RIBA Stage 1 – Preparation and Brief

During Stage 1, we work with you to define exactly what your project needs to achieve, setting out the practical requirements that will guide the design.

• We’ll develop a comprehensive Project Brief that captures your aims, budget, quality aspirations, sustainability targets, and spatial requirements.
• Where necessary, we’ll arrange a full measured survey of the existing site or building.
• From this information, we produce accurate existing drawings — including floor plans, elevations, and sections — providing the essential foundation for the design stages that follow.

RIBA Stage 2 – Concept Design

At Stage 2, we begin transforming your brief into clear design ideas, exploring how the layout, form, and appearance of your project could take shape.

• You’ll receive a selection of initial layout options presented in both plan and 3D views, helping you visualise how the spaces might feel and function.
• We include a dedicated design review meeting — either in person or online — to walk you through the proposals.
• Following your feedback, we refine the concept, allowing for up to two major revisions, until we arrive at a well-defined and agreed design ready to progress to the next stage.

RIBA Stage 3 – Spatial Coordination

At Stage 3, your chosen concept is developed into a coordinated architectural design containing all the information required for a planning application.

• We produce fully detailed drawings that capture the finalised layout, external appearance, and overall architectural intent.
• Supporting documentation is prepared to accompany either a planning application or a permitted development submission.
• Once you’ve approved the drawings, we submit the application on your behalf (planning fees are paid directly to the council) and remain in contact with the planning team to monitor progress as needed.

If your planning approval includes conditions that must be discharged before construction begins, we manage this process for you.

• We prepare any required drawings, statements, or supporting documents to address pre-commencement conditions and liaise directly with the planning officer to confirm requirements and respond to any feedback.
• Where specialist input is needed — such as ecology, drainage, or structural reports — we’ll advise on suitable consultants.
• All submissions are made on your behalf, and we track progress to help prevent delays.

RIBA Stage 4 – Technical Design

Following planning approval, we prepare the detailed technical information required for construction and Building Control.

• We advise on the relevant Building Regulations and how they apply to your project, ensuring compliance from the outset.
• Comprehensive technical drawings and specifications are then produced for submission to Building Control.
• We handle the application process and respond to any queries from the inspector (their fees are paid directly by you).
• All approved drawings and documents are issued to both you and your contractor to assist with accurate pricing and construction.
• Meetings or follow-up support can be provided as needed throughout this stage.

RIBA Stage 5 – Manufacturing and Construction (Optional)

Stage 5 covers the construction phase, where we can provide support as needed — though this is not included as standard.

• We can supply your contractor with any additional design information they may request and respond to queries about details or specifications during the build.
• Periodic site visits can be arranged to review progress and address any issues related to the approved design.
• If your contractor proposes changes — such as value engineering options — we can advise on their impact to help maintain design quality.
• All services at this stage are quoted separately, depending on the level of involvement you require.

RIBA Stage 6 – Handover and Close-Out (Optional)

As your project reaches completion, we can support you through the final stages of inspection, documentation, and handover.

• We review the contractor’s as-built drawings to ensure they align with the original design intent.
• If required, we can assist with snagging, identifying any outstanding works or defects that need addressing before final sign-off.
• All final design documents, warranties, and certificates are issued to you for your records.
• We’re also available to answer any questions you or your contractor may have during commissioning and handover.
• Post-completion advice can be provided throughout the defects period if needed.

RIBA Stage 7 – Use (Optional Service)

Once your building is in use, we can continue to support you with ongoing advice or follow-up work, if required.

• We remain available to answer any questions about the design, technical drawings, or specifications should issues arise post-occupancy.
• If you’re considering future alterations, we can review the original drawings and advise on any implications.
• Where beneficial, we can carry out a post-occupancy review to assess how the building is performing against its original objectives.
• We can also assist with addressing any defects that arise within the contractor’s liability period, liaising with them on your behalf where necessary.
• For larger or evolving projects, we can provide guidance on long-term maintenance strategies or updates to ensure the building continues to meet your needs.