Our method
Every project starts from your needs. Our job is to turn them into a beautiful, functional space, through a clear process in which you always know where we are, what it costs and how long is left.
1. First meeting
You tell us about your project, what you would like and what constraints you have. It is the moment to understand together what you need and the best way forward.
2. Transparent quote
We give you a detailed quote, with the calculation criteria, delivery times and the details of our professional liability insurance.
3. Site visit and survey
Once appointed, we carry out a thorough site visit and survey the site or building with laser and GPS instruments, building an accurate 3D model of it.
4. Design
We develop the architectural, interior or restoration design, consulting you often along the way. We work with BIM software and produce photorealistic images (renderings) that show you shapes, materials and light in advance.
Furniture and lighting. We design bespoke furniture for interiors and outdoor spaces (gardens, terraces, patios and pool surrounds), choosing materials, finishes and accessories with you, and we study the natural and artificial lighting of every space, indoors and out: light points, fittings, colour temperature and lighting scenes. We take care of functionality, comfort, accessibility and energy saving.
Pools. We design bespoke pools, integrated with the garden and the architecture of the house, and we handle their permits and construction.
5. Permits and approvals
We prepare and follow the necessary applications with the Municipality and other authorities: building permits, landscape authorisations, regularisations.
6. Costs and contractors
The bill of quantities gives you a precise picture of quantities, works and materials: you need it to know the cost of the project and to compare contractors’ quotes. We also support you with the contracts, drafting the building, supply and service agreements.
7. Site supervision
We follow the building site closely: frequent visits to the site and to the craftsmen’s workshops, accounting with periodic progress reports, and meetings with you and the contractors to plan and check every stage. We also oversee the supply and installation of furniture and light fittings, indoors and out, through to the final fine-tuning.
8. Completion
We close the project with the notice of completion and the certified declaration of fitness for use, and hand over the finished work to you.
Independence and transparency
The studio’s only fee is the one agreed with you and set out in the quote. We receive no commissions, percentages or other benefits from contractors, suppliers or craftsmen, as required by the architects’ code of professional conduct (art. 14).
This leaves us free: we choose materials and contractors solely in your interest, compare quotes without any conflict of interest and, on site, firmly challenge any work not carried out to a high standard.
Rocco De Lentinis graduated in Architecture from the University of Florence and is registered with the Order of Architects of the Province of Lecce, no. 1527, which can be checked in the Order’s public register.
Frequently asked questions
Does the studio receive commissions from contractors or suppliers?
No. The only fee is the one agreed with the client and set out in the quote: we receive no percentages, personal discounts or other benefits from contractors, suppliers or craftsmen.
How is the fee calculated?
Before the appointment you receive a written quote. It sets out the calculation criteria, the services included, the timescale and the details of the professional liability insurance. It also lists any services needed for the works that fall outside the studio’s remit and must be entrusted to other professionals, for example for structures, building services, geology, safety or land registry. This way you know from the start everyone involved and can assess the overall cost, with no surprises.
Can the architect also take on the building contract?
No. The studio designs and supervises the works, but does not carry them out or take on the building contract: whoever checks the works must not also be the one who builds them. We help you choose the contractors: we can recommend qualified firms and compare their quotes. We prepare the specifications and the building contract. During the works we check that every task is carried out to a high standard. You sign the contract with the contractor directly.
Does the studio also prepare the bill of quantities?
Yes, on request. After the design we can draw up the bill of quantities for the works, listing each item of work with its quantities and prices, taken from the Apulia Regional Price List or from current market prices. It helps estimate the cost of the project and lets you ask contractors for comparable quotes, all based on the same items.
Does the studio work with the client’s own trusted professionals?
Yes. If you already have a surveyor, an engineer or another professional you trust, we are happy to work with them. We agree from the start who does what, so every service has a clear person responsible and the project moves forward in a coordinated way.
Does the studio choose off-the-shelf furniture or design it to measure?
Both, even within the same project. We can select production furniture and finishes and tell you where to buy them, with models, finishes and quantities, or design bespoke kitchens, bookcases, doors, counters and display units, with detailed drawings for carpenters, metalworkers and stonemasons, following their manufacture and installation. For lighting, we select light fittings and lighting systems and define their specifications, or work with lighting craftsmen to make bespoke lamps. We receive no commissions from retailers: our choices are based only on the project and your budget.
Who checks the quality of the works?
Site supervision: we follow the building site and the craftsmen’s workshops, check the works and have any work not carried out properly corrected or redone before certifying progress payments.
How can I check that the professional is a qualified architect?
Before appointing a professional, check that they are on the register of their professional Order. Registration guarantees a degree and a passed State qualifying exam, professional liability insurance, compulsory continuing professional development and compliance with a code of professional conduct. The register is public and can be checked on the website of the provincial Order. Rocco De Lentinis is registered with the Order of Architects of the Province of Lecce, no. 1527: you can check this in the register of the Lecce Order of Architects.
Legal references: quote and professional insurance pursuant to art. 3 of Decree-Law 138/2011 and art. 9 of Decree-Law 1/2012.