When a client contacts us regarding a new project, we arrange to meet. This is useful to work out their intentions / requirements, and to offer some initial guidance, however this is also important in order to gauge whether a working relationship between us is possible.
The process of a building project is not always straightforward and requires mutual understanding and respect to be able to overcome unexpected challenges that can often throw a few spanners in the works. In recent times (for example), we have encountered some unexpected hiccups – extended planning delays, restrictions to dialogue during the statutory process, a need to re-work a scheme etc., and these have proved challenging.
At our introductory meeting (which is usually at the site), we walk through / discuss the existing context or building, and then discuss the aspirations / project brief. If a brief is not set, this is something we offer to help with. We share some of our previous project drawings and explain the different levels of work based on the RIBA work plan, as well as (if required) the process a typical project would follow.
We also offer an extension of the first meeting as a ‘workshop’, which provides a quick understanding of the site opportunities / constraints (on a straightforward scheme), and a schematic / sketch (the bones of what could be achieved) . On occasion, the next step possibilities are relatively resolved to considerable detail that it can be taken to a final sketch or CAD drawing.
We leave the next stage to the client – should they wish to proceed any further, we follow a formal RIBA appointment.
