This stage first involves developing the project brief though thinking and discussion, much of which will already be known by you as the client i.e., spaces required, size and location of rooms, a specific way of living, and any landscape initiatives to consider, and so on. Architectural preferences, likes and dislikes are also discussed to ensure there is a congruent approach to the design process. We set up private Pinterest boards for our projects to enable these discussions, which allow images and ideas to be easily shared and discussed throughout the project, and which gives us, as the designers, a flavour of a client’s preferences.

Once the project brief is understood, relevant surveys are conducted which may be necessary to inform the design proposal and to ensure the project constraints are fully understood. This typically involves; a measured survey of the site; a building survey if there are existing structures on site or if the project involves work to existing buildings; and an arboricultural (tree) survey if there are trees on the site which need to be considered. The required surveys are to be advised by us and either conducted in house or by a third party.

Once the project brief and site information are fully understood an initial sketching period commences, which involves us developing initial sketch proposal ideas, and then presenting and discussing them through with you. Unless we get it right first time (which sometimes happens) back and forth communication and meetings then follow, which result in a final sketch design chosen to be taken forward.

The chosen design, more often than not, is then tested within a planning conetext using the local planning authority’s pre-application (pre-app) advice service. This allows for the proposal to be reviewed by a planning officer to understand if it is likely to gain officer support, and which also provides opportunity for the design to be amended if required prior to making a full planning application.

At the end of this stage, or once there is enough information available, we advise for cost advice to be sought from a Quantity Surveyor to understand better how much the project would likely cost overall. The final price which is paid for a project is the result of the tendering stage (See stage 03) but an initial cost estimate provides a useful comparison and a tool to adjust the design to suit the budget, prior to submitting a full planning application. Subsequent cost advice can then be sought throughout the project if required and as advised by us.

Following the initial design and subsequent pre-app advice, the design is further developed using 3D drawing software, a supporting document is produced (Design and Access statement), and any other required reports and surveys are commissioned to form part of the planning application set, which is then submitted to the local planning authority.

This stage involves the production of a detailed set of drawings and a construction specification for contractors (Usually 3-4) to tender against. This set of drawings also then forms part of the construction set which is passed onto the chosen contractor to build from. During this phase, we appoint the necessary consultants i.e., structural engineer, on the client’s behalf, and work with them to ensure the proposed and consultant / specialist design packages are fully coordinated. We also appoint a Building Control officer on the client’s behalf to ensure the building is designed and built in full compliance with National Building Regulations, and we undertake the role as principle designer for CDM (Construction Design Management) to produce pre-construction health and safety information required by government HSE.

The complete set of tender drawings and documents are then sent to contractors (Usually 3-4) which are invited to submit a bid for the work. The tender returns are then reviewed upon return after which a contractor is chosen. Value engineering is also undertaken during this stage, if amendments are required to suit the project budget.

Prior to the start of the project, we administer a construction contract (We usually advise a RIBA domestic building contract. Download specimen contract here) between the client and the chosen contractor. We then stay on board during the construction of the build until completion, to be a point of contact between the client and contractor, to evaluate contractor payment requests for completed work, and to provide quality control to ensure the project is being built as intended.

We also aid in hard internal furnishing choices and can offer a service for the design of the interior spaces i.e. paint choices and soft furnishings if required.

Once the build is complete, we begin a snagging process prior to the contractor handing the keys to the client to ensure the work has been completed as required and to the expected standard. The project is then monitored for a 12-month period, in which time any defects are recorded. We stay on board to ensure the defects are recorded efficiently and to ensure all work is remedied by the contractor after the 12-month defects period.

The final work stage is to monitor the project in use. This is more of a light touch service but there will be check ins with the client for the next 1-2 years, to understand how the building performs in terms of energy efficiency and comfort, to understand any issues, and to monitor any landscape initiatives which may have been implemented to improve on site biodiversity.