Process
For the Senses follow a logical staged approach based on the RIBA Plan of Work. Our role is to make your project journey as clear and stress free as possible.
Stage 1
Preparation and Brief
Stage 2
Concept Design
Stage 3
Spatial Coordination
Stage 4
Technical Design
Stage 5
Construction and Handover
Stage 1
Preparation and Brief
We get to know you and your vision, plus we talk costs, feasibility, and planning.
Our Role
- Establish the project brief and budget
- Prepare scope of services
- Prepare the contract of appointment
- Arrange the measured building survey – we have partnerships with RICS Surveyors
- Undertake a site visit
- Prepare for and attend the Briefing Workshop
- Prepare precedent mood board
- Site and building analysis
- Establish a project programme
Client Role
- Appoint Building Surveyor
- Sign contract of appointment
- Share ideas and precedent mood board
- Attend Briefing Workshop
- Approve project brief
Deliverables
- Contract of appointment
- Client workshop 01 – Briefing Workshop – Allow 1 hour 30
- Project brief and budget
- Agreed initial ideas and precedent
- Set of existing drawings to include plans, sections and elevations
Time
- Allow 2-3 weeks for surveys, site visit and Briefing Workshop
Stage 2
Concept Design
We explore initial creative ideas, and offer guidance on the look and feel.
Our Role
- Research local planning history and policies
- Prepare the Concept Design
- Collate precedent project images and materials
- Advise on required consultants, e.g. tree survey, ecology survey
- Prepare and attend Concept Design Workshop
- Production of project document
- Informal cost check
Client Role
- Attend Concept Design Workshop
- Appoint necessary consultants, if required
- Approve Concept Design
Deliverables
- Client workshop 02: Concept Design – Allow 1 hour
- Presentation of the Concept Design in sketch format
- Sketch plans, elevations and sections
- Agreed concept design to develop
- Rendered images and models are available on request
Time
- Allow 2 weeks for Concept Design
Stage 3
Spatial Coordination
We explore initial creative ideas, and offer guidance on the look and feel of your project.
Our Role
- Develop preferred concept
- Confirm materials and specification
- Produce proposed drawings including plans, elevations and sections
- Informal cost check
- Coordinate our design with other consultants, e.g. quantity surveyor
- Prepare for and attend the Spatial Coordination Workshop
- Prepare and submit a planning application on behalf of our client
- Attend meetings with local planning authority if required
Client Role
- Attend Spatial Coordination Workshop
- Approve developed design
- Pay planning fees directly to local authority
Deliverables
- Client workshop 03 – Spatial Coordination – Allow 1 hour
- Presentation of proposed design in Project Document
- Proposed drawings to include plans, sections and elevations
- 3D Rendered images and models are available on request
- Planning approval from your local authority
Time
- Allow 2-3 weeks for Spatial Coordination design
- Planning determination period is 8-10 weeks
Stage 4
Technical Design
We finalise and detail our plans and submit to Building Control. We also prepare everything builders need to cost the project.
Our Role
- Address anticipated planning conditions
- Prepare for and attend the Technical Design Workshop
- Develop the Technical Design
- Arrange appointment of other consultants, e.g. structural engineer, party wall surveyor, Building Control.
- Prepare the technical drawings to meet Building Regulations
- Coordinate with other client appointments, e.g. structural design
- Specify materials and finishes
- Advise on potential contractors
- Prepare and issue documents required for tender
- Draft the building contract to be signed with selected contractor
Client Role
- Appoint required consultants
- Attend Technical Design Workshop
- Approve Technical Design
- Pay Building Control and other statutory fees
- Review and approve tender
- Conduct site visits and interviews with prospective contractors
- Select building contractor
- Sign building contract with selected contractor
Deliverables
- Client workshop 04 – Technical Design – Allow 1 hour
- Confirmation of specification of building materials, e.g. cladding, flooring, windows
- Proposed drawings to include plans, sections, elevations, and typical details
- Schedules to include sanitary ware, lighting, doors, windows, joinery, and finishes.
- Submission to Building Control
- Issue drawings to tender
Time
- Allow 6-8 weeks for Technical Design
- Allow 2-3 weeks for Building Control approval
- Allow 4 weeks for tender process
Stage 5
Construction and Handover
We help you find the right builders and are then on-hand (and on-site) until all work is completed.
Our Role
- Contract administration acting as the client agent
- Carry out site inspections on a bi-weekly or monthly basis
- Deal with site queries
- Provide the contractor with further construction information as reasonably required
- Manage any design variations
- Approve works and payments as completed by the contractor
- Certify Practical Completion
- Make final inspections and advise on resolution of defects
- Manage defects liability period (typically 6-12 months)
- Agree final account and issue the Final Certificate
Client Role
- Attend key meetings site meetings
- Approve key decisions
- Pay fees to the contractor under terms of the building contract
- Move into their complete property upon completion
Time
- Construction period determined by project scale
- Allow 6-12 months for Defects Liability Period following Practical Completion
