Our services can be tailored to suit your project and needs. Generally these are split into key work stages as per the ‘RIBA Plan of Work’ and as summarised below.
This stage establishes your initial brief and brings together key information about the site and overall project. For larger or more complex schemes, we can undertake feasibility studies to assess development potential and test early ideas. We will also advise on appropriate procurement routes aligned with your objectives. Where required, surveys and site investigations are commissioned to inform the design process from the outset.
At this stage, we develop initial design proposals in response to your brief, exploring layout, form, and overall design direction. These concepts are presented and discussed with you in detail, allowing the brief to evolve and become more clearly defined. Feedback is carefully incorporated, and early cost advice can be introduced to ensure that emerging proposals remain aligned with your budget expectations and project aspirations.
The concept design is progressed into coordinated 2D and, where appropriate, 3D drawings.
We continue to refine the design through ongoing discussions, while key project parameters—such as procurement route, programme and cost—are reviewed and agreed.
At the conclusion of this stage, drawings and supporting documents are typically prepared for submission to the relevant planning authority.
This stage focuses on the detailed information required to construct the project. Comprehensive drawings, specifications and schedules are produced and coordinated with other consultants, such as structural engineers. Where appropriate, input from specialist suppliers may also be incorporated. A Building Regulations submission is usually made at this stage, either to the local authority or an Approved Inspector.
Our involvement during construction is tailored to the specific nature, scale, and procurement route of the project. We can advise on the most suitable form of building contract and prepare the necessary tender and contract documentation. Site visits are carried out at agreed intervals to monitor progress, and we can act as Contract Administrator, overseeing quality, compliance, and adherence to the design throughout the construction phase.
This final stage ensures the project is completed to the required standard and ready for occupation. We assist in identifying and resolving any outstanding defects through a structured snagging process, and coordinate with Building Control or the Approved Inspector to secure the necessary certifications. Relevant handover information is provided to support occupation, and this stage formally concludes the project.
We charge for our services in one of 3 ways: as a lump sum, as a percentage of the construction cost, or at an hourly rate.
For services up to and including the submission of a planning application our fees are generally fixed and based on a lump sum.
For services at the Technical Design Stage of fees are generally based on a percentage of the estimated construction cost.
Our services during the construction stage and the handover stage are generally time-charged at an agreed hourly rate.