Stages of Work
The brief ( RIBA work stages A to D)
Architects help clients clarify their requirements and priorities and produce a brief to which the whole team can work. The brief will provide the basis for turning your aspirations into a real project.
Feasibility ( RIBA work stage A)
Testing out several ideas are the key to a successful project: this includes sketches, budget costs and ensuring value for money to enable the project to go ahead.
Design and Design Development (RIBA work stage C, D & E)
Having defined the brief and tested out ideas, the next step is to create drawings of the initial design. These initial drawings are used to understand structural and other changes and generate peliminary costings and time frame.
Planning permission (RIBA work stage D)
If appropriate the designs are submitted to the local planning authority for planning approval. This takes a minumum of eight weeks and sometimes requires adjustment of plans before application is considered.
Design development (RIBA work stage C,D, E &F)
Once planning permission is gained, the design is developed further taking in to account materials, technical research and construction details. These detailed drawings are also used for Building Control approval, an essential part of any scheme.
Tendering for contractors (RIBA work stage G,H &J)
One way of getting a competetive price is to tender to 3 or 4 contractors. The tender documentation includes the detailed drawings and information to allow the contractors to price accurately. Architects can help analyse prices and advise on contractor appointment and what form of contract to use. Alternatively, if a known and trusted contractor is involved, architects can sometimes help negotiate a build price.
The build (RIBA work stage K)
Works on site need to be monitored not just for progress but to ensure they are being carried out according to the design and drawings as agreed. If involved in the build at this stage, architects take on the responsibility for administering the contract, issuing instructions and certifying works done.
Post-completion (RIBA work stage L)
It is usual to have a defects liability period following completion of the build. After this has elapsed, an inspection will be made by the architect and the contractor advised of any defects to be made good before a modest retention sum is released.