Managing the Design & Pre-Construction Phase

Managing the Design & Pre-Construction Phase

We specialize in overseeing the design and pre-construction phase of residential projects, following the structured approach of the RIBA Plan of Work. From concept to completion, we take charge of obtaining all necessary consents, managing specialist supply and fit works packages, selecting contractors, and ensuring appropriate insurance and contractual agreements.

A meticulous pre-construction phase is a cornerstone of our process, as it significantly reduces risks and ensures a streamlined and efficient build process. By adhering to the RIBA Plan of Work, we progress through each stage, from strategic definition to detailed design, aligning design intent with budgetary considerations and client preferences.

Our expertise spans all aspects of residential design and building projects, and we prioritise collaboration and efficiency. Our primary objective is to lead the successful delivery of the design and build, keeping our clients informed and advised throughout the journey.

Daily Telegraph Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2022

  • Planning persmission had been granted when our client appointed us. We agreed a Pre-Construction programme to advance design introducing and co-ordinating a design team, specialists surveys, specialist design and fit packages. We introduced contracto

    Pre-Construction

    Planning persmission had been granted when our client appointed us. We agreed a Pre-Construction programme to advance design introducing and co-ordinating a design team, specialists surveys, specialist design and fit packages. We introduced contractors through a tender process and agreed a build contract with a Principal Contractor for ground works, and the build. Specialist packages included Oak frame, timber trusses, air source heat pumps, glazing, wood flooring, kitchen and utility joinery.

  • Spirit of Self Build highly commended: Hill Top House

    Project Managers - Oliver Steele-Perkins & Jonathan Boyle

  • Steele-Perkins Project Management - Hill Top House - Highly commended by Homebuilding and Renovating

    Construction

    Steele-Perkins project managed the build, co-ordinating the programme with specialist suppliers, liaising with the design team, managing contractors. We carried out Contract Administration, Building Control stage checks and final sign off, Structural Warranty management and sign off, project handover.

The RIBA Plan of Work

We adhere to the RIBA Plan of Work developed by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The Plan of Work is a widely recognized framework that sets out the key stages and tasks involved in the design and construction process of a building project. It provides a systematic and organized approach to guide construction professionals and clients through each phase of a project, from inception to completion.

The key stages:

  1. Preparation and Brief / Client requirements

  2. Concept Design, Feasibility & Budget

  3. Developed Design. Outline Design, Planning Application & Formal Quotation

  4. Technical Design

  5. Construction

  6. Project Handover

  7. Aftercare

For further information on each please see our FAQ’s

Project Design Team

We take pride in collaborating with reputable designers and consultants, pooling together the best skills and qualities to create an exceptional project design team. Our expertise spans various design aspects, including architectural and interior design, structural design, mechanical and electrical services such as heating, cooling, ventilation, green energy, and sustainable design. Additionally, we work with experts at the forefront of smart home design, offering innovative solutions for home automation, audio, visual, and security.

From the conceptual stage, we provide valuable advice on Planning and Design, and the supporting tasks, crafting a detailed and robust pre-construction program. Steele-Perkins diligently oversees the design team, ensuring weekly updates to keep you informed and the project on track with the agreed design program.

Cost Planning

Cost plans are prepared at various stages throughout the RIBA Plan of Work to ensure that the project budget aligns with the evolving design. The key stages for cost planning are:

Stage 2: Concept Design. A high level cost plan is developed based on the initial concept design to ensure that the design is aligned with our clients budget and requirements.

Stage 3. Developed Design. As the design progresses a more detailed cost plan can be prepared to consider the increased level of design detail, materials and specific project requirements.

Stage 4. Technical Design. The costs are further updated to reflect the technical design and specifications giving a more accurate cost assessment.

Stage 5. Construction. Once design is finanlised and ready for construction a final cost plan is prepared.

Depending on the Contractor procurement the cost plans are prepared either by a cost consultant, or with a pre-qualified building contractor and often a comination of both. We advise on the most appropriate route of cost planning, and agree on the plan with our clients. We oversee and manage the cost planning.

Specialist suppliers

Projects generally have one or more specialist supply and fit works packages. Popular packages include kitchens, joinery, staircases, rooflights, walk on glazing, sliding doors, internal crittal glazing, fireplaces, specialist finishes to walls and floors. These items will be designed and integrated with the architectural and interior design of the project and design programme.

We make recommendations for specialists, or we work with others recommended by the design team or by our clients. The key to success is the early introduction of specialists to integrate design and cost planning and ensure that long lead time items are all actioned to tie in with when the products need to be installed on-site during the build.

Contractor Procurement

Contractor procurement is the process of selecting and hiring contractors or subcontractors to carry out specific tasks or portions of the project. It is a crucial aspect of the construction project management process, as it directly impacts the quality, cost, and timeline of the overall project.

We manage the contractor pre-qualification process, allowing us to present you with a selection of pre-qualified contractors at the design stage of your project. By doing so, we aim to save valuable time and money for our clients. Our pre-qualification stages involve a thorough assessment of the capabilities, past experiences, financial stability, and relevant licenses and certifications of the contractors interested in bidding for your project. This ensures that the contractors we introduce to you meet our criteria and are well-equipped to handle the specific requirements of your project.

In the construction industry, there are several common contractor procurement routes or methods used to engage contractors for projects. Each route has its advantages and is suitable for different project types and client requirements

We work with these most common contractor procurement routes

  • Design and Build

  • Competitive Tender (Traditional Procurement)

  • Negotiated Contracts

For further information on each procurement route please get in touch.

Build Programme & Contract

With the Contractor we agree the build programme, this will include specialist supply works packages that may be introduced as a client package and integral to the project.

Build programmes are essential to pre-contract discussions, forming the terms and agreeing start and completion dates. A detailed project specific programme that demonstrates considered sequencing, procurement scheduling and the critical path are standard to our projects. Preparing programmes for the build is a team exercise, as client project managers we expect to be adding value and agreeing construction sequencing for a common and realistic team completion date.

With a programme completed, insurances in place and the contract scope and value agreed the project is ready to mobilise. The short period between signing Contracts and starting works allows for other pre-contract notifications to be made including the HSE and Building Control together with any other project specific requirements.

Contact us.

Please get in touch, to discuss consultancy services, project design, cost planning or project management. We help at all stages of a project design and build from concept, through design, tender and build.