RPA's expertise and understanding of the problems faced by individuals, families and organisations means we are able to give meaningful valuable advice and assistance in designing bespoke facilities to meet a client's need.

This expertise and relevant approach is recognised by the Wessex Autistic Society to whom RPA have been the retained architects for the past 6 years. Projects have included residential accommodation, new day school buildings, classroom extensions and playground areas.

For disabled facilities the Occupational Therapist from Social Services is often the first point of contact with whom RPA work closely, ensuring that appropriate requirements are incorporated as well as liaising with the Local Authority and County Council to translate the client's needs into bricks and mortar.

As a result RPA have been able to assist many individuals to improve, adapt or extend their properties to provide for their or their children's growing and specific needs. Each project is unique with facilities commonly provided ranging from simple ramped access, kitchen adaptations, specialised bathrooms to two storey extensions.

To enable clients to realise their improved facilities RPA Chartered Architects provide a full architectural service which in summary includes:-

• Taking of brief and providing specialist advice.
• Preparation of design options for client approval.
• Planning and Building Regulation approvals.
• Specification of works, contract documentation and tender.
• Contract administration and site inspections during construction.
• Builder's final account.

As your representative RPA provide an invaluable interface between you and the builder, so avoiding the considerable stress and worry of directly dealing with complexity of building contracts and the occasional difference of opinion. Our service is also supported by the important safety net of substantial professional indemnity insurance of £l million at the present time.

RPA are approved architects at Dorset County Council and Borough level and have an ongoing rapport with Social Services. Finally, are you aware that RPA's professional fees are usually recoverable through the grant? I hope that I will have the opportunity to help in the near future and look forward to hearing from you. Richard Pierpoint RIBA ACIArb MIPS