A typical engagement – Part 1

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. 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!

At our introductory meeting which is usually at the site (but since Covid times, has often been online), 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 can 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 follows.

We also offer an extension of the first meeting 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.