The Architectural Process

The process is split into three main separate phases

Up to planning - RIBA Work Stages 0-3

It all starts with a meeting where your requirements are assessed and defined. A brief is formed and agreed. A measured survey is carried out and the existing drawings prepared, these form the basis of the proposed drawings and are required for planning and construction.

Sketch proposals are prepared, discussed amended and agreed, cost information provided and the brief expanded or amended if necessary.

When approved by the client the planning application is prepared and submitted.

In many ways this is the most important part of the whole process and where ideas can be tested, considered and adopted or thrown away to be replaced with new ones.

Production information AND tender - RIBA Work stage 4

In this stage the proposed scheme is assessed and expanded to ensure that Building Regulations can be complied with and the methods of compliance defined. Room schedules are produced which provide information about flooring, lighting, electrical systems, heating, sanitary ware, kitchens, appliances, finishes, doors, windows, rooflights, decorations and any other items required.

Drawings are produced which show how these elements relate to one another and a specification is prepared which defines the materials and their installation methods.

When the package is complete it is either sent out for Contractors to tender or a price negotiated. An appropriate Construction Contract is explored with the client and Contractor then selected and formed between them.

There is a significant input from the clients during this phase and many decisions to be made from tiles to radiators to kitchens. Input from other consultants such as structural engineers, damp consultants and kitchen designers is coordinated into the package. The more decisions that can be made at this stage the less will need to be made during the build and the more accurate the price from the builder because they have the relevant information when they price the job.

Construction and use - Riba work stages 5 and 6

During construction site visits are carried out on a regular basis, mostly planned but with some unannounced visits. The work is inspected to ensure that they meet the requirements of the Contract, valued and certificates issued instructing payment.

Any issues arising during the build due to unforseen circumstances or design changes are discussed, solutions arrived upon, valued and implemented if required.

Letting a builder into your home is a bit like opening your front door to a train. The initial phase almost always involves demolition which can be unsettling at best. Builders need to stick to their predicted timescales in order to make their profit and delaying them should be avoided if at all possible. This is why making the decisions during the tender stage is so important.