The majority of building projects in France need a planning application prepared by an architect and the services of a French registered architect are required by law for domestic projects over 170m². Jane helps clients with the morass of French administration and consults with the local maire, the planners, the drainage syndicat, infrastructure providers such as ERDF and in the case of areas with listed buildings, Architectes de Batiments de France when necessary.

Jane can also explain the new focus on energy efficiency and the requirements of the thermal regulations for new build, (RT2012) plus seismic regulations in earthquake zones to the south of the area.

Jane regularly works with a network of French builders, artisans and environmental materials suppliers who are either specialised in energy-efficient new build or renovation projects. The focus is on understanding old buildings by using traditional techniques and materials.