Review of designs from concept stage is critical to reduce risks to buildability and cost.
Construction specification, fit-out specification and design must be compatible to deliver good quality and cost efficient solutions.
We can advise on the suitability of design to the proposed method of construction and vice versa. We can help you make the transition to different methods of construction identifying the critical areas in the design.
Understanding site constraints is key to delivering good design.
Our partners
We partner with industry experts whose specific knowledge in special subjects help provide you with complete solutions.
Checking & reviewing a full design pack can be daunting and at times impossible within the time constraints. We can either provide a full review, or risk assess and selectively review information of high risk areas.
Delivering Efficient Design is key to the success of any project.
There can be many correct design solutions, but some can be very expensive. WE can help you understand the cost and implications of solutions offered that are key to delivering efficient design.
How do we do this?
Pre-plan concept stage design review
This is critical to maximise the project efficiency as there is maximum flexibility for changes.
At this stage we will:
- Review the design criteria adopted for the design and the rational behind them.
- Review the proposal against design criteria.
- Review the concept design and compatibility with the intended method of construction and construction budget.
Detail design review
It could be the design information pack of a single building or a large site.
At this stage we will:
- Review the drawings available for accuracy, level of information, buildability of construction details.
- Review the design solutions & specification compared to energy efficiency criteria.
- We will identify areas where better cost efficiencies could be realised.
- We will identify areas where the design and/or specification increase risks of post completion defects.
Case study
We were asked by a developer to carry out a full review of the design information delivered for a project where the planning requirements led to significant amendments to the company’s “Standard House Types”.
This would be costly and slow for the client.
Due to time constraints, we proposed an initial short review focused on the higher risk elements in terms of design complexity and delivery time.
We were able to provide a short review within two days which provided plenty of evidence to enable the developer and the appointed consultants (Architect, Structural & Civil Engineer) to agree the additional level of information required for the tendering process to be finalised and the site team to progress with the Groundworks on site.
Following the successful outcome, the client asked us to support their Technical Coordinators by helping them to understand how they can risk assess a design pack and audit the quality of the design information in a time-managed way.
We were also asked to review their external consultant design briefs and update them to ensure clarity of responsibilities.
Resources
- Detail Design Short Review Example PDF 0.82 MB
The cost efficiency of the design is reliant on the quality of the brief as well as clarifying the level of services expected from each of the designers involved in the project and how their services interface.
Whether a consultant designer or a specialist supplier who needs to feed into the design, they all need to have very clear instructions relating to the extent of their responsibilities.
We can help you develop design briefs and schedules of services for consultants or specialist suppliers to cover adequately all elements your project needs, avoiding fee disputes and budget overspending, providing clarity of responsibilities between designers.
We provide briefings on changes to regulations and how these affect your business.
We can develop training courses tailored to your business needs or you can choose one of our standard courses.
With many years of experience working with individual clients we can either support you offering advice, or provide a higher level of service to include:
- Full design and specification
- Cost estimate
- Project planning & programming
- Tender inquiry packs for suppliers and subcontractors
- Project Supervision
Case study
Planning, Detailed Design & Project Management for the restoration of a Grade 2 listed dilapidated stable and extension to form a single dwelling 2500 sq ft, in a conservation area. The intensive planning negotiations took four months.
Building works on site were completed in 11 months and landscaping four months later. The fabric of the existing building dictated the use of products and techniques expensive for the whole project, so we ‘split’ the works in two separate projects (restoration and new-build) used the appropriate skill-set and materials and completed the project on budget.
Added value: 100% on capital invested, including the land value.
