How Axter supports architects from concept to completion, ensuring project success
Posted by Maddie Tribley —
The role of Axter’s Technical Sales Team
Axter’s technical sales team serves as an extension of an architect’s design process, offering expert consultation from concept to completion. Whether working on a high-profile project like the Baitul Futuh Mosque, a complex urban development such as West End Gate, London, or a scheme with challenging waterproofing requirements like the Station Hill residential new build in Reading, Axter ensures that roofing and waterproofing specifications align with project goals, while maintaining compliance and durability.
A dedicated Technical Sales Manager is assigned to each project, acting as a single point of contact throughout the full project cycle. This collaborative approach ensures all construction implications – including budget considerations, compliance, and sequencing – are thoroughly evaluated.
“The team at Axter are all knowledgeable and expert in their field, so it makes good sense to involve them as early as possible in a project. They’re happy to investigate a number of different options, design innovative solutions and look after any technical detailing that may be required to ensure the most appropriate roof system is specified. This ‘right first time’ principle reaps benefits as the overall project moves forward, saving time and eliminating potential pitfalls before they occur."
Kevin Leahy, Technical Director, Berkeley Homes
Early design collaboration: New-build developments
Axter supports architects from the initial design stages, conducting meetings to explore project requirements. Our in-house design team offers bespoke, project-specific solutions alongside a full suite of standard details.
Our technical services include expert advice, NBS specifications, BIM objects, and detail drawings. The team also provides design and technical calculations, U-value calculations, tapered insulation design, wind loading calculations, and rainwater drainage calculations. All systems are reviewed in line with Approved Document B and British Standards to ensure full compliance.
By working collaboratively through design options, the team helps architects make informed decisions, streamlining approvals and reducing the risk of redesigns later in the process.
“The Axter team have been very responsive to provide technical solutions for the project and have been a good asset to the design team. We worked closely with the technical team to find a solution to the roofs of the bay pop outs which feature on the building. The Axter team were able to provide both typical details as well as project specific details which greatly aided the finalisation of the roof package.”
Nicola Blincow, Associate at ECE Westworks
Early design collaboration: Refurbishment projects
Axter’s expertise extends beyond new build into refurbishment projects, supporting architects in delivering high-performance solutions for existing buildings.
As part of our refurbishment services, we conduct professional roof surveys to assess the condition and expected lifespan of building asset portfolios. Our comprehensive on-site reports take an options-based approach to refurbishment system suitability, incorporating core sampling, moisture mapping, level analysis, thermographic imaging, and drone surveys.
The team evaluate the existing roof performance and provide a full upgrade assessment, and by providing options to optimise roof space for biodiversity, energy generation, and stormwater management, we help architects enhance sustainability, ensure long-term performance, and maintain compliance with industry standards.
System selection and performance assurance
Selecting the right roofing system requires a thorough understanding of structural compatibility, insulation performance, and load-bearing capacity. Axter’s technical team provides tailored advice on system selection, ensuring optimal performance for each project.
Rather than being constrained by supplier limitations, Axter offers a broad portfolio of solutions, allowing the specification of systems based on project suitability. This flexibility ensures that every project benefits from a "right system, right application" approach.
“Axter’s support during the initial design period was crucial in identifying the correct system. They quickly formed a relationship with our client and the design team which assisted with development of construction status details.”
James Witt, Commercial Manager at Roofworx
Compliance and detailing support
Regulatory compliance in roofing has become more demanding, particularly for large-scale developments. Axter provides expert input on rainwater and U-value calculations to meet thermal efficiency targets, fire performance assessments, and sustainable drainage requirements to align with regulations.
This proactive approach prevents costly delays caused by non-compliance and reduces the need for reactive problem-solving during construction.
Standardisation for efficiency and cost reduction
Standardisation offers advantages for architects and developers, particularly across multi-site projects. By developing consistent roofing details, Axter helps reduce design time, lower costs through repeatable and proven detailing, and improve construction efficiency. Standardised solutions de-risk projects by eliminating inconsistencies in design and execution.
For large developers, this consistency reduces architectural workload while ensuring compliance and reliability. Contractors and designers benefit from familiar, well-documented methods, leading to fewer delays, better cost control, and stronger long-term partnerships.
Coordination with contractors and on-site support
A roofing specification is only as good as its execution. Axter remains involved throughout installation, working closely with contractors to address sequencing challenges and ensure detailing is implemented correctly. Clients also gain access to our network of accredited roofing installers, ensuring that the work is carried out to the highest standards.
In addition, Axter offers comprehensive guarantees on its roofing systems, providing clients with peace of mind and confidence in the long-term performance of their investment.
Long-term partners trust Axter to provide reassurance from early-stage design meetings through to project completion. Our team’s responses to challenges are always considered and robust, ensuring quality and compliance at every stage.
The Axter approach
Axter’s ability to provide comprehensive support – from detailed calculations to bespoke design solutions – ensures that each proposed system is both technically sound and cost-effective.
Through early-stage collaboration, precise system selection, compliance expertise, and on-site coordination, Axter delivers a streamlined, proactive approach that minimises costly delays and guarantees robust, compliant roofing systems.
For more information on how Axter's roofing systems can benefit your next project, please contact our team.
