A successful project, whether it is a small-scale operation such as a house extension, or a major building programme, depends upon the project team following a logical and well-considered critical path. This starts with initial discussions, briefings and information gathering and ends with the final decorations and final touches. The process follows the sequential work stages (RIBA Stages):

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Stage 0 - STRATEGIC DEFINITION

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Assisting the client in preparing the strategic brief.

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Stage 1 - PREPARATION & BRIEF

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Formulation of the clients brief, advising on time-scales, likely building costs, local authority statutory conditions, the need to engage specialist consultants / formation of the project team.

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Stage 2 - CONCEPT DESIGN

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Preparation of outline design proposals in response to the client’s brief.

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Stage 3 - DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

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Developing the design scheme to a more detailed level: preparing a set of drawings, diagrams and all relevant documentation in order to make a planning application (where applicable). Monitoring of the planning application through to the local authority’s determination.

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Stage 4 - TECHNICAL DESIGN

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Liaison with consultant engineers and any other specialist consultants. Preparation of a full set of detailed, fully coordinated construction drawings, diagrams, specifications, schedules etc. in order to facilitate a ‘contract tender’ or ‘a ‘contract negotiation process’. Submission of all relevant technical information to an ‘Approved Building Inspector’ or to the local authority for ‘Building Regulations Approval’.

Monitoring of the ‘contract tender’ or the ‘contract negotiation process’ to arrive at an agreed contract sum. Review of project budget and programme.

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Stage 5 - CONSTRUCTION

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Liaising with the consultant engineers and all other relevant specialist consultants to prepare the project for the building works to commence on site. Preparation of contract documentation. Agreeing the building works programme with the contractor and all nominated sub-contractors. General administration and review of the building works on a regular basis throughout the ‘construction phase’. Generally monitoring the progress of the building works and reporting back to the clients on all relevant matters, including regular cost updates.

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Stage 6 - HANDOVER & CLOSE OUT

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Overseeing the final stages of the building and fitting-out works. Liaising with the client, building contractors, specialist sub-contractors and suppliers. Arranging the ‘hand-over’ of the completed scheme to the client for their occupation. Identifying any latent defects and instructing the building contractor to carry-out any remedial works that may be necessary.

Resolving the final building costs and agreeing these costs with both client and contractor.

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Stage 7 - IN USE

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When a project is completed and the client is in occupation, we are sometimes asked to monitor the performance of the building and to advise on any further modifications and minor adjustments. In these instances, we are happy to assist in the post contract evaluation of the project.