© 2025 PIVOTAL DESIGN & BUILD LTD
about us
◾Philosophy & Values
◾Sustainability & Passive Design
◾Who we are
◾Our Process
Design & Build
Construction
Sustainability
Renewables
Other services
Project Management
Property Maintenance
Design & BUILD
Redefining sustainable living in United Kingdom with innovative
design and eco-conscious values.
design and eco-conscious values.
Design and Build Company in London
Our Design and Build service offers an innovative solution for London homeowners seeking to expand their living space, whether through house extensions or loft conversions. This integrated approach streamlines communication between architects and construction experts, saving you valuable time and ensuring a cohesive process.
With a team comprising award-winning architects and highly qualified structural engineers, we bring years of experience in designing both single and double-storey extensions for both new and period properties. Our design services encompass everything from meticulous planning and architectural drawings to securing the necessary planning permissions.
Should you choose to proceed with us, our expert building team will oversee every aspect of the project, from inception to completion. A dedicated project manager will be assigned to keep you informed at every stage, ensuring all questions are promptly addressed. Our aim is to bring your vision to life with minimal disruption to your daily routine, delivering a seamless experience and exceptional results.
With a team comprising award-winning architects and highly qualified structural engineers, we bring years of experience in designing both single and double-storey extensions for both new and period properties. Our design services encompass everything from meticulous planning and architectural drawings to securing the necessary planning permissions.
Should you choose to proceed with us, our expert building team will oversee every aspect of the project, from inception to completion. A dedicated project manager will be assigned to keep you informed at every stage, ensuring all questions are promptly addressed. Our aim is to bring your vision to life with minimal disruption to your daily routine, delivering a seamless experience and exceptional results.
WHAT WE DO
At Pivotal Design & Build, our core philosophy revolves around an unwavering commitment to Design & Build, a discipline we have meticulously refined and elevated over the years. Our dynamic, multidisciplinary team brings together an exceptional wealth of expertise across interiors, architecture, and construction, enabling us to offer a seamless, end-to-end service — from visionary concept to flawless execution.
We specialise in the creation of extraordinary living spaces, where sophisticated design is expertly fused with impeccable craftsmanship to meet the ever-evolving demands of modern life. Each project we undertake is entirely bespoke, meticulously tailored to reflect your unique style and budget, while capturing the essence of your personality, taste, and individual design sensibilities.
Unlike traditional models that separate design from construction, we take full ownership of both the design and the build. As both creators and builders, we ensure that every concept we bring to life is grounded in practicality, feasibility, and financial prudence — delivering not only beauty and innovation, but also realism, precision, and refined craftsmanship.
We specialise in the creation of extraordinary living spaces, where sophisticated design is expertly fused with impeccable craftsmanship to meet the ever-evolving demands of modern life. Each project we undertake is entirely bespoke, meticulously tailored to reflect your unique style and budget, while capturing the essence of your personality, taste, and individual design sensibilities.
Unlike traditional models that separate design from construction, we take full ownership of both the design and the build. As both creators and builders, we ensure that every concept we bring to life is grounded in practicality, feasibility, and financial prudence — delivering not only beauty and innovation, but also realism, precision, and refined craftsmanship.
CLASSIC APPROACH
The CLASSIC architectural model often leads to a complex web of escalating costs, increasing complications, and competing objectives, all exacerbated by the lack of a central point of contact and a streamlined communication process. Designs are typically developed in isolation, without real-time cost assessments or a practical understanding of sustainability. This often results in unforeseen delays, hidden expenses, and a breakdown in coordination. The outcome? A construction process that is not only prolonged and financially burdensome but also plagued by unnecessary stress and inefficiency.
The CLASSIC architectural model often leads to a complex web of escalating costs, increasing complications, and competing objectives, all exacerbated by the lack of a central point of contact and a streamlined communication process. Designs are typically developed in isolation, without real-time cost assessments or a practical understanding of sustainability. This often results in unforeseen delays, hidden expenses, and a breakdown in coordination. The outcome? A construction process that is not only prolonged and financially burdensome but also plagued by unnecessary stress and inefficiency.
DESIGN+BUILD
A single, dedicated point of contact and accountability not only eliminates unnecessary fees but also optimises the process, ensuring efficient time management.
By consolidating all stakeholder feedback through one central liaison, supported by a clearly defined and structured communication channel between the client and Pivotal Design & Build Ltd, collaboration becomes seamless and efficient.
At Pivotal Design & Build Ltd, we integrate sustainability and construction costs into the design process from the outset. This ensures our concepts are crafted with cost-effective construction methods, industry best practices, and the latest innovations in mind. As a result, we are able to provide accurate, transparent pricing at every stage of the project.
Real-time cost evaluations and design feasibility assessments are continuously integrated throughout the design process, fostering a unified approach where all parties work in harmony towards a common vision.
A single, dedicated point of contact and accountability not only eliminates unnecessary fees but also optimises the process, ensuring efficient time management.
By consolidating all stakeholder feedback through one central liaison, supported by a clearly defined and structured communication channel between the client and Pivotal Design & Build Ltd, collaboration becomes seamless and efficient.
At Pivotal Design & Build Ltd, we integrate sustainability and construction costs into the design process from the outset. This ensures our concepts are crafted with cost-effective construction methods, industry best practices, and the latest innovations in mind. As a result, we are able to provide accurate, transparent pricing at every stage of the project.
Real-time cost evaluations and design feasibility assessments are continuously integrated throughout the design process, fostering a unified approach where all parties work in harmony towards a common vision.
If a building becomes architecture, then it is art
For the construction phase, we adopt a negotiated tender approach, meticulously refining costs and implementing cost engineering principles to ensure the project aligns with your budget. As part of our transparent process, we provide an unpriced scope of works within the tender pack, enabling you to obtain competitive quotes from alternative contractors and benchmark our pricing with confidence.
Our methodology places a strong emphasis on proactive decision-making, ensuring all key choices are made prior to the commencement of construction. For projects where we have developed a comprehensive, itemised specification, we typically allocate a 5% contingency, reinforcing financial transparency and control.
At the heart of every successful build is expert site and project management, rigorous quality control, and exceptional craftsmanship. By managing a select number of projects at any given time, we ensure each build receives meticulous oversight and is optimally resourced — guaranteeing outstanding quality, timely delivery, and precise budget adherence.
Our methodology places a strong emphasis on proactive decision-making, ensuring all key choices are made prior to the commencement of construction. For projects where we have developed a comprehensive, itemised specification, we typically allocate a 5% contingency, reinforcing financial transparency and control.
At the heart of every successful build is expert site and project management, rigorous quality control, and exceptional craftsmanship. By managing a select number of projects at any given time, we ensure each build receives meticulous oversight and is optimally resourced — guaranteeing outstanding quality, timely delivery, and precise budget adherence.
We utilise advanced construction project management software to streamline communication, ensuring that daily logs, meeting notes, progress photos, and the latest drawings are consistently updated and easily accessible.
For a deeper understanding of the construction phase within our
Design & Build process, we ensure complete transparency and meticulous management at every step, enabling smooth collaboration and precise execution.
For a deeper understanding of the construction phase within our
Design & Build process, we ensure complete transparency and meticulous management at every step, enabling smooth collaboration and precise execution.
DESIGN + BUILD STAGES
- STAGE 1Our process begins with a thorough and attentive understanding of your vision. We take the time to listen carefully to your requirements, ensuring we craft a bespoke solution that aligns with your aspirations and budget. Following an initial site visit, we provide a detailed design fee proposal along with an initial cost estimate. Upon formal instruction, we proceed with a comprehensive measured survey of the property to ensure precision in every detail.
- STAGE 2The conceptual stage is an engaging and collaborative process, during which we work closely with you to refine the ideal layout tailored to your needs. Our comprehensive architectural CAD service, complemented by 3D visuals — ranging from initial sketches to intricate CGIs — allows you to fully immerse yourself in and visualise the proposed design, ensuring every detail aligns with your vision.
- STAGE 3Once the concepts are approved, we take full responsibility for all planning and permitted development applications, expertly managing the statutory ten-week process. With a success rate of over 97%, we have successfully designed and secured approval for hundreds of complex projects across London, regardless of their scale or style.
- STAGE 4We meticulously prepare following, a comprehensive technical drawing package for construction and building control approval, integrating structural designs and third-party expertise. In collaboration with our trusted engineers, we provide detailed structural drawings, calculations, and method statements as required.
While this stage typically follows planning approval, we can initiate it earlier if approval is anticipated. For clients eager to expedite the construction process, we often proceed with selected elements while awaiting formal permission, ensuring a timely and efficient progression. - STAGE 5We provide a fully itemised and costed scope of works, ensuring that our pricing remains both competitive and comprehensive. We pride ourselves on transparency and will collaborate closely with you to cost-engineer the final scheme, tailoring it to fit your budget as necessary. Once the construction package is finalised, we issue a JCT or FBM contract along with a deposit invoice to secure the agreed start date.
- STAGE 6Before commencing work on site, we introduce you to your dedicated Project & Site Manager, who will be your primary contacts throughout the build. Our bespoke project management system allows us to generate dynamic timelines, log meeting notes, and upload progress images, ensuring you remain fully informed at every stage of the project.
- STAGE 7Your site will be meticulously maintained, ensuring it remains clean, organized, and fully compliant with all regulations. Work is carried out with efficiency and precision, with your Project Manager meeting with you weekly to provide updates, progress photos, and detailed notes. Payment records are diligently tracked for full transparency, and any adjustments to costs are clearly communicated and approved via our specialised software, ensuring complete clarity throughout the process.
- STAGE 8Practical completion signifies the formal handover of your home, having meticulously attended to every final detail to ensure that all aspects meet the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.
- STAGE 9Six months after completion, your Project Manager will schedule a visit to assess the property, collaborate with you to compile a snagging list, and arrange a convenient time for any necessary adjustments to be made.
Typically, architects charge between 12-15% of the build cost for planning, construction drawings, and project implementation. As contractors, we include project management within our service, whether offering a full Design & Build solution or working solely as contractors. We charge architectural fees exclusively prior to construction, resulting in a saving of approximately 50% on design costs compared to traditional architectural fees. Additionally, any further design input on the agreed scheme during construction is provided at no extra charge.
Unlike architects, who may be incentivised to increase build costs to raise their fees, our fixed design fee is based on real-time construction costs. We are committed to striking a careful balance between design excellence, build quality, and cost, ensuring the best possible solution for your budget rather than inflating costs.
Architects often underestimate project costs, knowing that their fees will increase later. In contrast, we are motivated to keep construction costs economical to secure the build contract, ensuring a cost-effective and transparent approach from start to finish.
Unlike architects, who may be incentivised to increase build costs to raise their fees, our fixed design fee is based on real-time construction costs. We are committed to striking a careful balance between design excellence, build quality, and cost, ensuring the best possible solution for your budget rather than inflating costs.
Architects often underestimate project costs, knowing that their fees will increase later. In contrast, we are motivated to keep construction costs economical to secure the build contract, ensuring a cost-effective and transparent approach from start to finish.
