process
5 Phase process
ContactStep 1 - PRE-DESIGN - THE FINDING OUT
Setting the stage for a positive working relationship is a critical first step. Initiate open and honest discussions, addressing expectations, realistic time frames, available budget, necessary services and aspirations. All these factors must be considered and integrated into the project plan to ensure a successful collaboration. This is generally seen as the information gathering phase that will form the foundation for the design process to follow. The main objective at this point is to learn everything about the clients goals and building requirements.
Whats Involved:
• Background research about the site and location
• Survey of existing conditions
• Land Use requirements
• Alternatives
• Programming
• Feasibility
The other part of Pre-Design Phase is observing and documenting the existing conditions at the project site. The incorporation of daylight, the presentation of a view, the cooling effect of shade, wind direction, longevity of building materials all have a part to play in this formative stage. This stage usually entails a measured digital survey of the land to determine the levels on site, constraints, boundary lines, easements, boundary line locations and/or measurements of any existing structures. A background analysis is implemented fully understand how the site relates to the surrounding area, climate, people, bio dynamics and the regulations that affect the project.
Dependent on the complexity of the project this may require the additional engagement of a Planning Consultant. The planning system can be a minefield and the planning consultant can provide expert guidance as to what are the best decisions and routes to make. Eg Green Belt, Brownfield Land and Greenfield Sites.
To alleviate some of those initial anxieties it is important to talk through your potential project, sometimes even prior to the acquisition of a site or building plot, with someone who has experience in designing and aiding you through a staged process in order that a dream becomes a reality thus trying to avoid a nightmare scenario .
What is often overlooked is the amount of physical time a client and their selected designer may spend with each other on a project - it can never be a quick fix or just a set of drawings if correctly implemented. The outcome of any project be it large or small is to capture an idea and make it a tangible reality . It has always been important that the client is part of the architectural process and the engagement between the parties is key part of the success of a project.
Step 2 - SCHEMATIC DESIGN - THE DOODLING OF THE BIG IDEA
Honesty about what is feasible is crucial, while concurrently pursuing a unique design that maximises the potential of a property or site. At this stage we start exploring design concepts, exploring options and creating a general look and feel. Depending on the project's complexity, consider involving a Planning Consultant to navigate challenges within the planning system, providing expert guidance on decisions and routes, such as those involving Green Belt, Brownfield Land, and Greenfield Sites.
Whats involved:
• Sketches and Models to test concepts
• Client feedback and Observations
• Preliminary Floor Plans and Elevations
Usually this is the first phase of design in exploring design concepts in terms of the buildings size, shape, design and materials and how the building will look, consider sunlight, views and flow between spaces based on a brief of expectations as the client is concerned in terms of space and accommodation. This is a stage when we start exploring design concepts; it is the time for exploring sketch options and getting a general idea of the look and feel of the scheme The floor plans, shape and massing of the project will begin to take form, Specifics about materials and details are considered and the types of construction method will have consideration. The Schematic Design phase includes meetings where we present alternative ideas to the client using images of previous or reference projects, loose sketches, and models to help visualise the size, shape, and relationship of spaces to each other in a considered form.This stage is often seen as the most creative and explorative in terms of ideas.
Peach Architectural Design Ltd aim to listen and observe your reactions, endeavouring to refine the ideas according to your feedback until we reach point of an agreed design direction to develop further in the following phases. Clients can expect to be actively engaged throughout this phase and to be asked for approval of the Schematic Design before work proceeds. It is always important to give the design consideration and thoughtful feedback in order that a clear understanding is reached . It is always possible to make changes later, but it is easiest during this phase when the design is most fluid.
Once the deign has been agreed this is a springboard for the next phase. Often a pre submission discussion with the Planning Department takes place in order to gauge support for a scheme. During this phase, we begin the process of transforming the schematic scheme into an efficient building design.
Step 3 - DESIGN DEVELOPMENT - THE REFINEMENT
Engage with an experienced designer who can guide you through a staged process, ensuring that your dream becomes a reality while avoiding potential nightmares. Recognise the significant time commitment between the client and the designer, emphasising that a correct implementation goes beyond quick fixes or mere drawings. The primary aim is to facilitate effective communication among all involved parties, forming an interconnected team to bring the project to its fullest potential. By the end of this stage the building will be more fully designed with dimensions and selected materials.
Whats Involved:
• Significant development and refinement of design
• Structural Engineers input and liaison with other team consultants
• Preliminary cost analysis
• Outline specification of materials
• Planning Permissions
Upon selection of a scheme the client is willing and excited to develop the schematic design further. This phase requires the designer to make the scheme more refined/specific and detailed in order that Planning Applications, where required, can be submitted to the Planning Departments to obtain Planning and Listed Building Consents.
This requires the information to be tightened up to form a comprehensive set of visual information (drawings, 3D renderings, models, material samples). This illustrates the form, space and selected materials , existing and proposed conditions, structural alterations in terms of existing buildings or structural elements required in the new, extended or refurbished build design eg exposed frames, retaining walls….Depending on the nature and location of the work environmental and ecological consultants may be required for animal and fauna protection and mitigation purposes.
Other factors that can be integrated at this stage is the selection/exploration of interior design finishes including selection of heating/lighting systems, bathroom and kitchen fittings and externally the development of landscaping, planting and boundary treatments. A stage where other design consultants are brought in.
The goal is to guide your project through as quickly and painlessly as possible, but the length and cost of this phase can vary greatly depending on the, complexity of the project, any special historic constraint (Listing) and any perceived Planning Harm.
Some clients feel it beneficial to engage with a Quantity Surveyor who can produce a Pre - Contract Budget Estimate which can be used as a cost benchmark for reference. It is possible to break the costs down into key build stages e.g Structure, Waterproof shell price and Interior Fit Out.
If adjustments are necessary to bring the project scope in line with the construction budget, it is most efficient to do this sooner than later. Like wise the more elements a client can help decide on eg. Bathroom, Kitchen Fit Out, Internal fittings etc at a pre contract stage this helps avoid potential delay at the Construction Stage.
This phase is usually when clients feel the project coming to life and it becomes possible to see themselves in the new space. By the end of the Design Development phase, the building exterior will be more fully designed, the interior layout completed, dimensions of all spaces finalised, and most materials selected. A structural engineer will be added to the team, and consultants for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems may be needed depending on the complexity of the project. The deliverable will be a more detailed set of drawings that communicates the overall layout and volume of the building or space, all significant equipment, and the type of material or finish for every surface of the project.
Step 4 - CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS - HOW TO PUT IT TOGETHER
The ultimate goal of any project, regardless of size, is to transform an idea into a tangible reality. Emphasise the importance of the client's active participation in the architectural process, highlighting the key role of engagement between all parties for project success. The design drawings are developed suitable for construction purposes in ordered communicate information necessary for contractor use and build purposes.
Whats Involved:
• Client decisions on materials and finishes
• Specification of fixtures and building components to be installed in the project
• Coordination of dimensioned drawings involving structural engineers and appointed consultants
• Building Regulation Approvals
In this phase we develop the Design Drawings into a thorough and precise set of Construction Documents. These drawings and specifications have all of the details, dimensions, and notes necessary to communicate the entire design intent to the builder. We show how the building components, specify the materials, finishes, fixtures, equipment, and appliances to be installed, and coordinate our drawings with the structural engineer’s and any other consultant drawings.
Following the receipt of any required permissions with regard to planning or lawful development the Detailed Development Stage is the largest of all phases as far the production of information and deals with the more technical aspects of the selected design. In this phase the designer and associated structural and technical design, heating and ventilation, plumbing and electrical, energy calculations are selected ,compiled and scheduled.
At this time the architectural designer obtains Building Regulation Approval to show that the proposed works comply with government legislation assembled within The Building Regulation Approved Documents A - S. This phase will require the employ of Structural Engineers, Energy Consultants and Mechanical + Electrical Consultants. These are separate from a full set of Construction Drawings.
This stage allows tender prices to be obtained from selected contractors. This is a critical step in the process of successfully and accurately executing the design project you have selected. Early in this phase there may still be options on the table for some of the items to be specified. Clients should be prepared to make decisions during this phase. It is our job to make recommendations and educate you about the options, but ultimately you will be the one occupying and maintaining the home or building and you have the final say.
Step 5 - CONTRACT MANAGEMENT - THE DOINGS
Making the developed drawings ‘real’ is the challenging process that transpires through the Building Construction and Management Stage. This stage is a collaborative process in delivering the clients expectations in a developed and considered built form. During the construction sequences the role is to advise the client, visit site at regular intervals and answer queries from the contractor in a proactive manner.
Whats involved:
• Regular on site meetings
• Provide additional information where required
• Review project progress
• Administer Building Contract
• Review Interim Payments and Valuations
• Quality assessment of works being built in accordance with documentation
An architectural designer will not supervise a project on a daily basis on site - this is usually the responsibility of the appointed contractor or project manager.
While most of the architectural designers work is done before any building begins, our presence during the construction phase is equally important. During this phase we visit the construction site at regular intervals to answer questions from the builder and proactively address potential issues. The frequency of our site visits could be weekly or monthly depending on the project and your needs, but with experience, it is vital to have us keeping an eye on things to ensure the finished project meets your expectations. Inevitably, some decisions must be made or modified on site, and our involvement and ability to work quickly with your contractor to solve problems is essential for helping you avoid costly delays and variation orders. During the site phase it is common that additional information and additional design services are required as variances or amendments. During Construction Administration, the architectural designers role is advisor to the owner. At site visits we will take photos and write reports to document the progress, confirm the materials and workmanship are of the quality you agreed to, and verify your contractor’s billings accurately reflect the amount of work completed. At the end of the project, we help you develop your final Snagging List to ensure all work is completed to your satisfaction.
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