Paper To Place Studio Ltd

What is the Process?

Whether you’re planning a new project, refurbishing an existing building, or reimagining an interior, the first step is always to meet with us, either virtually or in person, to discuss your project and how we can best support you.

We’ll explore your brief, explain the design process, and discuss the level of service that’s right for your project. We offer flexible solutions, from a complete turnkey service to a more collaborative approach. From the earliest concepts through to planning submissions, statutory approvals and technical design, we’ll guide you through each stage, helping you decide which services you need from us.

Following our discussion, we’ll prepare a clear fee proposal tailored to your project and the scope of services required.

Our goal is to make the process as clear, collaborative and enjoyable as possible, delivering thoughtful design solutions that respond to your brief and create lasting value.

Feasibility Studies

Every successful project begins by exploring what is possible. A feasibility study allows us to test ideas, uncover opportunities and establish a clear direction before significant time and resources are invested. We begin by understanding your aspirations, the people who will use the space, and the outcomes you want to achieve. From there, we develop a clear project brief and explore the site's opportunities and constraints, presenting high-level plans and concept sketches that demonstrate the project's potential. Your feedback is central to the process. Together, we refine the proposal to create a shared vision and a strong foundation for the next stage of the project.

Planning Applictions

As the design develops, we refine the appearance of the building, ensuring it responds thoughtfully to its context while expressing the function and character of the spaces within. We present the proposals for your feedback before preparing the necessary planning documentation. Where required, we coordinate the planning application, advising on any supporting information or specialist reports needed and helping to appoint consultants where appropriate. Not every project requires planning permission. We will advise you on the most appropriate planning route—whether that's a full planning application, permitted development, or another form of consent—ensuring your project progresses with confidence and complies with the relevant legislation.

Technical Drawings and Specifications / Building Control Submissions

Once the necessary planning approvals are in place (where required), we develop the detailed technical information needed to bring your project to life. Our coordinated drawings and specifications support a safe, compliant and efficient construction process, reducing uncertainty during the build. Working in a 3D BIM environment, we create a digital model of the project, helping you to visualise the design while improving coordination between everyone involved in its delivery. We advise on the statutory approvals your project requires, including Building Regulations where applicable, ensuring everything is in place before construction begins. If required, we can also manage the tender process, preparing tender information, inviting suitable contractors to submit proposals, and supporting you in selecting the right team for your project.

Interior Design

We believe the most successful spaces are created when architecture and interiors are designed together. Every material, colour and detail contributes to how a place looks, feels and functions. Our approach begins with understanding the people who will use the space and the outcomes you want to achieve. We develop an initial interior concept, presented through plans, mood boards and material palettes, before refining the design with your feedback. Our standard interiors package includes the overall concept, floor plans and mood boards, with the option to add detailed specifications, bespoke joinery, internal elevations, 3D visualisations and curated finishes and furnishings. Whatever the project, our aim is to create thoughtful, human-centred spaces that are cohesive, purposeful and help people truly thrive.

On site Construction Support and Contract Administration

We can provide on-site support throughout the construction phase, carrying out regular site inspections to monitor progress, review the quality of the work, and help ensure the project is delivered in line with the design intent. Where required, we also offer contract administration, acting as your professional representative throughout the build. We coordinate communication with the contractor, review progress and project information, and help keep the project on track, giving you confidence that every stage is being carefully managed.

Principal Designer

As a domestic Client, on a project that is likely to involve more than one contractor, you have a statutory duty to appoint a Principal Designer and a Principal Contractor. We can provide Principal Designer services under CDM and Building Regulations up to construction stage, where the Principal Contractor normally takes this on. This is due to a change in regulations and the Building Safety Act 2022, born out of the tragic events of Grenfell. We have a blog post about this that explains the requirements in more detail here.

FAQ

Inclusive design is at the heart of everything we do. We create spaces that are beautiful, functional and welcoming for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, believing that great design should adapt to the people who use it, not the other way around.

By prioritising accessibility, wellbeing and flexibility from the outset, we design environments that are thoughtful, enduring and tailored to the needs of the individuals and communities they serve.

We work across a wide range of sectors, from small-scale refurbishments and fit-outs to large new-build developments. Whether it’s a home, school, community space, workplace or public building, our focus is always on creating places that enrich people’s lives.

Your level of involvement is entirely up to you. We can provide a comprehensive service, managing everything from design development and approvals to tendering and construction support. Throughout the project, we’ll ask you to make key decisions at agreed milestones, so we do ask that there is a single point of contact on the client side to ensure the project can progress smoothly and efficiently.

Yes. We can prepare and submit all drawings and applications, and liaise directly with the planning department on your behalf.

Yes, where required, we can provide Contract Administration and construction support throughout the build. We act as your professional representative, carrying out site inspections, administering the building contract, and helping to ensure the works are progressing in accordance with the contract documents.

While we monitor progress and identify any work that does not appear to meet the required standard, responsibility for the quality of workmanship and construction always remains with the appointed contractor.

Email is the primary means of communication, with phone calls made during normal working hours where necessary to discuss themes that require a more rapid response.
Site visits and Teams calls will be scheduled at appropriate intervals, based on the project stage and deliverables listed on the current Appointment Schedule.
We would also welcome Whatsapp messages to the business number for smaller queries that we will endeavour to respond to within 48 hours during a working week. If we feel the topics raised in a Whatsapp message require a phone call or email response, we will reply accordingly.
Our normal working hours are 09:00-17:00 Monday – Friday, excluding bank holidays and annual leave days, which we will advise you of in advance.

Every project is different. Timescales depend on the scope of work, planning authority decisions, input from consultants and contractors, and the speed of client decisions. We will discuss a high-level anticipated programme at the outset and keep you informed of any changes.

Yes. Sustainability is at the heart of our design process. We select materials and solutions that are environmentally responsible without compromising on quality or style.

Yes, we can provide our architectural services online or remotely, depending on the scope of work required. Through virtual consultations, digital design presentations, and regular online communication, we can effectively collaborate with you, ensuring your project progresses smoothly, efficiently, and with the same attention to detail as in-person services.

It all begins with a conversation. Contact us to chat about your project aims and we can guide you through the next steps.