Project Journey
Preparation & Brief
RIBA workstages 0/1
This is the most important part of the project and where we can add the most value. Part of an architect’s role in your journey is to help you to enjoy it as much as possible. We will be your expert partner when difficult decisions need to be made. We will also do everything to remove as many of the unknowns as we can to ensure your journey is as inspirational and smooth as it possibly can be. At the same time we will never forget that your project is exactly that – yours. Our job is to utilise our knowledge, experience and connections to help you realise your dream.
We will undertake some preliminary appraisals to assess the options, aspirations and feasibility of the project. This can range from a sketch design solution to a full feasibility study and will enable you to decide on the best way forward. We will identify the need for any approvals and other consultants, most commonly a structural engineer.
We can hold Design Workshops with clients to discuss the sketch scheme as it progresses, to ultimately analyse the options and define your priorities for the project to bring it forward.
Key elements at this stage include:
Agreeing the problems that will need to be solved and how they will impact on the project. Often identifying project restrictions actually allows opportunities for innovative solutions.
Establishing the spaces that are required.
Considering the planning and legal constraints.
Planning the likely timescales.
Listening to your needs, wants and desires and making note where these conflict with other issues.
Advising on budgets and helping you to prioritise what is truly important to the project.
Concept Design
RIBA workstage 2
Using the initial project brief we will develop outline sketch proposals your review and discussion. We can present a number of initial concepts for you to choose from. We can also liaise with local planners by early engagement through seeking pre-application planning advice if required. The final design brief aims reflect your aspirations and provide you with a home that adds value and improves your quality of life.
Key elements at this stage include:
Surveying the existing building to produce accurate measured drawings; on larger projects we tender this to ensure that you gain absolute best value for money.
Preparing proposed design options based on your needs and desires.
Working with you to discuss the options and developing one of them to create a design that you are excited about.
Providing initial budget costings which seek to give you a “ballpark” level of investment required to deliver the project.
Providing a Project Programme so you can make appropriate arrangements for planning the project.
Schematic Design (Planning)
RIBA workstage 3
Once the project principles and concept has been established, at this stage we work to transform ideas into something that can be built. This includes coordinating the work of other consultants into the design scheme. As the project develops we will also produce models, sketches, drawings and computer-generated images to help you visualise the look and feel of the project, including materials, lighting, finishes and furniture.
Each project will require a different pack of information which will be prepared in detail to give the project its best chance to be consented by the local planning authority. Sometimes a pre-application service is required to gain feedback from the council before submitting the full application.
Once the planning application is submitted, the process will usually have an eight-week determination period. During this stage we also develop information to allow you to discuss the scheme with your neighbours and other stakeholders if required. We will continually liaise with the planning officer during the determination period and attend a site visit if requested.
Key elements at this stage include:
Developing initial concept design proposals into formal information required to submit a planning application.
Submitting a Pre-Planning Enquiry if necessary, negotiating on your behalf and applying for Planning Permission.
Overseeing the Application while it is in for planning and responding to any queries that need to be addressed.
Producing/arrange for relevant information to discharge any planning application conditions.
Technical Design (Building Control)
RIBA workstages 4
Once planning permission has been granted, we can design and produce the detailed technical construction drawings and specification required for Full-Plans Approval from Building Control. At this stage we would typically work closely with a structural engineer and any other relevant specialist consultants to finalise the design detailing specific for your project.
After the project as granted both Planning and Building Control approval, we can then produce the relevant tender information to seek competitive prices from local contractors. This includes producing specification and/or a schedule of works and other relevant drawings for tender. We then can invite and appraise tenders from builders and administer the building contract on your behalf.
Key elements at this stage include:
Appointing the specialists who will provide the technical expertise needed to bring your project to life on your behalf.
Gaining Building Regulation approval to ensure your building will comply with all legal requirements and construction standards.
Obtaining a competitive price so you can be confident the price you pay is the best market rate.
Selecting a ‘preferred building contractor’ who will build your project.
Undertaking a value engineering exercise to optimise and – if possible – reduce the costs of your project further.
Developing the contract information for the building work to give you significant legal protection as your project is constructed.
Producing the Pre-Construction Health and Safety Documentation to discharge your legal duty under the CDM 2015 Regulations.
Construction
RIBA workstage 5
Throughout the construction phase we can prepare and administer your build contract with the chosen contractor, carry out regular inspections, deal with queries, instruct any additional work required, monitor progress on site, keep track of cost, value the works and certify payments due to the contractor. The key benefit of employing an architect during the construction stages, especially when working with an existing building, is the ability to design and overcome any unforeseen issues that may arise on site, along with identifying and mitigating any potential later issues caused by client design changes. This fundamentally provides client piece-of-mind and reduction of stress by building works to run more smoothly on site. Subsequently this allows clients to enjoy the process of their project materialising on site.
Key elements at this stage include:
Establishing and administrating a contract between you and a contractor.
Inspecting the works regularly on-site to ensure quality and agree design details.
Providing financial reports and advising you on payments to the contractor.
Being on-hand to resolve any site issues.
Ensuring that all work is completed to a high standard before signing off the project.
Agreeing extensions of time for additional work.
Issuing the Practical Completion certificate, ensuring a successful handover to you and confirming compliance with Building Control Regulations.
Handover and close-out
RIBA workstages 6/7
This is a momentous moment in the journey of your project because it is the point at which your building is ready for you to use. However, there are still a number of things that need to take place before your project can be considered fully completed. When the project is ready to handover, we can inspect and value the works and issue a completion certificate. As contract administrator will be available after handover and during any defects period to arrange for certifying the final payment.
Key elements at this stage include:
Checking the building regularly to ensure everything is working correctly and actioning any necessary work.
Getting detailed feedback from you to help us continually learn and improve.
Returning to site after 12 months to carry out an inspection and making sure that any defects are ‘made good’ before finalising the final account.
Issuing the final certificate that confirms that all works are complete, all defects have been made good and all monies have been paid.