Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Common Architecture, Planning & Construction Questions

At Lime, we provide a complete architectural and project management service — from property finding and feasibility studies to planning applications, cost plans, skilled trades and ongoing maintenance. This FAQ page answers common questions about design timelines, planning regulations, construction costs and how we deliver projects up to 40% faster.

Q. How quickly can we get to site with Lime in comparison to working with an architect only?

At Lime, we can offer you the following – an approach that gets you on site 40%
quicker by mobilising immediately after submission to the planners, using
the time they are determining their approval to provide a confirmed contract
cost and the relevant design information.

Total to get to site: 6-9months (this is assuming no delays and best-case scenario throughout)

Q. What about competitive tender – how do I know I am getting the best price for construction?

We know that we can deliver your construction at a cost of up to 20% less than the traditional route. How do we know this? Because we have been delivering projects via the traditional route for decades, and we therefore know what the order of savings to you can be, both in terms of minimising variations to the design, minimising fees for revisions to the architectural information and the delays that both of these causes to site works – all the while ensuring the highest quality finish you expect.

We encourage you to go out and find quotes from other firms, as we are confident we will beat them in price and in quality.

Q. What’s so different about Lime compared to an architecture practice?

Lime brings architectural design, construction expertise and cost planning together from the very start of your project. Unlike the traditional route, where construction costs may only become clear once the design is complete, we continually review costs throughout the design process.

This means you have greater certainty over your budget, fewer unexpected changes, and a smoother journey from concept to completion. By integrating construction knowledge early, we can reduce delays, streamline the design process and help projects progress to site more efficiently — potentially saving significant time and reducing costs compared with traditional approaches.

Q. I’ve started my project with another architect, but I’d like to explore the Lime approach – can I?

In short, yes! 

We prefer to work with clients from the outset of their project, as this is how we can guarantee the savings in time and cost that are our USP. However, we are here to help you no matter what stage your project is at, even if you have been working with another architect.

We will carefully appraise your project to discuss with you the merits of moving this over to us. If you are still at the early stages of concept design development now is a great opportunity for you to speak with us as you likely can still benefit from the savings we can bring to your project. If you have already achieved planning permission with a design, this may mean a more disruptive intervention in the process of your project, but we will be clear and honest about that and if it doesn’t look like there is a benefit for you bringing your project online with us we will tell you this. We will always work in your best interests, even if that means your project staying with another architect.

Q. I own a listed building, what are my options?

Lime Director of Architecture Jim is an accredited RIBA Conservation Architect with extensive experience of working with historic and grade listed buildings. 

Grade listed buildings are considered heritage assets of national significance. This means that there are constraints when making changes to them compared to non grade listed buildings. However, this doesn’t mean that change can’t happen. It simply means that any proposed change must be sensitively justified to the local authority conservation officer (CO), and for Grade II* and Grade I listed buildings, to Historic England as well.

Jim will talk with you about your listed building home and needs and will come up with a thorough and strategic plan of action.