Project process overview

Explore our step-by-step architectural process, from the initial consultation to the final handover. We follow the RIBA Plan of Work to ensure smooth coordination and successful project delivery, keeping you informed and involved throughout.

Preparing the Design

Stages 0 and 1: Strategic Definition and Briefing

At this initial stage, we work closely with you to understand your vision and goals for your new home. Our focus is on strategic planning and thorough preparation to lay a solid foundation for your project. Before moving on to the detailed stages, we offer essential advice on health and safety responsibilities and required insurances. This ensures you’re well-prepared and compliant with all necessary regulations right from the start.

Understanding Your Needs

We begin with a detailed discussion to understand your requirements, preferences, and aspirations. This helps us define the project’s scope and objectives, ensuring everything aligns with your lifestyle and budget.

Site Analysis and Feasibility

We appoint a measured survey company to carry out a thorough survey of your property. Combined with our analysis of factors such as location, topography, and local regulations, this helps us evaluate the feasibility of your project and identify any potential challenges or opportunities early on.

Developing the Brief

Together, we develop a detailed project brief that outlines your needs and expectations. This document acts as a roadmap for the entire project, guiding design decisions and ensuring everyone is aligned.

Initial Budget and Timeline

We discuss your budget and create a detailed planning schedule that considers all potential project costs. This helps us establish your construction budget, guiding the scope and nature of the works. We also set up an indicative programme with key milestones and timelines, giving you a clear view of the project’s duration and major deadlines.

By combining strategic planning with detailed preparation, we set the stage for a smooth design process, ensuring your vision becomes a reality with clarity and precision.

Stage 2: Concept Design

During the concept design stage, we transform your vision into initial design concepts that start to take shape.

Initial Designs

Based on your detailed requirements, we create a range of design layouts. These options showcase different approaches and possibilities for your project.

Iterative Process

This stage is highly collaborative. We present the initial concepts to you and refine the designs based on your feedback. This process often involves several rounds of discussion and adjustment to ensure the designs align closely with your vision.

Developing Key Concepts

We typically develop two key design concepts, exploring and detailing each thoroughly. This gives you clear options to consider.

Costing Early On

To ensure feasibility and alignment with your budget, we recommend appointing a Quantity Surveyor (QS) early in the process. The QS provides cost estimates for the key concepts, helping you make informed decisions based on both design and cost. This step is optional and can be tailored to your specific needs and budget priorities.

Final Selection

You select the design option that best fits your needs and budget. This chosen concept will then form the basis for the detailed design and planning stages that follow.

This stage is key for turning your vision into a tangible design and setting the direction for the detailed work ahead. By collaborating closely with you and considering all aspects of cost and feasibility, we ensure the chosen design is both inspiring and practical.

Stage 3: Spatial Coordination

In the spatial coordination stage, we refine and develop the chosen concept, focusing on the practical aspects and ensuring everything is well-coordinated and ready for detailed design.

Developed Design and Consultant Coordination

We take the chosen concept and develop it further, integrating architectural, structural, and services elements. This involves coordinating with necessary consultants, such as structural engineers and energy consultants, to incorporate their input into the design and resolve any technical issues early on.

Detailed Drawings and 3D Models

We produce more detailed drawings and plans that reflect the refined design. To help you visualise the final outcome, we can also create 3D computer models that show what your project will look like. These models provide a clearer picture of how the final project will look and function.

Compliance Review

We ensure the design complies with all relevant regulations and standards. This includes building regulations, planning permissions, and other statutory requirements.

Client Feedback

Throughout this stage, we maintain close communication with you, presenting updates and incorporating your feedback to ensure the design continues to meet your needs and expectations.

Planning Application

We prepare and submit the planning application, including all necessary documentation and drawings. This step is crucial for obtaining the required approvals to proceed with the project, whether it involves permitted development rights or listed building consent.

By the end of the spatial coordination stage, we ensure that your design is fully developed and ready for the technical design phase, with all elements well-integrated and compliant with regulations. This stage is pivotal in turning your vision into a practical and achievable plan.

Preparing to Build

Stage 4: Technical Design

In the technical design stage, we translate the refined concept into detailed technical specifications and construction documents.

Detailed Technical Package

We produce a comprehensive technical package that includes detailed drawings, specifications, and schedules. These documents provide clear instructions for construction, covering structural elements, materials, and finishes.

Coordination with Specialists

We work closely with specialist consultants and subcontractors, such as structural engineers and energy consultants, to incorporate their technical specifications into the design. This ensures all elements are integrated seamlessly.

Building Warrant Approval

We ensure all designs comply with the latest building regulations and statutory requirements. This includes preparing and submitting applications for building warrant approval and any other necessary permissions.

Client Approval

We present the final technical design to you for approval, ensuring it meets your expectations and requirements before proceeding to the tender process.

Tender Documentation and Process

We compile all necessary tender documentation, enabling contractors to provide accurate quotes for the construction work. Often in collaboration with a Quantity Surveyor (QS), we identify a reliable list of contractors and invite them to submit competitive bids for constructing the project. After reviewing the bids, a contractor is chosen and a contract is prepared to establish the project requirements.

By the end of the technical design stage, we have a comprehensive set of documents that guide the construction process, ensuring clarity, precision, and compliance with all necessary regulations. This stage is crucial for translating your vision into a buildable reality.

Progressing the Build

Stages 5 and 6: Construction, Handover, and Close Out

In these stages, the project transitions from construction to completion and final handover, ensuring all aspects are thoroughly managed and executed.

Construction and Contractor Responsibilities

The contractor proceeds with the building works according to the contract. They are responsible for the site, including health and safety matters. This involves site setup, managing construction activities, and ensuring all work is carried out safely and efficiently.

Architect’s Contract Administration Role

As contract administrators, we conduct regular site visits to inspect progress and ensure quality control. We manage variations, handle financial valuations, and issue instructions to the contractor as needed. Throughout the construction phase, we keep you updated on progress, address any unforeseen issues, and manage variations in budget and timeline. We also resolve on-site challenges, ensure adherence to technical specifications, and maintain the highest standards.

Handover and Close Out

Upon completion of construction, we issue a practical completion certificate, marking the formal handover of the building site back to you. Final payments to the contractor are organised following the defects liability period, during which any identified defects are rectified to ensure the highest quality of work.

Building Warrant Completion

A final inspection is conducted by the authorities to ensure the construction has been completed in accordance with the approved drawings and regulations. This step is crucial for obtaining the building warrant completion certificate.

By the end of stages 5 and 6, your project will be complete and ready for occupation. We ensure that all aspects of the construction meet the highest standards, providing a smooth transition from building site, to enjoying your new space.