Process
Before we are appointed, we meet with you to develop an understanding of your project and service requirements and form knowledge of your concerns, priorities, ambitions, and aspirations.
We also assess whether we are the right fit for the project.
Structured around the RIBA work stages and tailored to individual client needs, we describe our process as follows:
RIBA stages 0, 1 - Strategic Definition, Preparation and Brief
Setting the project up for success
Before we put pen to paper, we spend time on background research to set your project up for success.
We undertake planning research (consents and guidelines) and advise on the consultant team that may be needed.
If you occupy the existing property, we will meet you there to see first how you currently use it along with the problems and challenges that you wish to overcome.
We ask questions, big and small, taking the time to get to know you and understand your needs. We understand that the most successful projects are the fruit of healthy relationships.
The brief will record the products of these conversations. It will accompany the project throughout its life "on paper" as it is tested and refined.
We also discuss your budget requirements and prepare an initial cost plan, a breakdown of all potential costs associated with the project. The project cost plan will include the construction cost, professional fees, statutory fees and VAT.
As the design develops and becomes more detailed, so will the cost plan. It will continue to be tested against and aligned with the brief and evolving design.
Should it be necessary, we will prepare and discuss alternative feasibility studies for the project.
RIBA stage 2 - Concept Design
Making the big moves - Determining the overall layout of spaces
Before the fun begins, the existing building is measured and drawn by a surveyor.
Then we start developing concept designs, beginning with the big picture ideas. This stage is about fixing the general layout and organising the rooms logically. We interrogate the existing use of space and look for opportunities to put it to better use.
We like to keep circulation areas such as corridors to a minimum so we can use space for rooms you will use.
We look for opportunities to build in hidden storage.
RIBA stage 3 - Developed Design
Finalising the overall design
Building on the Concept Design, we refine the layout and start finalising the exterior of the building: the window openings, materials, etc.
Our premium service includes 3ds that will allow you to immerse yourself in the design by walking through the building.
This stage concludes with the submission of any statutory planning applications, if relevant.
RIBA stage 4 - Technical Design, Final Proposals, Production Information, Tender/Contract Documentation, Tender Action and Mobilisation
Getting the design ready for construction
This stage is all about turning the developed design into a package of detailed technical instructions to be used for pricing and construction.
If the other consultants have not been appointed yet, we will ask you to engage them at this stage. For the structural engineering design, we may arrange for an investigation of soil and structural conditions.
We will specify the materials, methods, and systems used to construct the overall building, in collaboration with the other design team consultants.
This stage concludes with the delivery of a set of drawings for Building Regulations approval, Party Wall Notices and the Designer's information for the Health and Safety file.
Designing Interiors
To design your interiors, we prepare detailed layout drawings of kitchens and bathrooms at a larger scale. Architectural finishes and fittings are selected, and a full schedule made.
Our premium service includes 3ds that will allow you to immerse yourself in the interior spaces.
Selecting the right builder
To tender your project, we prepare a complete tender package so that is can be priced accurately and competitively. The package includes a contract specification and schedule of works, itemising all principal components that go into making the building.
We will advise on an appropriate form of building contract and assist you in preparing the shortlist of Contractor's you would be happy to engage. If interested, the contractors will be provided with a full tender package to price.
Because we know the detail of your project intimately, we interrogate the accuracy and completeness of the tender submissions before we provide you with a report and recommendations.
After we help you select the preferred builder, we will prepare the Building Contract, arrange for it to be signed, and provide the builder with the information required for construction.
RIBA stage 5 - Construction
Controlling the construction
Now things get exciting. It is when the design comes to life, and sometimes the building is radically altered. But if this scares you, don't worry, leave it to us. We've seen it all before.
During construction, the Contractor is responsible for:
supervising work day-to-day
carrying out the works following the Contract and design
maintaining Health and Safety standardsz
detailed checking of checking dimensions or materials testing
organising and coordinating the work and their workmen
ordering all materials, unless agreed otherwise
ensuring that work proceeds following the timeframe to meet the completion deadline
During the construction stage, we fulfil two roles, acting as both your Architect and Contract Administrator.
Architect
As your Architect, our role is to respond to any queries about the design and any unforeseen technical challenges that are found on site, to ensure that the project is built following the design and that your goals are achieved, and expectations met. Contractors to have a tendency to look for opportunities to make things easier. This may be done to save you time and money, but the result may not be what you wanted.
Contract Administrator
As the Contract Administrator, we conduct site meetings to see that the work is progressing in accordance with the Contract. We will encourage you to attend site meetings if you are available and interested. If not, we will always be there ourselves to represent your interests and update you on progress.
When an application for payment is received, we will review it thoroughly against progress. Before certifying interim payments, we ensure that you are only paying for what has been built.
Shop drawings from specialists like joiners or glazing fabricators will be reviewed and approved before fabrication. Inaccuracies are common, as are misinterpretations of the design intent. Our involvement will prove invaluable.
We take written and photographic records during construction. Our records can prove invaluable should material or workmanship defects ever become evident later on.
RIBA stage 6 - Handover and Close out
Back to you and beyond
The most anticipated event in the process is the handover of the completed building. At this point, your priorities, ambitions and aspirations met and concerns resolved.
Before doing this, we make final inspections and advise on the resolution of any defects.
But our service does not end there.
The Contractor will remain liable for up to one year before the final payment is released.
After this point, we like to stay in touch because continued feedback is valuable. We hope you will invite us back to enjoy your space with you.