A Residential Building Contractor for Architects
Working Alongside Architects
RIBA Stage 3–6 Coordination
Tender-Ready Pricing
Practice References Available
A Considered Partnership
Built to Protect Architectural Intent
A great residential scheme is built twice — once on the drawing board, and once on site. As builders working with architects across London, our role is to ensure the second build is a faithful execution of the first. Not a value-engineered approximation. Not a series of contractor-driven compromises. A precise, buildable realisation of the considered design.
Integral Builders is a residential architect-led construction specialist. The majority of our work is delivered in close collaboration with appointed architects, interior designers and project managers — engaging from RIBA Stage 3 onwards through to Stage 6 handover. The discipline of our process is what allows your design intent to survive contract.
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Buildability Without Compromise
Pre-tender input that strengthens design rather than diluting it — flagging risk early, suggesting alternatives that protect the scheme. -
Faithful Interpretation
Drawings read carefully, RFIs raised in writing, queries surfaced openly — never resolved silently on site. -
Transparent Tender Returns
Line-by-line pricing, agreed against drawn information. We price what is specified, not what we assume is easier. -
Disciplined Delivery
Weekly progress reporting, scheduled valuations, structured handover — the project-management discipline of commercial construction, applied to private residential work.
We act as principal contractor for the practices, studios and project teams shaping high-end residential London. Every engagement is structured around the same core principle — collaborative, transparent, faithful to the design.
Our Partners
A Construction Partner for Design Teams
We act as principal contractor for the practices, studios, and project teams shaping high-end residential London. Every engagement is structured around the same core principle — collaborative, transparent, and faithful to the design.
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RIBA Stage Coordination
How We Engage Across RIBA Stages 3 - 6
As builders for architect-led projects, our engagement is structured around the RIBA Plan of Work. Whether you bring us in at concept stage for early buildability input, or at tender stage with a fully developed scheme, our role evolves with the project — but the discipline stays the same.
From contributing technical advice at Stage 3 to delivering documented handover at Stage 6, every interaction is designed to protect your design intent and your practice's reputation. The process is what makes the outcome predictable.
Stage 3
Spatial Coordination
Early-stage advice on buildability, structural strategy, sequencing and indicative cost. Engaged when the design is still being resolved — to strengthen it, not constrain it.
Stage 4
Technical Design
Fully itemised, line-by-line tender returns against issued drawings. Specifications priced as drawn, queries raised in writing, alternatives proposed where appropriate.
Stage 5
Manufacturing & Construction
On-site delivery as principal contractor: weekly progress reports, scheduled valuations, formal RFIs, programme tracking, H&S management and quality control throughout.
Stage 6
Handover & Aftercare
Comprehensive snagging, building control sign-off, certification packs, O&M manuals, warranty documentation and structured aftercare period — a clean closeout for architect, client and home.
Project Delivery
Professionally Managed Project Delivery.
A structured, four-stage delivery process — applying the same project-management discipline expected on commercial contracts to bespoke residential schemes.
01
Briefing
Engagement
An introductory conversation with the design team to understand the project, the brief, and the stage of engagement required — pre-tender input, full tender, or design-and-build.
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Design team introduction
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Brief & scope discussion
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Engagement scope agreement
02
Pre-Construction
Tender & Pre-Construction
Detailed cost plan, line-item tender return against drawings, full programme and contract documentation — issued back to the architect or PM for review.
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Itemised tender return
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Programme & cost plan
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Contract documentation
03
On Site
Construction Phase
A dedicated project manager runs the build to a structured programme with weekly progress reports, formal valuations, RFI tracking, and disciplined quality control.
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Weekly progress reporting
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Formal valuations & RFIs
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Coordinated trade sequencing
04
Practical Completion
Handover & Closeout
Comprehensive snagging, certification, O&M documentation, and a structured aftercare period — closeout protocols that protect every party involved in the project.
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Detailed snagging & sign-off
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O&M manuals & certification
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Structured aftercare
Recent Work
Recent Architect-Led Projects
A selected scheme illustrating our approach to architect-led residential construction — collaborative from Stage 3, faithfully executed through Stage 6.
Case Study
An architect-led whole-house scheme realised faithfully
A substantial whole-house refurbishment and rear extension delivered in close collaboration with the appointed architect and interior designer. We were engaged at RIBA Stage 4, providing a fully itemised tender return against issued drawings, then took the project through construction as principal contractor.
The project required faithful interpretation of a considered material palette, coordination of a complex steel package with original period structure, and disciplined management of a programme spanning over thirty weeks — all delivered with weekly reporting back to the design team and a structured handover at completion.
Scope:
Whole-house refurbishment & rear extension
Engagement:
RIBA Stage 4 → Stage 6
Duration:
32 weeks · single principal contract
Collaboration:
Architect-led, interior designer, structural engineer
"They priced what we drew, raised every query in writing before resolving it, and built the project faithfully. Communication with our practice was consistently clear, weekly reports were detailed, and the standard of finish met the client's expectations without compromise."
The Integral Difference
Why Design Teams Choose Integral Builders
For architects, interior designers and project managers across London, we offer a measured approach to architect-led construction — disciplined, transparent, and built to protect your practice's reputation.
Design Intent Protected
We treat architect-issued drawings as the project's source of truth. Queries are raised in writing, alternatives proposed openly, and resolutions documented — never resolved silently on site.
Tender-Ready Pricing
Line-by-line tender returns against issued drawings. We price what is specified, flag queries openly, and avoid the misleading low tenders that lead to mid-project variations.
RIBA Stage Discipline
Engagement structured around the RIBA Plan of Work — from buildability input at Stage 3 to documented handover at Stage 6. Your process is respected throughout.
Professional Reporting
Formal weekly progress reports, scheduled valuations, RFI tracking, programme updates — the documentation rhythm your practice expects from a serious main contractor.
Single Point of Contact
A dedicated project manager attends design meetings, coordinates with your team, and represents the build to client and design team alike — no fragmented communication.
High-End Finish Standard
A directly employed core team alongside vetted specialist trades — the same skilled hands on every project, supported by a structured workmanship guarantee.
Practice References
Available on request. We work with established London architectural practices and design studios, and our work speaks for itself in completed schemes.
Insured & Accredited
Full public liability and contract works insurance, structured workmanship guarantee, Which? Trusted Trader — verifiable, professional standards throughout.
Collaborative, Not Defensive
When challenges arise — and on every project, they do — we acknowledge them in writing, take responsibility, and propose resolution. Defensiveness has no place in a healthy design-build relationship.
ENGAGE WITH US
How to Engage Integral Builders on Your Project
We welcome introductions from architects, interior designers, project managers and private clients with an appointed design team. Engagement is structured around where your project sits in the RIBA Plan of Work — and we are equally comfortable joining at concept, at tender, or for negotiated contract.
Stage 3
Pre-Tender
Concept drawings, schedule of areas, brief
Stage 4
Tender
Full tender package, specification, drawings
Negotiated Contract
Detailed scheme + tender return from another contractor
Heritage
Listed building consents, heritage statement
Design and Build
Brief, performance specification, indicative drawings
Frequently asked questions
Discuss Your Project With Our Team
Start a Conversation
Every collaboration begins with a confidential, considered conversation about your practice, your project and the stage of engagement required. We welcome introductions from architects, interior designers, project managers and developers with active residential schemes across London and the South East.