialists, review the design with the relevant authorities and the budget and building programme with the client.
Local Authority Approvals (10% of fee)
Co-ordinate the work designed by other consultants. Develop the work technically to a level sufficient to make submission to local authorities for approvals and assess any departures required at this point – as a supplementary service.
Technical documentation and tendering (20% of fee)
Prepare construction documentation. Review the estimated cost of the works in relation to the budget. Prepare documentation to procure offers/tenders for the execution of the works.
Contract Administration & Inspection (30% of fee)
Call for tenders and/or negotiate the building contract. Advise the client on the awarding of the building contract and complete the contract documents. Administer the building contract, certify payments and valuation of works (where no Quantity Surveyor is appointed). Inspect the works regularly and Co-ordinate all consultants work. Scrutinise the contractors and sub – contractors shop drawings. The type of building contract selected will inform the stage 5 obligations of the Architect & impact on the extent of service.
Close out (3% of fee)
Provide Client with as built drawings, certificates, and relevant technical data and guarantees from the suppliers on completion of the works. Provide the contractor with Completion certificate and assist contractor with obtaining the Client’s occupation certificate.
Supplementary Services (time charge)
As these are not part of the standard service, they are available on a negotiated fixed fee or a time charge basis
- Marketing drawings, brochures, sales drawings etc.
- Physical Models and CAD rendered 3D perspectives
- Zoning Scheme Departures, Title Deed Amendments, Sectional Title Registration
- Measuring up existing buildings and Surveying, Maintenance Manuals
- Heritage Consultations, Statements and Assessments
- Environmental Impact Assessments
- Energy Efficiency assessments and SANS 10400-part XA requirements
- Cost estimates, preliminary and interim, Cost Control and Final Account
- Extra Council Submissions due to Client deviations or fast-tracking requirements
- Demolition Applications and Permits
- Any other Supplementary Services highlighted in the Client/Architect Agreement