A Bit About Us
We are The KEEN Partnership Ltd. A diverse company offering a wide range of architectural & Building consultancy services.
Working closely with our clients, the community and local authorities, we deliver spaces that are sustainable and functional for all users. Providing spaces from large scale office and residential units and multi-housing to domestic extensions and loft conversions. Producing drawings from the planning stage, right through to construction.
Our office Is based in Reading and our practice is led by its founder Chris Keen, and boasts a wide client base. Leading an in-house team of qualified professionals, we offer a diverse range of knowledge and expertise and can offer bespoke and tailored designs to meet our client’s needs, whatever the project.
Listed Building Applications
Works to listed buildings, dependent on the listing, require listed building consent together with a report detailing the alterations to be made and a justification for these works. Extensions and internal alterations to listed buildings will also require full planning consent permitted development rights cannot be applied to listed buildings. We have had good experiences with Historic England & Local Authority Heritage consultants dealing with alterations & part demolition.
We normally work with an Established Heritage Consultant, Michelle is very practical & knowledgeable.
Planning Applications
Householder & full plans planning applications.
Condition discharge applications.
Change of use applications
Listed Building applications
Outline planning applications
Retrospective planning applications/Section 73.
Applications for non-material (minor) amendments to existing planning apps.
Prior approval applications classes MA/AA & ZA to name a few.
Advice on CIL & Affordable commitments via 106 legal agreements. We work closely with Experienced 106 negotiators who will advise whether it is worth providing a viability.
Renovations
Many different types of property can be renovated to make the full potential of any original features and return them to their original use, or often these building can be turned into multiple dwellings. This will require us to make a ‘Change of use application’ and careful design consideration in conjunction with local authority guidelines. This also includes the new Class MA applications which are the most commons types now subject to conditions.
Building regulation drawings & submissions
Building regulations consent is mandatory for most types of building project. It covers drainage, electrical, gas, structural, energy saving and health and safety standards. We produce detailed drawings together with Structural Engineers/Services Engineers information and submit on your behalf to the local authority. On larger projects we will normally liaise with Specialist Companies such as Sika/Keystone Lintels, specialist roofing companies such as ICB. We will also consult with Fire Engineers & building control to ensure we are in compliance.
All our design work is undertaken using ArchiCAD in 3D format, whether it is an extension or large project. We also use BIMX in larger projects. This enables the client to view the project as it will be built & Local Authorities to understand the project better.
Preparation of Schedules of work for new/refurbishments/conversions etc & preparation of building contracts (JCT Form)
Contract administration for Employers & Developers tailored to their requirements to be cost effective. This will include liaising with Building Control (normally a private inspector) the building warranty provider & occasionally service providers.
We are always happy to offer advice on any matter without commitment in the first instance.
We are acutely aware of the health & Safety requirements with all building projects & where required work with an experienced HSE consultant
We work on a regular basis with ;
Ecology consultant
Landscaping consultant
Arborist consultant
Energy & SAP assessors
HSE consultants
Structural Engineers
Services Engineers
Planning Consultants
Fire Consultants
Transport Consultants
SUDs designers
Ground investigation Engineers.
To name a few & have a good ongoing relationship with all of them.