Our Service.
WE OFFER A FULL ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SERVICE THROUGH ALL THE KEY STAGES OF A PROJECT LIFE CYCLE. FROM THE INITIAL DESIGN AND TOWN PLANNING STAGE, THROUGH THE DETAILED DESIGN PACKAGE AND WORKS ON SITE TO COMPLETION. WE WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH CLIENTS, CONSULTANTS AND CONTRACTORS TO DELIVER A HIGH QUALITY SOLUTION.
We work to a prescribed process as set out by the RIBA. The Plan of Works 2013 document sets out the principle stages of a project from inception through to completion and hand over.
The RIBA Plan of Work is intended as a guiding document; ultimately, its strength lies in its adaptability to accommodate each project type and style.
RIBA Stage 0 – STRATEGIC DEFINITION.
The first stage of the RIBA Plan of Work loosely outlines a project brief and identifies the defining criteria of your project, your personal priorities and your design ambition.
This stage is often pre-appointment, so it provides an opportunity for you to get a sense of how we can assist you our experience and portfolio.
Stage 0 is particularly important for you to set the tone of the project and for us together to define the project scope, design issues and desired project outcome.
RIBA Stage 1 – PREPARATION & BRIEF.
Preparation and Brief, as the name suggests, uses the information gathered at the previous stage to formulate the project brief. We will review the options and feasibility of the project and discuss with you the best way forward. We will outline the steps required which might include a sketch proposals, cost appraisal, what statutory approvals are required and what other consultants would need to be appointed to form the project team.
RIBA Stage 3 – DEVELOPED DESIGN.
Continuing on from a signed-off concept design, the project drawings are developed with consideration to structural design, building services and with the budget in mind. The Developed Design stage is where a coordinated design really starts to firm up.
Planning submission usually occurs during or at the end of stage 3.
Depending if your project is listed or in a conservation area, further information such as a Design & Access Statement may have to accompany the planning submission. In this Stage we can advise and assist what additional information is required to complete a planning application.
RIBA Stage 4 – TECHNICAL DESIGN.
Technical Design is a refinement of the existing design, and injection of detailed design essentially preparing the necessary drawings and documentation for tendering. It often involves approaching relevant specialist subcontractors, such as a glazing manufacturer, or joinery firm.
The level of detail required may vary according to the type of procurement and the nature of the project. Traditionally, tendering is done at the end of stage 4 with the aim that a contractor is selected and employed by you the client. Going forward we could assist with administering the contract on your behalf.
RIBA Stage 5 – CONSTRUCTION.
With the design principally complete, RIBA stage 5 is the point when construction work starts on site. Our role at this stage will vary and we can tailor our service to suit your requirement. Ideally we would administer the contract and oversee the building works through to completion. It is this stage that needs careful monitoring and regular site visits to keep the project on programme and always referring back to the cost plan.
RIBA Stage 6 – HANDOVER & CLOSE OUT.
Stage 6 of the RIBA Plan of Works is the Handover phase. This stage concludes all aspects of the Building Contract, including rectifying any defects (snagging) on the Contractor’s part and producing the final certificate on the Contract Administrator’s part.
RIBA Stage 7 – IN USE.
The in-use stage of the RIBA Plan of Work exists as a form of aftercare service. This may include any requests for as-built drawings, any discussions regarding future alterations or additional work