Our Process
In the architectural journey, the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Work Stages guide each project phase from concept to completion. Broadly, these stages are divided as follows. RIBA Stages 0 to 3 are the initial stages covering concept development, feasibility studies, and the planning application process, ensuring designs align with client visions and regulatory requirements. RIBA Stage 4 is the techcnial design and ‘Building Regulations’ phase, ensuring that all plans meet Building Regulations standards before construction. RIBA Stages 5 to 7 mark the construction phase and handover, where the design becomes reality, and the project is brought to completion. Each phase is tailored to deliver the project to the highest standards, with a clear roadmap to ensure your vision is realised seamlessly from concept through construction.
Stage 0 – Strategic Definition
Not all clients require this stage however, if needed we can look at your business case and any project risks or concerns you may have. This helps us to understand your unique project requirements and objectives, establishing how to best achieve them.
Stage 1 – Preparation and Briefing
This stage is all about defining your project brief which will include the project aspirations, sustainability goals, timescales and budget. We will then arrange for a measured survey to be undertaken by a specialist consultant using real world GPS to accurately locate any existing buildings, as well as the wider application site complete with its features.
Stage 2 – Concept Design
Based on the measured survey, we begin to explore various feasibility options, providing solutions to any site constraints and optimizing the available opportunities. At this early design stage we focus on the wider site factors, thinking about natural daylight, prevailing winds, existing views, as well as the internal and external spaces and their connections. We will present you with the best concepts based on your brief and our exploration, and we will take on board any comments you may have, tweaking the concept where required.
Stage 3 – Spatial Coordination
We continue to develop the chosen concept as we head towards the submission of a planning application to obtain the necessary consent for your project. This stage includes the production of 2D drawings and 3D visuals, helping you to understand the final proposal in detail. We then work closely with the local authority, continually reviewing the planning application, and if needed tweaking the proposal where required to ensure the application is fully supported.
Stage 4 – Technical Design
Once the necessary consents have been obtained, we discuss the various construction methods with you, thinking about quality, timescales and budget. We then collaborate with the wider design team to complete the technical design. At this stage we oversee a variety of consultants including; Structural Engineers, Civil Engineers, M&E Engineers, SAP Assessors, Part O Assessors, and your chosen Warrantee provider, with Building Control being consulted to ensure compliance with all Building Regulations. This stage includes the production of all necessary construction information including; 2D drawings, written specifications, schedules, and if needed a schedule of works. From this the works can then be tendered to contractors based on the best tendering option for your project.
Stage 5 – Manufacturing and Construction
At this stage, we work closely with you to review the tender returns, assessing there suitability and viability, as we start to move towards finalising a building contract. Once the contractors are appointed, we undertake regular site visits to ensure the works are being undertaken as planned, and in line with the drawings and specifications. We keep a close eye on the project programme and budget, to ensure the project remains on track, and continue this up until completion.
Stage 6 – Handover
On completion of the construction work we will prepare the necessary handover documents and ensure that all project files are up to date, ensuring you receive a copy of all documents. We will then review the project workmanship with you on site, and compile a list of any snagging items that require rectification, and the timescales for correcting these items.
Stage 7 – Use
With the building now in use, we attend to review how efficiently it operates, whilst looking at maintenance and the overall usability. Any learning within this stage is fed directly back into your next project, ensuring the process is continually refined, with a view of always improving the end product.
