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Our 5-Step Process

A clear, considered process, from first conversation to completion

Every project we take on is different, but the way we work stays consistent. As a RIBA Chartered Practice, we've refined a five-stage process that gives you clarity at every step, whether you're extending a family home, restoring a listed building, or starting something new.

STEP 1

Brief & Development 

We begin by understanding the existing and your aspirations for the project. We capture the facts through surveys and existing information, then map out what's possible, so your vision is clear from the outset.

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What You Can Expect:

  • A measured survey and preparing existing site or building drawings

  • Gathering existing information e.g. boundaries, utilities, constraints and, where relevant, heritage or listing considerations

  • A brief workshop to agree priorities, budget and programme, with an early view of risk

  • A written brief and project roadmap with key milestones

Architectural residential sketch

STEP 2

Design & Planning

Here, we solve the brief with thoughtful design options. Drawings and visuals build confidence in the direction, while our local knowledge of Yorkshire's planning authorities and conservation officers helps de-risk the planning process from the start.

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What You Can Expect:

  • Concept options, sketches and visuals, creative designs to bring the project to life

  • Ongoing advice on anticipated build costs, viability and risk

  • Preparing a co-ordinated planning pack, including drawings and supporting reports

  • Managing the planning process end-to-end to achieve the best outcome

architectural visualisation

STEP 3

Building Regulations &
Technical Design

We continue to resolve the details so the approved design can be priced and built with confidence. Co-ordinated technical information secures compliance and protects quality once work is on site.

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What You Can Expect:

  • Working with you to refine the detailed drawings, this is your building, and every detail matters

  • Appointing and co-ordinating consultants, such as structural engineers or drainage specialists, to ensure compliance

  • Developing technical drawings and specifications, resolving challenges early 

  • Submitting and monitoring the Building Regulations application through to decision

technical design.

STEP 4

Tender & Contractor Selection

This is where we set up for the build phase. We deliver clarity and confidence by running a fair, transparent tender process, comparing returns side by side, and helping you choose the right contractor for your project.

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What You Can Expect:

  • Issuing the tender pack, hosting site visits and answering contractor queries

  • Evaluating returns on price, programme, methodology and quality

  • Advising on the appropriate contract form and preparing the contractor's appointment

  • Confirming the building contract and agreeing a start date

tender and specification documents

STEP 5

Construction & Handover

On site, we deliver the design with calm, consistent oversight. Regular inspections, clear updates and prompt issue-resolution keep the build moving, you stay informed, never burdened. At completion, you step into a building finished to the highest standard.

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What You Can Expect:

  • Regular site inspections and concise progress updates, with responsive issue-resolution

  • Quality control of workmanship and compliance with Building Regulations

  • Contract administration: valuations, instructions, change control, practical completion and the defects period

  • Handover with certificates, manuals and key drawings, plus local, ongoing support after completion

construction site

This process is based on the RIBA Plan of Work 2020, the framework published by the Royal Institute of British Architects and used by RIBA Chartered Practices across the UK. The official Plan of Work runs from Stage 0 (Strategic Definition) to Stage 7 (Use); we've grouped and simplified these into five client-facing stages here to make the process easier to follow. The exact stages, and the services required at each, may be adjusted to suit your project's size, complexity and procurement route.

Find out more about the RIBA Plan of Work

Ready to Start Your Project?

Every project is unique, and we'd love to learn more about yours. Get in touch now for a free, no obligation consolation with one of our RIBA chartered architects. 

 

Or explore our portfolio to see more of our projects.

Portfolio

For project enquiries or anything else, please get in touch.

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