The objective of this stage to identify a client’s strategic brief and business case to ensure these have been properly considered before the project proceeds further, and an initial 'Strategic Project Brief' is developed.

The Strategic Project Brief may include review of a number of sites or alternative options, such as extensions, refurbishment or new build. By asking the right questions, the consultants, in collaboration with the client, can properly define the scope for a project, and the preparation and briefing process can then begin.

Typically, on domestic projects, or where the brief has already been defined, this stage can be omitted or forms part of Stage 1.

This is the most important stage of a project; where we lay the foundations for a successful scheme. We will undertake a preliminary appraisal of all available information to assess the options and feasibility of the project. The aim of this stage is to determine your Project Brief to ensure than the next stage (Stage 2 – Concept Design) is as productive as possible. The time required to prepare it will depend on the complexity of the project, but typically this stage will include:

Client Meeting - After meeting with you we outline our understanding of your objectives – ‘The Project Brief’ - spatial requirements, project budget, timescale, quality objectives, key outcomes, sustainability aspiration, etc. The Project Brief will be updated at the end of this stage based upon the findings and discussions that take place.

Site Assessment - This involves inspecting the site and appraising/collating available site information. At this point, photos, floor plans, estate agent’s details and past planning applications can all be helpful to understand and appraising the site. We will also advise you on the need for any further surveys, reports or investigations, and can assist in obtaining quotes.

Feasibility - This can range from hand sketch designs based upon estate agent’s particulars to a full feasibility study. The purpose is to enable you to decide on the best way forward without committing to a fully resolved design.

Risk Assessment – We help to determine the risks to all parties, especially the client. Even at this early stage, we will start to consider strategies for; planning, procurement, and programme.

Project Team – we advise on the project team; defining each role and responsibility therein, and obtaining quotes for client consideration.

This stage involves the preparation of design ideas that address and explore the brief agreed in Stage 1. We generally envisage producing CAD drawings and 3D visualisations to help communicate a scheme to the client. We also liaise with the Project Team as necessary on issues such as structural design, building services, budget and heritage considerations.

During this stage, we may consult with local planning authority (Pre-App) as part of the planning strategy, or to help assess slightly more contentious proposals.

At the end of this stage we revisit the client brief and update it if necessary before proceeding.

At this stage, we will continue to develop the proposals with input from the rest of the Project Team. This process may require several iterations of the design and different tools may be used, including design workshops and public engagement.

Once the spatial design and coordination is completed we develop a full set of planning drawings, and collate all relevant documentation which together will comprise a full planning submission. This could include documents such as planning statements, heritage reports, photographic surveys, engineering reports, arboricultural reports, acoustic reports, construction method statements, and highways statements. If you are a leaseholder within a property, you may require a ‘Licence to Alter’ which can also be applied for.

During this stage, we advise that a ‘cost plan’ is produced by a quantity surveyor, or cost consultant. The project should not proceed until the cost plan, design and project budget are aligned.

Generally, this stage commences once we have received planning approval, though it can start earlier if a client is prepared to accept the risk of planning delays or refusal.

During this stage, we complete the technical design sufficiently for tendering and construction purposes which is normally conveyed by means of written descriptions, drawings and schedules. This stage includes discharging outstanding planning conditions, ensuring Building Regulations requirements can be met and Health and Safety requirements are considered. As Architects, we normally take the role of ‘Lead Designer’; providing leadership and encouraging a collaborative and coordinated approach between consultants.

In a traditional procurement route, the full tender package is generally issued to 4-5 contractors, with a tender period of about 5 weeks. Once the tenders and construction programmes are returned, we can undertake analysis of the quotes, and make a recommendation.

Following acceptance of a successful tender, and any amendments therein, we can assist with the drawing up of an appropriate building contract and works can commence on site. Once they do, we generally take on the role of 'Contract Administrator,' and fall into a pattern of regular site meetings and visits. This ensures that construction work is being inspected at regular intervals, and the contract is being adhered to.

As the works progress, we will address any design changes through a series of ‘Architect’s Instructions’ which amend the original contract documentation, and this allows for a clear and accountable amendment to the construction budget.

We (or the Quantity Surveyor) will review the contractor’s monthly valuations, make amendments to the claimed sums as necessary, and certify payments to be made. We also ensure that a 5% retention is held back from each payment, and this gets released to the contractor following completion; subject to all works or minor issues being addressed.

We will undertake a final inspection of the site, and create a ‘Snagging List’ which schedules all uncompleted work, or items which are not up to the standards set out in the tender documents. These works will then need to be addressed by the main contractor prior to us issuing the ‘Practical Completion’ certificate.

Shortly after completion of the project we (or the Quantity Surveyor) will agree the Final Account, and half of the retention monies will be released. The final 2.5% retention is released to the contractor either 6 or 12 months after completion; subject to all works arising defects being addressed – This concludes the Building Contract and is often the end of our involvement.

This stage is generally not required, and has only recently been added to the RIBA Plan of Work. It is concerned with the life of the building after handover up to the possible eventual demolition. Our role in this stage might include measuring key performance indicators, and assisting in the maintenance and upgrading of the buildings. Data can be taken from the existing building and used to inform the briefing process for refurbishment and alterations, or indeed for development of new project – which then feeds back into the next Stage 0.