OUR APPROACH
We follow the RIBA Plan of Work which organises each project / development into simple stages
STAGE
PROCESS
Preparation and Brief
The preparation and brief stage involves:
Developing an initial project brief. This may include; considering feedback from previous projects, defining overall spatial requirements, carrying out surveys and quantifying the budget.
Carrying out feasibility studies.
Undertaking a project risk assessment, including; planning risks, programme and procurement strategy.
Assembling the project team and defining their roles and responsibilities.
This preparatory work enables the design process to begin in the next stage
1
Concept Design
The concept design will be our initial response to the project brief. During this stage we can help to develop the following:
The design concept.
Outline specifications of materials
What accommodation will be provided as part of the project
A planning strategy.
An idea of how much the project will cost
An understanding of how the project be managed on site?
Estimate how long will the project take to build?
Buildability and construction logistics.
2
Developed Design
In this stage we would look to further develop the initial concept design from the previous stage to meet the client’s requirements. Once completed, the planning drawings and documents (if required) will be prepared and submitted to the local authority for approval. We will also begin to consider the preliminary building services and structural design as well as potential construction costs
3
Technical Design
This process usually begins following the receipt of planning approval. During this stage we will consult with the local building regulations officer and prepare the detailed design package showing how roof, wall, floor and opening junctions meet along with the specification. The specification is best thought of as a recipe for how the building goes together and will contain every essential ingredient to enable the contractor / builder to build the required proposed design.
The structural and building services packages are further and coordinated allowing for any specialist sub-contractor design to be carried out, such as sustainable energies.
At the end of this stage, traditionally the project will be issued to the chosen group of contractors / builders to provide a price
4
Manufacturing & Construction
Once the tenders are received, the quotations will be assessed and analysed before one is chosen ready to start the construction work stage. During this stage the building will be constructed in line with the drawings and information produced in the previous stages. DBA Architects can assist in administering the project on behalf of the client to help ensure a smooth construction process.
5
Handover
This stage facilitates the successful handover of the completed building work where we can inspect the completed works and identify any defects to be rectified before the production of certification required by the chosen build contract.
6
Use
This stage is a post-occupancy evaluation, covering the projects performance, outcomes and development.