information for domestic clients
Project Stages
The project stages are based on the RIBA Plan of Work 2013. This follows standard work stages for projects and it is a good framework to track the progress of any project.
Stage 1: Preparation and Brief
This is a stage to establish project considerations and obtain information about the site and/or property, such as measured and other surveys, photographs etc. This will allow designs to be prepared. It is also important to strike a balance between obtaining required information and the costs associated with it.
Stage 2a: Concept Design
These will be our initial thoughts and designs for the project based on the brief and all the gathered information.
Stage 2b: Design Development
Following the initial design, you may wish to develop the proposals further or explore alternative options; this would be included in the design development stage. This stage may be as extensive or minimal as you wish. Time spent ensuring the design is what you want is important and can avoid costly changes later on in the project.
This might also be a time to obtain a budget price from a contractor or appointing a Quantity Surveyor.
Stage 3: Developed Design
At this stage, planning submission drawings and documents will be prepared based on the final agreed design and a planning application submitted.
Stage 4a: Technical Design
This stage involves preparation of building regulations drawings and submission of a building regulations application. It also involves us liaising with other consultants to ensure the detailed design is comprehensive.
The level of technical detail will be adequate for obtaining a Building Regulations approval. Whilst the drawings will not include all items required for a project, they will be generally sufficient for a reasonably competent contractor to build to.
Please see the list below as an outline of possible further services that you may wish to consider. These are not mandatory but can be helpful tools for successful delivery of your project to completion.
Stage 4b: Client details and Interiors
It could involve production of the following. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and/or you may only require some of these:
Electrical layouts
Lighting layouts and lighting design
Landscaping design
Kitchen design and/or bathroom design
Design of other built-in fittings
Finishes schedules (external/internal finishes, floors, walls, tiling etc.)
Tiling layouts, reversed ceiling plans
etc.
Stage 4c: Production Information
These would include detailed drawings of specific areas of the build beyond building regulations drawings. The purpose is to provide additional details to aid the contractor during the construction.
Stage 4d: Tender and Pre-construction
This stage generally includes:
Preparation of tendering packages and invitations of contractors
Following up and answering any subsequent queries
Evaluation of the prices received
Further negotiations with chosen contractor(s)
Stages 5 & 6: Construction and handover
Our services during the Construction and Handover stage would usually involve preparation and administration of a building contract, monitoring the building works, undertaking inspections and site visits, issuing Payment Certificates, Architect’s Instructions and Schedules of Defects. Following the completion, Final Account would be organised and further inspection(s) will follow once Defects Liability Period has expired.
Further Information
The RIBA “A clients Guide to engaging an Architect 2013” gives further useful advice on standard stages of a project, indications of fees, and what you can expect from your architect; a paper copy of this can be purchased via the RIBA website (www.architecture.com).
