• Brief definition

• Measured survey

• Model making

• Illustration & special drawings

• 3D Visuals

• 3D Fly throughs

• 2D CAD drawings

• BIM (Revit only)

• Initial planning advice

• Concept design

• Pre-application submissions

• Planning applications

• Prior approval

• Listed building applications

• Advertisement consents

• Technical design

• Specification writing

• Building regulations compliance

• Coordination with consultants

• Tendering

• Value Engineering

• Contract administration

• Snagging

RIBA Stages 0-2

We begin all projects by holding an initial free consultation with you to learn about your project and understand the brief. If we agree to move forward we’ll arrange to visit your property and we’ll also procure a measured survey if required. This allows us to understand your building and produce drawings in CAD that act as a basis for all subsequent design work.

Next, we’ll develop various sketch options for your design, quickly exploring alternative configurations and layouts in plan. We’ll meet with you to discuss these options and agree to move forward with a single option that best suits your requirements.

We’ll develop this option in CAD, produce 3D visuals and establish a material palette that begins to convey the ‘look and feel’ of your project. We’ll meet again to discuss these drawings, providing an opportunity for you to comment on the design and request any changes.

Finally, we’ll complete this phase by preparing a brief scope of work that - alongside the drawings - can be used to obtain an initial cost estimate.

RIBA Stage 3

During this phase we will develop your design to a level that can be submitted for a planning application. Depending on complexity, this stage may involve the appointment of additional consultants - such as a structural engineer - who we’ll work with to ensure the project is coordinated between disciplines.

If the project presents any complex issues from a planning perspective we may advise seeking pre-application advice and/or engaging the assistance of a planning consultant.

Once the planning application is submitted it will take between 8-12 weeks for the council to make a decision. During this time, we will act as your agent for the application, dealing with issues that arise and ensuring clear, efficient and professional communication with the Council.

Our goal is to ensure that your project moves smoothly through the planning process and that any potential obstacles are addressed quickly and efficiently. If planning permission is granted you have three years to commence construction work before the application requires renewal. In the event that planning permission is refused or strict conditions are imposed, we will provide guidance on how to proceed. This may involve revising the design to meet the council’s requirements or preparing a new application. We’ll also help you navigate the appeals process if necessary, ensuring that you are fully supported throughout.

RIBA Stages 4-6

Our input can vary significantly during this phase depending on your requirements.

In a typical scenario, we will start by recommending the appointment of additional consultants required to coordinate the design to a level suitable for tender and construction. This will always include an Approved Inspector: a consultant who sets out the requirements for your project to meet the Building Regulations. We’ll work with them to produce drawings that demonstrate compliance.

We’ll also produce technical drawings, schedules, and a specification for the design. We’ll work closely with you to select products and finishes that match your style and budget.

All this information will then be compiled into a tender package to approach builders for costing. We can help select a builder, negotiate a price, and carry out a value engineering exercise to reduce costs.

Following contract signing, construction can commence. Depending on your requirements, we can administer the contract, monitor site progress, deal with queries, and manage the process to ensure work proceeds smoothly.