When you choose us, you are selecting a partner in co-creating your project.
Every project succeeds through clear dialogue and mutual commitment. We encourage clients to share their ideas and aspirations early on, and we ensure that every step of the process is transparent, structured, and easy to follow.
We structure every project on the universal RIBA Plan of Work - the industry standard for organising the design and construction process - which we adapt to suit the scale and character of each individual commission, so clients always know what to expect at every stage.
The stages we typically work through are:
STAGE 0
Before the project starts
Every project begins with a visit to your home or site - many questions simply can’t be answered without seeing the property.
During this meeting we aim to:
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Understand your objectives and budget;
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Review the property and its potential;
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Explain the project process;
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Confirm that we are the right fit for one another.
This first meeting (about one hour) is free of charge.
We then prepare a detailed proposal outlining our services, assumptions, exclusions, fees, programme, required approvals, surveys, and recommended consultants. Once the appointment is signed, you will receive a digital welcome pack and access to the online project portal - and the project can formally begin.
STAGE 1
Preparation & Briefing
2-4 weeks
This stage establishes the foundations of the project.
We refine your goals, ideas, and budget; draft the project brief; review planning policy and site history; collect all available information; set up accurate “existing” drawings; and organise the required surveys and initial consultant appointments.
For heritage sites, we also arrange historic research.
On smaller projects, this stage can be combined with Stage 2.
STAGE 2
Concept Design
4-8 weeks (+ optional 4-6 weeks for the pre-planning consultation)
Here the design begins to take form.
We develop options that respond to your brief, exploring layout, structure, services, budget and programme. These are presented through sketches, diagrams, and 3D views, and your feedback guides the direction.
Where appropriate, we will seek early pre-planning advice from the local authority.
STAGE 3
Developed Design
8-14 weeks
The preferred concept is refined into a coordinated design.
We finalise layouts, massing, materials, and key technical decisions, liaising with consultants to ensure integration across all disciplines.
We prepare the drawings and documentation required for a planning application and commission specialist reports where needed.
Interior design concepts also evolve at this stage.
A cost consultant (QS) should ideally be involved to ensure the design remains aligned with your budget.
12-16 weeks
We produce the detailed technical information needed for construction: drawings, schedules, and specifications.
Planning conditions are addressed, Building Control approval is sought, and all consultants’ work is fully coordinated.
We meet regularly to finalise materials and product choices.
A well-prepared technical package leads to accurate tender pricing and reduces risk during construction. An updated cost plan at the end of this stage is strongly recommended.
STAGE 4
Technical Design
STAGE 5
Tender & Construction
Tender – 6-10 weeks; Construction – 6-18 months
The technical package is issued to selected contractors, who typically tender over 4–5 weeks.
We analyse the tender returns with you (and ideally a QS), arrange clarification meetings, and assist with negotiations and contractor selection.
Once the building contract is signed, the project moves to site.
Throughout construction, we remain closely involved, reviewing contractor queries and specialist submissions, monitoring progress, workmanship, and compliance with the contract documents, and carrying out regular site visits.
Our role is to ensure the building is constructed as designed, though not to manage the contractor’s programme or workforce.
We often act as Contract Administrator (CA), acting as an intermidiary between you and the Contractor, and certifying payments with the QS.
2-6 weeks
When the works are complete, we inspect the building, assist with handover, finalise the contract account, and obtain the necessary certificates.
After the 6- or 12-month defects period, the contractor returns to address any issues, after which we issue the final certificate.
We will photograph and document the finished project and, where relevant, discuss opportunities for publication or awards.
We also like to stay in touch to see how the building performs in use — and, with your permission, to show it to future clients.
STAGE 6
Completion & Post-Completion
PROCESS
When you choose us, you are selecting a partner in designing and delivering your project.
Shared ethos, values, and aesthetic are essential for a successful outcome. Equally important is mutual trust, and we always strive to make the entire process as clear, transparent, and predictable as possible.
Our work is structured in a sequence of steps based on the universal RIBA Plan of Work 2020, adapted to the scale and specifics of the projects we typically undertake. These steps are as follows: