Services

We offer a full range of services under the RIBA Plan of Work, taking ideas from initial inception to finished buildings. As every project is different, we offer a tailored service to suit your specific needs.

Below is a staged breakdown of the scope of services we generally provide. Clients may choose to limit their requirements within this range depending on the objectives of the project.

As each brief is unique, we do not publish a standard fee guide. As part of our offer of services we will map out our fees corresponding to each relevant work stage. Our fees will always be commensurate with the anticipated time that we will be spending on the project. This will typically be offered either on a lump sum basis for smaller projects, as an hourly rate where there is ambiguity in respect of our involvement, a percentage-of-work cost basis or as a combination.

RIBA Stage 0: Strategic Definition

Consultation

At the outset of the project, we offer a free initial consultation with you, typically at your property. At this point we will discuss your aspirations, ideas, budget and potential outcomes. Following this, we will then provide an offer of services which outlines our proposed involvement, timescales, fees, required applications and involvement of other consultants.

RIBA Stage 1: Preparation and Briefing

Measured Surveys

The first key step is to carry out a measured survey of the building and site, this forms an accurate basis for the design process moving forward. On more complex sites we may need to co-ordinate this with a specialist surveying company, however when possible we prefer to do this in-house. The process affords us a closer understanding of the existing property and we may pick up on details that can be important to the success of the project.

Feasibility Studies

At this stage, before we move fully into the design process, we may need to further develop the brief with you. Sometimes it can be beneficial for us to produce one or more feasibility studies to give broad-brush feedback on potential opportunities and/or costs before the brief is finalised.

RIBA Stage 2: Concept Design

Sketch Design

This is when we start designing and developing sketches for discussion with you which will evolve into a final concept to take forward.

This process will typically comprise 2D drawings, and if the brief dictates, 3D computer models and physical models can be created to understand and assess the design. Integral to the creative process we will also discuss budgets, statutory constraints and seek feedback from specialist consultants and any other stakeholders where necessary.

Cost Plan

At this stage of the project, it can be helpful to draw up a cost plan to give you early feedback for your budget. This will usually be prepared by a Quantity Surveyor who can give a general build-up of costs based on the preferred design.

RIBA Stage 3: Spatial Coordination

Design Refinement and Planning Application

Once the final concept design is agreed, we will refine and further coordinate the design for your sign-off and submission for planning approval. Depending on the project, the application type we submit will vary. This will inform the documents and drawings we create for submission along with supporting information that may be required from other consultants.

Once submitted, typically a householder planning application will take 8 weeks to be considered. We will liaise with the planning case officer throughout this period to ensure that any concerns are addressed and give the application the best chance of a successful outcome.

Planning Conditions

Planning conditions are commonly applied to approvals and typically will seek to secure a greater level of detail on the design, such as material finishes and landscaping. Upon approval we will produce and submit planning condition discharge applications along with any required supporting information on your behalf.

At this stage further consultant input may be required which we will help to procure and coordinate.

RIBA Stage 4: Technical Design

Building Regulations

Following a successful planning decision, we will work up a more detailed package of drawings and compliance notes for submission to Building Control. This will include the integration of other consultants’ input such as the structural engineer, building services consultant and energy assessor. We will co-ordinate with consultants and the local authority to the point where the Building Regulations plan check is approved.

This point in the process presents a milestone in our involvement. On certain projects the Building Regulations package can often be sufficient for a competent builder to proceed with. In this scenario we step back from the process, but will be available to provide assistance when needed.

Enhanced Details

On more intricate projects, where the design is of a complex nature or a full service is to be provided, we recommend that an enhanced level of detailed information is provided. This can include the preparation of larger scale details, schedules, and specifications which are agreed with you ready for the tender stage.

Tendering

We can co-ordinate documentation to seek competitive tenders from suitable builders advising you of the results, making recommendations and adjustments where necessary. The outcome of this process will be a signed Building Contract between you and the builder.

RIBA Stage 5: Manufacturing and Construction

Contract Administration

Under a full service we can undertake the role of Contract Administrator. This will involve regular site meetings, inspection of work to make sure it complies with the contract, reviewing progress, making instructions for any changes and, where a Quantity Surveyor is not appointed, valuing work that the builder has completed.

This role will typically be undertaken in addition to our primary duties as Lead Consultant, under which we may also be required to comment on specialist fabrication drawings, coordinate input from other consultants and issue further detailed information, such as bespoke details and specific site setting-out information.

Where a client has confidence and experience with building projects and wishes to engage with the contractor directly, our involvement during the construction phase can be minimized.

Handover & Practical Completion

As the project nears completion, as Contract Administrator we will check to see that the work has been completed in line with the requirements of the Building Contract. We will make observations on potential incomplete or defective work until a Practical Completion notice can be issued, allowing you to take occupation of the completed building.

Final Certificate

Following the rectification period, wherein the builder can return to site to address any defects that may have arisen, we issue a Final Certificate which in turn releases any withheld monies due to the contractor.

CDM Regulations 2015 and Building Regulations

Principal Designer Role

Current legislation requires the appointment of separate Principal Designer roles under the Building Regulations and the CDM Regulations 2015. The main intention of these roles is to ensure that reasonable steps are taken to plan, manage and coordinate building safety and statutory compliance during the design phase with various parties on the project, and the person appointed to undertake them must be competent to do so.

For almost all building projects we have the expertise to fulfil the role of Principal Designer either up to the appointment of the Principal Contractor, or throughout the project including the construction phase, as required.