Trade Support · RIBA-Aware
Fireplace and stove specification for architects, interior designers and main contractors, with the drawings, technical spec and site coordination your project actually needs.
20+ years installing across Windsor & Berkshire · HETAS 3869 · Written quote within 24–48 hours.
20+ yrs
Installing in Windsor & Berkshire
HETAS
Registered installers (3869)
£5m
Zurich Public Liability cover
12 mo
Workmanship guarantee minimum
24–48h
Fixed written quote turnaround
Overview
What it is
Architect and trade support covers early-stage design input, product and material specification, coordination with structural and services engineers, listed building and planning support where relevant, and delivery on site as a subcontracted trade to your programme.
Who it is for
For RIBA-chartered architects, interior design practices, developers and main contractors delivering residential projects across Windsor, Eton, Maidenhead, Ascot, Bray, Cookham, Marlow and the wider Thames Valley, from single dwelling renovations to multi-plot new-build schemes.
When to book
Involve us from RIBA Stage 2 (concept design) onwards for maximum value, early input on chimney positioning, flue routing and structural depths saves cost during construction. We are equally happy delivering as a trade sub from Stage 5 (construction) onwards if the specification is already fixed.
Why professional help matters
Fireplaces sit at the intersection of architecture, services engineering, structural design and interior finish. Bringing a specialist in at the right stage avoids the value-engineering compromises that arise when a fireplace is treated as an afterthought.
If it's ignored
Fireplaces designed after structural drawings are frozen frequently need lintel changes, additional structural steels, or compromised aesthetics. Early involvement is cheaper for everyone.
'Wood burner, 5kW' on a schedule sheet is not a specification. Ecodesign 2022, DEFRA smoke-control listings, hearth thicknesses, non-combustible clearances, these need to be resolved on drawing.
When the stove fitter arrives after the plasterer has finished, the junction between chamber and finish is always compromised. Coordinated trade delivery avoids it.
Our process
The same disciplined sequence on every project, whether it's a Georgian townhouse in Windsor or a new-build media wall in Ascot.
01
Chris visits your home to measure the chimney, hearth, room volume and ventilation. We inspect the flue, discuss aesthetics and confirm what is achievable in your specific property, from Georgian townhouses to sealed new-build breasts.
02
Every line item priced: stove, flue components, hearth, chamber works, building control. Potential extras (unforeseen chimney issues, structural adjustments) are itemised in advance so the number you sign off is the number you pay.
03
We refine the stove choice, materials, chamber finish and flue route with you. Deposit: cost of the stove plus 50% of installation, secures your slot within 72 hours of quote acceptance.
04
Dust sheets and protection go down first. Our HETAS-registered team completes the install to Building Regulations, cleans as we go, and treats your home like our own, no shortcuts, no mess left behind.
05
Smoke test, draw test, first light with you present, plus a full walk-through of controls, fuel and maintenance. HETAS certificate issued to you and your insurer. 12-month workmanship guarantee starts the day we leave.
The benefit
Six specific, measurable outcomes we deliver on every job. No vague marketing claims.
Chimney positioning, flue routing, structural depths and load-paths, resolved on drawing before construction starts.
Specification package including appliance, flue components, chamber and hearth materials, and clearance detailing, ready for tender or construction issue.
We work alongside structural and M&E engineers to resolve interfaces before they become site problems.
Where projects sit in conservation areas or on listed properties, we prepare and submit consent applications.
Installation as a subcontracted trade to your main contractor, sequenced to your programme with clear RAMS and insurance documentation.
Design, spec, install and certification from a single accountable party, no fragmented trade interfaces.
Deep detail
The engineering, materials and decisions behind the finished job.
We attend design meetings, review sketch drawings and provide input on chimney positioning, flue routing, appliance envelope and structural implications. Outputs typically include annotated markups and a preliminary product schedule.
Full appliance and flue specification, chamber and hearth construction details, non-combustible clearance diagrams, load-path notes and interface details with adjacent trades. Ready to issue with your construction drawings.
Delivered as a subcontracted trade to your main contractor. Full RAMS, £5m public liability insurance certificate, and coordinated programme entry. Progress reporting to your PM and payment terms to industry norms.
Commissioning documents, HETAS or Gas Safe certification, manufacturer warranties and O&M information issued for the client handover file. Available for defect period call-outs as standard.
Frequently asked
Ideally Stage 2 or 3. Early input on chimney and flue positioning is where the biggest cost savings and design improvements happen. That said, we are happy joining a project at Stage 5 as a trade sub if the specification is already fixed.
Yes: annotated chamber and hearth construction details, non-combustible clearance diagrams and appliance data are all provided in a format your team can incorporate into the construction drawing set.
Yes: £5m Zurich public liability, plus HETAS registration (3869) and Gas Safe where relevant. Certificates issued on request.
Yes: project-specific RAMS provided for every trade delivery on managed sites.
Yes: from single-fireplace apartment schemes through to multi-plot residential developments. We scale the specification and delivery approach to the size of the project.
For qualified trade accounts on repeat business, yes. Terms are agreed project-by-project.
Occasionally: informal lunchtime sessions covering stove specification, flue design and current regulatory changes. Enquire directly if of interest.
Chris is the primary contact across specification and delivery. This does not change through the project, the person quoting is the person installing.
Related services
Areas we serve
Next step
Chris personally attends every survey, measures the chimney, discusses the design, and prices every line item transparently. No sales pressure. No hidden extras on invoice day.
