How we work
There is a tried and tested format for moving through this process, which has been designed to give comfort to clients and professionals alike. It a rigorous step-by-step framework for building projects called the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Plan of Work 2013. It is described below and can be found on the RIBA website here, along with lots of other useful guidance on engaging and working with an architect.
(Not all projects warrant this structure and we get just as excited discussing a one off, stand-alone piece of furniture as we do large complex buildings).
Read more about The Seven Work Stages below & Construction Service →
Our approach +
New appointments usually start with a phone call. We enjoy these first pragmatic discussions. They often start along the lines of, “I need more space here; how do I start?” or “I would like to increase the size of my house, do I need planning permission?”
There is rarely a straight answer but a dialogue has opened up and so the creative process has begun.
The seven work stages +
The RIBA Plan of Work has been the definitive model for designing and constructing building projects in the UK since 1963. The latest (2013) edition arranges the different processes involved in imagining, costing, designing, constructing and using a building into the following, sequential stages:
Below is a simple ‘unofficial description of the way our projects tend to move through the Work Stages in simple terms. (We do suggest that this is read in conjunction with the RIBA guide in the link - as projects differ and the Plan of Work is rigorous and flexible enough to accommodate projects of all scales).
At Eckford Chong we cover a wide range of professional services. Most of the time we also construct the buildings and projects that we design in our workshop.
Stage 0
Significant and chargeable Stage 0 work will tend apply to larger complex projects - as such, time costs for typical Stage 0 work will be included within our Stage 1 scope. It is for the most part, concerned with identifying and clarifying the initial brief, aspirations of the client and suitability of the type of work proposed as well as the Architect’s suitability for the task. We will tend to cover these points in our initial discussions and site visits.
Stage 1
A summary of the brief and any conversations from the initial site visit. Once fees and the terms of our full appointment are agreed, we continue with the preparation of necessary drawings based on a more detailed measured survey. We will provide advice on any other surveys needed (eg. under ground, ecological or tree surveys etc.) along with advice on the appointment of any other consultants required on the project. A feasibility study will explore early design options to reflect the initial brief and budget.
Stage 2
Stage 2 is when we develop your preferred option in more detail, together with input from any relevant specialists, such as a structural engineer. We will develop a brief informed by Stage 1 work. The aim is to identify a preferred proposed option to take forward to ‘detailed design’ stage.
Stage 3
Stage 3 is when we would establish the final detailed brief and develop concept designs, working up a preferred option to a level suitable for (and if required ) submitting a planning application or Certificate of Lawful Development as well as initial consultation with building control which will start the process of ensuring compliance with building regulations. We also initiate the process of agreeing proposals with your neighbours in relation to any shared ‘party walls’.
Stage 4
This is when we prepare all the necessary drawings and documentation to determine a fixed price for us to build as main contractor (or tender the works to other contractors) and ascertain the best market prices for your project. Typically, we wait until we have all the necessary consents (for example planning permission or landlord/freeholder approval) until we proceed with Stage 4, but we will advise you nearer the time on the pros and cons of proceeding with this stage before consent given.
Stage 5
Construction work can begin on your property. By this time, costing and final, detailed design will have been agreed and signed off. With existing properties nothing is fully known until work begins and tweaks to the design along with remedial work can be undertaken as we required. The cost will be carefully monitored and controlled and big surprises are very rare, but there are occasionally adjustments that the client may choose to make, once the true spaces are revealed (with, for example the removal of a partition wall). This is the point at which the continuity between designer and maker enables the creative aspiration of the original proposals to be seen through.
Stage 6
Stage 6 is when construction is complete and the building is handed back to the client ready for habitation. We help the occupants get used to the new fixtures and fittings and any equipment. We ensure final certificates for electrical, gas & building control are issued before final handover and sign-off. During this ‘rectification period’, we will walk through the site room by room to make sure that you are completely satisfied with every aspect of the quality of the finished project.
Get in touch +
Contact us on +44 (0)20 8803 5387 or email us at info@eckfordchong.com if you would like to speak to a member of the team about your ideas.
