HOW WE DESIGN
This page breaks down our general workflow followed for standard projects. Each phase of the design is allocated a RIBA work stage from 1-6. The aim of this page is to allow clients to better understand the work of an architect and how they can add value to the design process.
Site and Brief
Following an initial client meeting and introduction to the project, a site visit must be carried out to assess the existing structures, neighbouring buildings and global orientation. A defined brief will be prepared to ensure your expected outcomes are noted and trackable from the outset of your project.
Your architect will need to asses building lines, Scale of development, boundary proximity and the previous planning history in relation to building modifications. It is important to note that previous extensions and alterations can extinguish the right to permitted development and thus a full plans application would be required if this is the case.
Local planning policy will provide guidance on boundary treatments, massing, character and material considerations and the appropriate responses to them. Your architect will be able to assess which of this guidance is applicable to your project and where your project could potentially challenge this guidance if an opportunity to create added value or improvement for all stakeholders is identified, includes benefit to your neighbours and the local community.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Orientation - Access - Rights of Way - Rights of Light and Overshadowing - Key Views - Unique Elements in Context
RIBA Stage 0-1
![Image-1[3128].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9e6614_c531dbe913d04602b31e472eda211e34~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_488,h_368,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/9e6614_c531dbe913d04602b31e472eda211e34~mv2.jpg)
Site Arrangement & Contextual Responses
Site arrangement needs to take into account many factors and evidence needs to be provided for each decision taken throughout the design development. As conceptual arrangements are proposed, we utilise multiple forms of media to quickly assess which options will work. Starting with OS Maps and survey information we will rough out ideas on tracing paper which we can then convert into vector graphics for more precise testing. We utilise 3d sketch models to test simple forms against neighbouring buildings to develop concepts for presentation and discussion with the local authority. The practical arrangement of floor plans needs to be considered at all times to ensure that the concept will be compliant with the national building regulations and local planning policy. If necessary we will prepare physical models to aid in the development of conceptual arrangements, but for the most part we find that our computer models give us incredible freedom to adapt and test concepts quickly with a great level of success.
RIBA Stage 1
Design Development
Following an initial client meeting and introduction to the project, a site visit must be carried out to assess the existing structures, neighbouring buildings and global orientation. A defined brief will be prepared to ensure your expected outcomes are noted and trackable from the outset of your project.
Your architect will need to asses building lines, Scale of development, boundary proximity and the previous planning history in relation to building modifications. It is important to note that previous extensions and alterations can extinguish the right to permitted development and thus a full plans application would be required if this is the case.
Local planning policy will provide guidance on boundary treatments, massing, character and material considerations and the appropriate responses to them. Your architect will be able to assess which of this guidance is applicable to your project and where your project could potentially challenge this guidance if an opportunity to create added value or improvement for all stakeholders is identified, includes benefit to your neighbours and the local community.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Orientation - Access - Rights of Way - Rights of Light and Overshadowing - Key Views - Unique Elements in Context
RIBA Stage 0-1