Architectural Services.

At BLOCK NINE we are methodical in our approach to all projects, no matter the scale. We apply impartial and creative thinking to projects large and small and will assist you in achieving the best return on your investment.

Our approach is centred around the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) key work stages and we can tailor our services to suit our clients’ requirements, where we can either provide partial or full design services.

There are 6 key stages we follow:

Stage 01 / Briefing

 
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Getting to know our clients & the project.

At Stage 01 we meet with our clients in person to gain a full understanding of their requirements.

We listen closely and will ask relevant questions at this early stage to establish key details; in particular establishing key parameters including budget and timescales is of the utmost importance. We also aim to establish key goals and design aspirations.

We’re also there to answer the many questions our clients often have at this stage.

At this stage we will also discuss with our clients which other consultants we should approach to be a part of the design team (Structural Engineer, Quantity Surveyor etc.)

 
 

Stage 02 / Feasibility

 
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Initial design studies.

Once we have a good understanding of the project brief, we will undertake feasibility design studies to explore options which incorporate the requirements of the brief.

These preliminary studies will include massing model studies, incorporated with site analysis to establish a general design approach. We will also present “precedent” studies which help illustrate our overall design intent.

This stage is particularly important in establishing key design ideas with our clients so we can develop these in more detail during the next stage.

 
 

Stage 03 / Planning

 
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Developing the design & submission of Planning Application.

During Stage 03 we develop the design ideas presented at the previous stage. This will include a package of drawings which illustrate the design proposal, and a Design Statement which explains the proposals and the reasoning behind them in more detail. We will also consider if any additional reports or surveys are required to accompany the submission.

We continue to liaise with our clients throughout this stage to ensure the final design submission to the Planning department meets their expectations.

At this stage, depending on the project and with the agreement of the client, we might also work alongside a Planning Consultant who’s expertise in Planning legislation is often invaluable.

Once the Planning application is submitted, we work closely with the council to answer any queries they may have.

 
 

Stage 04a / Building Warrant

 
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Developing detailed drawings in line with the Technical Standards.

Following successful Planning approval, we can begin to develop construction details for the proposals in line with the relevant Technical Standards, in preparation for the submission of the Building Warrant application.

At this stage, we liaise with other consultants to prepare a fully coordinated design and outline technical package.

Once the Building Warrant application is submitted we work closely with the Building Standards department to address any questions they have.

 
 

Stage 04b / Tender

 
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Finalising detailed design package for tender.

In the second part of this stage, once we have been granted a Building Warrant, we develop our detailed drawing package in further detail.

We confirm full design specifications in close partnership with the client and finalise all internal finishes and details in preparation of putting the project out to tendering contractors.

During this stage, prior to tendering, we are rigorous in our approach to finding the most suitable contractor as this is fundamental in ensuring the successful implementation and delivery of the project. Once contractor selection is established, we put the project out to tender and are on-hand to answer any queries that come in from the tendering contractors.

Following the receipt of tender returns we undertake a detailed review and will advise our client how best to proceed.

 
 

Stage 05 / Construction

 
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Keeping the project on track on site.

Prior to a project commencing on site, we take methodical steps to ensure the appointed contractor has a full set of accurate construction information and that any questions they have are addressed from the onset.

We will attend and chair a Pre-Start meeting with all the relevant parties to ensure everyone is fully aware of the project goals and their individual responsibilities to ensure those goals are met.

During construction, we will provide services as and when required, including design amendments, updating details and attendance to regular site meetings which enable us to review the progress on site and keep the project on track.

As Contract Administrator we will administer the contract fairly and impartially throughout the project duration.

 
 

Stage 06 / Post-Completion

 
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Seeing the project through to the end and beyond.

Upon project completion, we will visit site and carry out a full inspection of the completed works. During this inspection we will compile a list of “snagging” items to be remedied by the contractor. These items will be addressed prior to us releasing the retention funds and providing the final certificate as per the contract documents.

We will also submit an Amendment to Warrant if required and ensure the project receives a Certificate of Completion from the Building Standards department.

Finally, we will hold a review meeting with the client to gain valuable feedback on the project and our services.

 

Principal Designer Services

 
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Assessing the Heath & Safety of your project.

Alongside our role as Architect, we also provide Principal Designer services in line with the CDM (Construction Design Management) 2015 regulations.

Within this role, we work from the onset of a project to mitigate any health and safety risks within our design proposals. Many of these are anticipated at a very early stage and can be “designed out”. Following commencement of work on site, we work with the Principal Contractor to ensure health and safety measures are maintained and regulated throughout the course of the project.