We work closely with you as our client to understand your initial brief and then we work to make sure that the requirements you have are achievable and affordable.
- Client Requirements
- Business Case
Preparation and briefing
During this stage we work with you to create an initial feasibility study and review site information to help you gain a clear understanding of the opportunities presented by the project itself and to help you decide the most appropriate approach to design and construction
- Project Brief Feasibility
- Studies Site Information
- Programme Procurement Strategy
- Responsibility Matrix Information
- Requirements
Concept design
Within the concept design stage of work, we create a strategic brief and provide you with sketch designs and costings. Also, at this stage we provide pre-planning advice in relation to planning permission to take you forward to the next stage
- Project Brief
- Derogations Signed off Stage
- Report Project Strategies
- Outline Specification
- Cost Plan
Spatial coordination
Here, we provide you with a full stage report which includes co-ordinating and updating the proposals for structural design, building services systems, outline specifications, cost information and project strategies. At this point we suggest that you submit planning application to your local authorities. You will also be able to discuss further details with the Building Control officer for informal feedback and to ensure that the proposals are compliant with Building Regulations.
- Signed off Stage Report
- Project Strategies
- Updated Outline Specification
- Updated Cost Plan
- Planning Application
Technical design
The developed designs are developed further to ensure co-ordination of all the building components. At this point it is often suitable to submit the plans to a Building Control Approved Inspector for approval under the statutory Building Regulations. This approval gives a level of comfort but the application can be made up to 24 hours before the work starts on site if necessary.
Additionally, at this stage the developed designs are worked up to tender drawings and it is customary for technical specifications to be compiled so that tendering contractors can price the building elements accurately. Cost consultants should also finalise the cost plan based on the updated information (if required). This final documentation must also be given to the CDM co-ordinator who will then draw up a pre-tender Health and Safety plan.
Potential tenderers are selected and appraised, tenders are obtained and negotiations of the tender sums can be started if necessary. Revisions to the Technical Design can also be made to meet adjustments in the tender sum.
Once an approved tender sum and tenderer have been identified the contract can now be let and a contractor appointed, the Technical Design is issued to the contractor and the Client arranges for the site to be handed over.
By the end of this stage, all aspects of the design will be completed, apart from minor queries arising from the site during the construction stage.
- Manufacturing Information
- Construction Information
- Final Specifications
- Residual Project Strategies
- Building Regulations Application
Construction
This stage involves the construction of the proposals, the administration of the Building Contract by the architect, including regular site inspections and review of progress, issuing of instructions, certifying amounts to be paid to the contractor.
- Building Manual including Health and Safety File and Fire Safety Information
- Practical Completion certificate including Defects List
- Asset Information
Handover
The architect continues to administer the contract after practical completion of the works, makes the final inspections and provides information to the quantity surveyor or cost consultant to enable them to settle the final account with the contractor. We always adopt Soft Landings protocols; we help the occupants get used to their new building; and we carry out a programme of visits and feedback to ensure complete user satisfaction.
- Feedback on Project Performance
- Final Certificate Feedback from light touch
- Post Occupancy Evaluation
Use
On certain projects Post-occupancy Evaluation and review of Project Performance are undertaken to provide our Clients with a comprehensive feedback and evaluation process for at least two years after the building is occupied.
- Feedback from Post Occupancy Evaluation
- Updated Building Manual including Health and Safety File and Fire Safety Information as necessary
- Building Surveys and Reports
- Designing the erection or extension of a building