1. What areas do we work in?

We provide a full UK wide service and have undertaken work outside of the UK too.

Why not contact us now, we have probably already undertaken work near to you.

2. Planning & Building Regulations – what are they?

Planning Approval
Planning in basic terms is how something looks and how it affects the neighbours/neighbourhood. It is subjective (what one person likes others may not necessarily agree). Not all projects will require planning approval, but we will be able to advise clients if it is and can undertake the necessary Planning negotiations/submissions

Building Regulation Approval
Building Regulations ensure building works (and certain other works) are designed and built to certain standards (eg structural, fire, thermal and disabled access to name but a few of these elements). Most although not all work will require Building Regulation approval and in some instances you can use an alternative to using the Local Authority. TBC can advise you on whether your project requires approval

3. The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) what is it?

The DDA introduced new laws and measures to combat discrimination against disabled people and gives people rights in areas of:

• Access to goods, facilities and services
• Buying or renting land
• Employment

In addition, the Act allowed the Government to set access standards for public transport and required schools, colleges and universities to provide information to access to education for disabled pupils/students.

Access Audits involve inspection and measurement against pre-agreed criteria of premises accessible to members of the public. The Billington Consultancy undertake Access Audits – further information on request.

In addition to DDA, other legislation including Approved Document M of the Building Regulations and BS 8300 aim to encourage an inclusive society enabling access, use and enjoyment of facilities by all members of the community. The Billington Consultancy has extensive experience advising clients on how to comply and exceed these standards.

5. The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007

All designers/architects have a legal obligation to advise you the client on your responsibilities under CDM before you appoint them.

You, the client have a legal responsibility for Health and Safety on your project. To this end, we always issue a copy of the HSE's guidance leaflet to prospective clients . This excellent introduction to CDM provides you a starting point as to what are your responsibilities and what you need to do.

6. Who are our clients?

• Private Home owners
• Self Builders
• Builders/Contractors
• Design & Build Companies
• Developers
• Local Authorities/Government Bodies
• Schools, Colleges and other Education bodies
• Blue Chip Corporations
• Corporate/Industrial
• Estate Agents
• We even work for other designers/architects

7. Are We Architects?

No, although we provide the same services as Architects (i.e. we design buildings), we are not architects and accordingly should not be referred to as 'architects'.

Our Building Design Consultancy has a proven track record providing a totally different and user friendly approach to designing buildings – we provide you with a friendly and helpful approach, with impartial advice and imaginative but cost effective solutions.

We never charge a percentage of your project value (we don’t think having a percentage fee gives any incentive for the designer/architect to keep your project cost down).

8. Do we provide services to other consultants?

Yes, whilst we provide full in house design services, we understand some clients already have their own tame designer/architect with whom they wish to use, but need The Billington Consultancy with their speciality in Co-ordinating projects. We have worked successfully with many Architects and consultants over the years bringing our skills and knowledge to the benefit of their practices and projects whilst generating many friends along the way.

9. A Brief History

Chris Billington first set up the practice in 1983. The Billington Consultancy Ltd became a thriving and successful multi-disciplinary consultancy providing a full one-stop-shop range of services for clients. At the end of 2006 Chris was head hunted to work on a chance of a lifetime project as Design Consultant/Design Manager on the new National Museum of Liverpool project, subsequently also being involved in several high profile international projects including the new $2.4 billion Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange project in the United Arab Emirates. On returning to the UK in 2009, Chris decided to re-establish the consultancy specialising in his core and most enjoyable aspect of his work Designing, Managing and Co-ordinating projects.