About

Background:

I commenced work as an Architectural Technician gaining my ONC and HNC in Building Construction with Credit Passes in all subjects. I then went on to full fill my ambition to become an architect at Leicester Polytechnic finishing equal first in my year with a Commendation. I became a member of the Architects Registration Board 1977 (Ref No 044 444) and was elected to the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1978 (Ref No 044 540). I became a RIBA Chartered Practice 10 years ago. A RIBA Chartered Practice ensures that practices have Professional Indemnity Insurance and will carry out Continuing Professional Development.

I have worked mainly in private practice but also for Contractors and for a Local Authority and set up my own private practice in 1997.

In my career I have worked on a wide variety of commercial and residential schemes. Commercial schemes include retail, schools, warehouses and offices. Residential includes social housing, sheltered housing and nursing homes as well as one off bungalows, houses and barn conversions for private Clients. This includes all forms of construction, new build, refurbishments and extensions and alterations.

These have been carried out mainly as direct appointments with the Client using the traditional JCT Contracts but also using "Design & Build" Contracts direct with Contractors.

I also carry out Fire Safety Inspections on premises required to be covered by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and prepare a Report and accompanying drawings.

In addition I provide Disabled Access Surveys with recommendations for improvements and adaptations.
I am extremely interested in "Green Technology" and lowering carbon emissions. I am slowly improving the efficiency on my own 1920's house. I am also a member of "The Green Register", an organisation which promotes green issues.

Architect

The title Architect is protected by the 1931 Act of Parliament and by the Architects' Act 1997. It requires at least a 7 year course of training and practical experience with a 3 stage examination. No one may use the title "Architect" without registering with the Architects Registration Board each year and paying the annual retention fee.

Ethos

To provide a bespoke personal service to full fill the Client's ambitions. I offer a Full Service generally in accordance with the RIBA Plan of Work Stages A to L.

Fees

Fees are usually based upon a fixed fee after an initial Sketch Scheme has been prepared and the scope of the work has been determined. A Land Survey of the existing plot will need to be carried out together with a Measured Survey of any existing buildings. The Sketch Scheme and measured surveys are carried out on an hourly rate currently between £40 and £60 an hour. All fees are invoiced monthly or at the completion of each Work Stage. Out of pocket expenses and all cost incurred in associated with the appointment are charged at cost. Lee Tombs (Architect) Ltd is not currently VAT registered.

Practice

Since setting up my own practice 14 years ago, I have specialised in commercial and residential projects working for both corporate bodies and private individuals.