Basement Construction
Bring synchronised building and architectural design to your basement construction project.
25% cash back on architectural design fees upon project completion. Offer valid until April 2025. Projects $1-5mUS.
A better way
The traditional approach to architectural design and construction is broken (has always been), disjointed, fraught with risk and often suffers from a self centred approach to collaboration. Designs are so often misguided and exceed budget with the design team getting overly excited and not sufficiently resourced to self check designs against budgets, programs get carried away, communication processes lack refinement and when issues arise, each party begins pointing fingers at each other leading to conflict, stress and often project failure. The main issue being lack of effective risk sharing and collaboration with a real lack of a client first approach with the right team at the table from day 1. The process must include both designers and builders from the start and needs to change.
synBA, with its name born from Synchronised Building and Architecture provides an overreaching project management process for luxury design and build and services. With synBA acting as your professional agents, the right design and build team is established for the needs of your project at inception and delivers budget, quality and program control combined with prompt, clear and professional communication throughout. We act for you, carrying out all negotiations and ensure team collaboration delivering your project as effortlessly as possible whether the project is just down the road, or on the other side of the planet. We can also engage with your own agents and teams where your time is limited and can help support escrow payment services to ensure cross border payment risk is mitigated for all parties.
Our team can help source the right architectural designers for your project needs, or you can introduce your preferred team to us. We create detailed project tasks (bills of quantities) and build programs hand in hand with the design work and engage with professional suppliers to regularly check with live pricing and time required to ensure projects are delivered on time and on budget. This process delivers projects that from outset remain on budget, provides efficiency sourcing and appointing suppliers and specialists as designs progress and establishes a support base of professional suppliers ready to commence at design completion. Our process also strips out the need for an additional main contractor with our own service replacing this requirement saving on significant additional management costs leaving more of your budget available to spend on your project.
Meet your project manager
The first step is to be introduced to your agent and project management team who will take you from understanding your project requirements, through to handing over the finished building.
Appoint your professional team
Where required we work with you to appoint the additional required support team such as structural engineers, civil engineers, surveyors, party wall surveyors, planning consultants, CDM consultants and quantity surveyors. All requirements and needs are discussed and negotiated by our team for you.
Program and cost management
We work with the site team to develop and maintain a project and cost program and ensure frequent reporting is provided to review progress. We oversea project payments ensuring work is paid for in a timely manner for professionally completed work to ensure we maintain excellent working relationships with the site teams.
Budget and time expectations
Together we will discuss your budget, ambitions and and time requirements, and we will guide you to ensure these are realistic, or adjust them with you ahead of progressing to professional appointments. It is important to ensure clear objectives are created from outset and these are achievable in the current environment.
Appoint your architectural designer
The first step is to match the best architectural designer to your project needs or to be introduced to your selected designers. Different practices offer different skill sets and design specialities. Our professional project management team reviews your needs and match you with one or more practices to help work towards the require appointments.
Develop cost plan
As the design progresses, we develop a project bill of quantities and build program to best ensure the design development remains inline with your budget and time requirements whilst working with a range of suppliers with live quotes and pricing so the build stage can commence as quickly and efficient as possible.
Health and safety
We work with the site team and CDM consultants to ensure the health and safety of the site team and those around them are best protected.
Construct
We establish build contracts, insurance, arrange protected payment processes, appoint the site management team, establish welfare requirements and instruct all the specialist sub contractor teams to carry out the work, at the quotes provided during the design development process.
Completion and handover
Once works are completed, we ensure a thorough review is conducted of all works and quality control carried out. This process is a collaboration between you/your agents, the design team, your project manager and the site team. We ensure as built drawings are filed along with all the operation and management requirements to support the future maintenance of the building. Once completed and safe to hand over, possession of the property is handed back to you.
“We literally couldn’t have done this project without synBA. Starting with helping us find ways to stay within budget, the project management and site team were just brilliant. We were on time, at the cost we agreed and we’ve got exactly what we wanted. It tells you everything that we never had a disagreement throughout the whole build and we’re delighted with the result.”
– Mr T Williams
“The synBA team took on work for our UK property doing a modern contemporary conversion including the development of a gym and wine cellar. The works included a luxury kitchen renovation with marble flooring, designed and installed 4 new bathrooms and refurbished the entire existing property. The work was done to an outstandingly high level. The team were professional, hard working and easy to work with. I would thoroughly recommend synBA for the overall management of any renovation work. Thank you.”
– Dr Halder
Process for a luxury basement extension project
A luxury basement extension can significantly enhance a property’s value and usability. However, due to the complexity and potential impact on the surrounding environment, such projects require meticulous planning, collaboration, and management. Here are the key steps to ensure a successful luxury basement extension project, focusing on design, health and safety risks, and neighbor courtesy.
1. Establish Clear Project Goals and Vision
Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with homeowners, architects, engineers, and contractors to define the project’s objectives, aesthetics, and functional requirements.
Define Scope: Clearly outline the vision for the basement extension, including design elements, materials, and intended uses.
2. Assemble a Skilled and Diverse Team
Multidisciplinary Expertise: Include architects, structural engineers, builders, and interior designers who specialize in luxury projects and basement constructions.
Role Clarity: Clearly define each team member's responsibilities to ensure accountability and efficient collaboration.
3. Conduct Comprehensive Assessments
Site Analysis: Evaluate the existing structure, soil conditions, and any potential challenges that may arise during excavation and construction.
Regulatory Review: Understand local zoning laws, building codes, and any restrictions that may affect the project.
4. Develop a Detailed Design Plan
Design Collaboration: Work closely with architects and designers to create detailed plans that maximize the basement’s potential while considering structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
Incorporate Health and Safety: Identify potential health and safety risks associated with the design and construction, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
5. Implement Robust Project Management Practices
Project Management Tools: Use software to track timelines, budgets, and tasks efficiently, ensuring all team members are aligned.
Regular Progress Meetings: Schedule weekly or bi-weekly meetings to review progress, discuss challenges, and adjust plans as necessary.
6. Prioritize Health and Safety
Risk Assessments: Conduct thorough health and safety risk assessments for all construction activities, focusing on excavation, structural work, and material handling.
Safety Protocols: Establish clear safety protocols and ensure that all team members are trained in these procedures.
7. Engage with Neighbors and Community
Communication Strategy: Develop a plan to inform neighbors about the project timeline, potential disruptions, and safety measures in place.
Courtesy Measures: Consider strategies to minimize noise, dust, and disruption, such as limiting work hours and maintaining clean site conditions.
8. Foster Open Communication
Transparent Dialogue: Encourage continuous communication among team members, clients, and stakeholders to address ideas, challenges, and updates.
Feedback Mechanisms: Establish channels for feedback to ensure that concerns are promptly addressed and that all parties remain informed.
9. Ensure Quality Control
Set Quality Standards: Define benchmarks for materials and workmanship from the outset to maintain high standards throughout the project.
Regular Inspections: Implement routine site inspections to ensure compliance with design specifications and safety regulations.
10. Adapt to Changes and Challenges
Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust plans in response to unforeseen issues, such as soil complications or unexpected structural conditions.
Innovative Solutions: Encourage creative problem-solving to navigate challenges while remaining aligned with the project’s vision.
11. Document the Entire Process
Maintain Comprehensive Records: Keep detailed documentation of all project stages, including plans, changes, and communications, for future reference.
Post-Project Review: Conduct a review after completion to assess successes and areas for improvement, providing insights for future projects.
12. Celebrate the Completion
Final Walkthrough: Conduct a thorough walkthrough with the client to showcase the completed basement extension and ensure satisfaction.
Gather Feedback: Collect feedback from the client, team members, and neighbors to celebrate successes and learn from challenges.
Conclusion
Successfully managing a luxury basement extension project requires a collaborative approach that prioritizes design excellence, health and safety, and neighbour courtesy. By following these key steps, teams can create a luxurious, functional space that enhances the property’s value while maintaining positive relationships with the surrounding community.
Meet a few architectural design practices
AIRC. Design LTD - International
We are a diverse group of architects, BIM coordinators, BIM managers, certified passive house designers, coders, civil engineers, designers, parametric architects who are passionate about design and digitalisation.
We bring the concept of multi-consultancy to the next level by integrating all design disciplines within one authoring tool. Our work is based on ISO19650 OpenBIM workflows to deliver BIM Level 3 services worldwide.
Design Storey LTD - Oxford
Design Storey was founded 10 years ago with a vision to create well-crafted & contextual designs. We bring a holistic approach to our projects where the disciplines of architecture, interior design and landscape design are brought together under one roof, to tell a complete design story. Based in Oxford, our designs are inspired by experiences working in both London and Vancouver, as well as the beautiful surroundings of the Cotswolds. The studio works on a range of projects throughout Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire from creative transformations of historic and listed buildings to contemporary new build one-off houses.
Our award-winning RIBA Chartered Practice aims to alleviate the stress of new builds, extensions and alterations in any kind of home or residential development. We have an excellent track record for obtaining planning permissions on behalf of our clients and a trusted team of external consultants to help with structural advice, listed buildings, planning legislation clarification and sustainability input.
In a recent article, Charlotte Vowden of The Sunday Times, suggested that Allister Godfrey Architects is ‘Best for Modernism’, when it comes to new build homes.
Good client relationships are central to both the philosophy and success of the practice. We wholeheartedly believe that design is a reciprocal process between client and architect, so we listen carefully to our clients to help shape and create the spaces they would like to live in. Much of our work is gained by word of mouth and the patronage of a number of valued clients.
We have intentionally remained small in order to concentrate on what we do best; transforming ideas and aspirations into delightful buildings. We take a holistic approach to each project and, with sustainability in mind, consider all aspects of the site, brief and budget to create dwellings that exceed expectations.
We love what we do; whether it is a modest living extension to an urban or country home or a sensitive and exciting re-working of a listed building. Contemporary family homes or multiple unit developments are approached with the same care and commitment, regardless of size.
Our Mission:
‘’Architecture aims at eternity’’ – Sir Christopher Wren
We are architects with a deep interest in heritage, and in the creative opportunities of restoration to give historic buildings life and meaning for future generations. Our designs evolve from an understanding of our shared heritage; our approach is rooted in research, experience and care, and we respond to the unique qualities of each place.
We want to improve the lives of those that live with, work in or visit our buildings, and we aim to ensure a project’s long-term economic and environmental sustainability. In this way, we enjoy the art, craft and science of architecture – in the service of quality, people and nature.
We have a diverse portfolio of projects across Europe and Asia, from small private commissions to public buildings and urban planning proposals.
There are two primary strands to the practice: the first is historic conservation architecture applying skills in intelligent conservation and sensitive building design to projects, and the second is grand architecture concerned with cultural and commercial commissions.
We enjoy working on challenging projects of all scales, including many historic listed buildings. We pride ourselves on a high degree of attention to detail and a flair for innovative and modern design.
Adrian James Architects - Oxford
Gresford Architects - Oxford
We tackle all sorts of building types and sizes, unique one-off homes, uplifting education spaces, commercial projects with design flair, luxury flats and cost-effective student accommodation: we come to each one with a genuinely creative approach. We are one of very few practices to have satisfied the planning policy permitting only ‘truly exceptional’ country houses.
ABHR Architects - London
Gresford Architects seek to create buildings that are thoughtful, practical, sustainable and beautiful. We are experts in Passivhaus design and sustainable building and believe that buildings should be comfortable, designed to last and to use energy and materials as efficiently as possible.
Gresford Architects take pride in building creative and long lasting, collaborative relationships with our clients and contractors. We believe that taking a hands on approach and engaging with those involved in a project is crucial to a successful outcome, and makes for a more rewarding and meaningful experience along the way.
Our portfolio ranges from large renovations and extensions to private residential new buildings to large commercial refurbishments. We enjoy working with new and existing buildings, and have extensive experience of working with listed properties. All projects are characterised by a keen sense of craftsmanship and an enthusiasm for exploring surfaces, joints, textures and light. Conscious that our approach to the built environment has a fundamental impact on our cultural heritage, Gresford Architects endeavour to achieve the perfect marriage of the poetic and the practical
Alistair Godfrey Architects - Oxford
Chris Dyson Architects - London
Every project is unique. We always look for something inspiring from the outset to create a beautiful, stand-alone design. We specialise in high quality architecture and have developed our approach to ensure that each design reflects the individual client and context of each project.
We enjoy producing original solutions and take a visual approach to explaining our designs to clients by using the latest in computer visualisations to convey our ideas. We are experts at extracting the best out of each project and many of our projects have been delivered in constrained urban sites. Our homes are carefully planned and intricately detailed.
ABHRA was founded in 2015 by Alex Bilton and Helen Reid, ABHRA brings together combined expertise of the partners from 20 years’ experience of delivering award-winning projects across London and the south east. We are a RIBA Chartered Practice.
Synchronising architectural design and building for a smoother journey.
Headquartered in Queensland (Australia) with international offices in Oxford and London (UK) and a digitally supported remote working project management model, synBA support reaches luxury clients across the globe. Our firm specializes in all construction project management requirements, providing support and guidance from the seed of an idea to the final product.
Whether you’re a home owner, business owners or developer we will not only protect your investment, but we’ll also ensure your design and build journey is one that is refined and stress free. We bring extensive experience and professionalism to every project and customize our support to your individual needs and concerns.
Get in Touch
To discuss your project needs and how synBA can support you on your architectural design and build journey, please get in touch and we will organise an introductory meeting.