At Grid + Grain, we can assist in all stages of a project, on both residential and commercial projects, of any size and at any point in the process.

As architects, we work within the RIBA Plan of Work, which sets out the stages of a construction project.

Stage 0 - Strategic Definition
• Prepare client requirements
• Undertake a site appraisal
• Develop business case for feasibility options including review of project risks and project budget
• Strategic appraisal of planning considerations

Stage 1 - Preparation and Briefing
• Prepare project brief
• Undertake feasibility studies
• Agree project budget
• Source site information, including site surveys
• Prepare project programme
• Prepare project execution plan
• Source pre-application planning advice
• Agree route to building regulation compliance
• Initiate collation of health and safety pre-construction information

Stage 2 - Concept Design
• Prepare Architectural concept incorporating strategic engineering requirements and aligned to cost plan, project strategies and outline specification
• Agree project brief derogation
• Undertake design review with client and project stakeholders
• Prepare stage design programme
• Undertake design reviews with clients
• Obtain pre-application planning advice
• Agree route to building regulations

Stage 3 - Spatial Coordination
• Undertake design studies, engineering analysis and cost exercises to test architectural concept resulting in spatially coordinated design alighted to updated cost plan, project strategies and outline specification
• Initiate change control procedures
• Prepare stage design programme
• Review design against building regulations
• Prepare and submit planning application

Stage 4 - Technical Design
• Develop architectural and engineering technical design
• Prepare and coordinate design team building systems information
• Prepare and integrate specialist subcontractor building systems information
• Prepare stage design programme
• Submit building regulations application
• Prepare construction phase plan

Stage 5 - Manufacturing and Construction
• Finalise site logistics
• Monitor progress again construction programme
• Inspect construction quality
• Resolve site quires as required
• Undertake commissioning of building
• Prepare building manual
• Carry out construction phase planning
• Comply with planning conditions related to construction

Stage 6 - Handover
• Handover building in line with plan for use strategy
• Undertake review of project performance
• Undertake seasonal commissioning
• Rectify defects
• Complete initial aftercare tasks including light touch post occupancy evaluation
• Comply with planning conditions

Stage 7 - Use
• Implement facilities management and asset management
• Undertake post occupancy evaluation of building performance in use
• Verify project outcomes including sustainability outcomes
• Comply with planning conditions as required

Quinquennial Inspections and Condition Reports

We are also experienced undertaking quinquennial inspections and condition reports for public buildings. We provide competitive quotes and return the reports promptly.