START BUILDING YOUR NEW LIFE IN FRANCE.

A French-English architectural support service to help you achieve your expatriation in France.

Have you put off an architectural project or even postponed works in France because you don’t speak fluent French? Are you unsure of building regulations and procedures? Maybe you have found your dream property and already imagine your new life in France.

The project of your dreams

Do you recognize yourself in these statements?

● Your skills in French are insufficient which has stopped you from progressing further on your project.

● You are unaware of project procedures and building regulations in France which has stopped you from starting your construction or renovation project.

● You do not know costs in order to build your new home or improve your living space in France.

● You do not live in France yet and the long-distance creates difficulties in realising your architectural project.

● You do not have the time available to embark on the construction or the improvement of your property in France alone

● You do not know the right architect contacts in France to explore the feasibility of the project

● You have met architects in France, but you have yet to establish any rapport or trust with them.

Many British people and families wishing to settle and invest in property in Francehave been slowed down with their project because of these issues. However, by meeting the right architect who will support you and give you the French-English expertise, expatriates can realise their dream home and new life more quickly.

Imagine, when you will understand that your architectural project in France can be done, you will be able to…

● Find a bilingual architect who will deal with all project procedures for you.

● Stay within your budget.

● Succeed in your move and expatriation in France in spite of the language barrier.

● Achieve your dream project at your own pace, in separate stages (over months or years) or in one-go.

● Surround yourself with the best team (architect, engineer, contractors, workers , etc.) who will focus their work on enhancing the architectural heritage of the property which attracted you.

● Develop your property investments in France.

Approach

This service offers comprehensive architectural support and simplified project procedures to facilitate your move to France. From the dream of purchasing a property to the stress of expatriation, you’ll receive step-by-step guidance in English, easing language barriers and unfamiliar processes. Our architectural qualifications, experience in France, and understanding of British culture provide a unique approach, helping British individuals and families build their dream homes and successfully relocate. Covering renovations, new constructions, and extensions, this service ensures your projects stay within budget while making your transition to France smooth and stress-free.

#1
Fixed fees

The fees provided at the beginning of project will remain the same throughout.

#2
Personalised contracts

The different stages as well as the fees included in the contract will be adjusted depending of your needs and your project. For example, If you only need a planning application or solely want support during works, your contract will be adapted.

#3
Meeting flexibility

If you are already settled in France and living there permanently, meetings will take place at your address. However, it is also possible to meet in the UK. You can decide when and where meetings take place to save time, money and energy.

#4
Adaptability

The work can be done in one period allowing you to move into a finished home and to concentrate on other aspects of your move. For clients who would like to spread works over a few months or years in order to manage their budget, contracts will be personalised to meet your needs.

main

project services

New build • Extension • Renovation • BARN conversion • SWIMMING POOLS • GARAGES, SHEDS & GREENHOUSES • DEMOLITION • FACADE MODIFICAtion

Projects

steps

of the project

First consultation with a feasibility study

Visite - Conseil

1 week - 1 meeting + report emailed

Preliminary studies

Relevé - REL

2 weeks - 1 meeting + site survey

Concept design

Etudes d’esquisse - ESQ
Developed design - Etudes d’Avant Projet - APS + APD

8 weeks - 2 meetings

Planning permission submission

Demande de permis de construire - DPC

4 weeks - online review

Technical design

Etude de Projet - PRO
Technical drawings - Dossier de consultation des Entreprises - DCE
Tender process - Assistance aux contrats de travaux - ACT
Construction documents - Etudes et plans d’Execution -
EXE

3 to 14 months - 2 meetings + online review

Construction & Handover

Direction de l’Execution des travaux - DET
Assistance aux operations de Reception -
AOR

6 to 12 months - weekly site meetings

By choosing this service, you will finally be able to…

● Realise your dream home in France and complete it at your own pace.

● Start straight away and make your life-change with all the expertise you need.

● Plan your new life in France earlier than expected with a potential move-in date and an estimation of costs.

● Relieve the stress associated with your move to France and the creation of your new living space enabling you to focus on other important aspects.

● Enjoy the journey of building your new home and life as a positive experience.

● Develop an interest in property investment and architectural projects and build new dreams.

Book a first meeting

Free 30 minutes phone consultation

Book a call if you would like to discuss your project to define what type of contract is right for you.

Build the architectural project of your dreams in France supported by a French-English speaking architect

Work with a French architect who knows local regulations and procedures, ensuring your dream project in France is completed smoothly, within budget, and at your own pace.

Your architect

anne-sophie donèche

Passionate about Architecture and People from a young age, Anne-Sophie Donèche believes Architecture is an integral part of people’s life and it takes an important place in life decisions and changes.

She completed all her studies in France but her curiosity and attraction for discoveries led her outside of France, to the UK and more particularly to London, drawn to the energy and the creativity of the English capital. After several years in London, she realises that it is impossible to make a choice between France and the UK. She then developed her architectural firm bridging the gap between France and the UK. Today Anne-Sophie Donèche and her team guide clients in London and in France to make the design changes fitting their needs, respecting and highlighting the architectural typology of their property.

From interior design to new construction, including renovation and extension projects, SWEETCH ARCHITECTS is there to help you make the spatial and architectural choices to create the house of your dreams. By remodeling your home to achieve the functionality, size and aesthetic quality that you like, while respecting the architectural identity of the place, you can live your dream life in the house that suits you well.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

  • I am so grateful for all your assistance and would like to emphasise how important it is to get the professionals in with planning. You’ve implemented and greatly improved my original idea as well as getting it through the system.

    Andrew

  • We can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done. We’re really happy to know too, that we can keep in touch and that you’ll support us with the project should we need help in the future.We both think you’re doing a fantastic job and we’re so happy that we were put in touch with you.

    Gail and David

  • Thanks for your work, we are grateful for your help and will definitely contact you again should we need anything.

    Ian