How we work.

We work with our clients and key stakeholders to deliver schemes that are respectful to their surroundings, efficient and economically viable to build and maintain, while being great places in which to live.

Although we approach each project with an open mind as to how best to fulfil its demands, we make extensive use of modern methods of construction such as off-site pre-fabrication.

We are also recognised for our imaginative use of customisable standardised components, allowing for rapid and cost effective realisation of quality developments each with a distinct visual character.

Working as a community.

Pooling perspectives and expertise.

Whether we are engaged on a Design and Build project, or are working on a Traditional Contract, our process divides into three phases: Concept, Design and Construction.

We engage and involve all parties in the development of the project throughout its lifecycle. This builds ownership, informs design and may ease approval and acceptance of the development by the community.

Internally, this means that our planning and technical Placemakers work together in an open plan environment, contributing continuously to each stage of a project.

Our technical construction team reviews designs at planning stage with an eye on potential build issues. Reciprocally, during the construction stage our planning team ensure that detail and overall quality are not jeopardised by value-engineering.

Externally, we engage clients, statutory and non-statutory stakeholders and our construction partners in all stages of our projects, drawing on their experience and expertise as well as heeding concerns which could have a bearing on our work.

Concept Development.

WITH SURVEYING AND RESEARCH HAVING ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED, THE CREATIVE PROCESS BEGINS WITH CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT.

Our Placemakers start off by checking Local Authority design requirements before developing an initial feasibility sketch for the scheme. With this OK’d by our client, we carry out utility searches before producing site plans, floor plans and elevations. We then enter into pre-application discussions with the Local Authority and, once the principle of the development has been established, commission all the relevant reports and surveys required to inform a Planning Application.

Design Development.

WE MOVE TO PLANNING APPROVAL, BUILDING REGULATIONS, RISK REVIEWS AND, DEPENDING ON THE PROJECT, PREPARATION FOR TENDER.

In the case of Design and Build projects, this is when our Placemakers deal with the various stages of the Planning process. Starting by amending and expanding the package of information, we will deal with other outstanding issues, perhaps help stage a Public Consultation, prepare a Design and Access Statement carry out a design stage risk review and then submit the Planning Application and engage as required with the Planning officer and Planning Committee.

We then move into the Technical Design stage. This involves producing a Building Regulations package of information and making the Building Regs application, and continuing to develop the Tender package of information to construction level. We’ll then consult with external specialists as required, contribute to the Health and Safety fileand carry out a construction stage risk review.

Construction.

AS THE PROJECT MOVES OUT OF OUR OFFICE AND ONTO SITE, OUR ROLE BECOMES MORE ADVISORY AND CONSULTATIVE.

Our Placemakers now assist the contractor during the construction process, attending regular meetings and updating and issuing information as required. We also assist the sales and marketing team, or the appointed estate agent, if required.

On completion of the build, we will provide finalised record drawings for inclusion in the O&M manual and H&S files, as well as conveyancing drawings and sales plans. Finally, we’ll attend the project review/wash up meeting, at which lessons learned during the construction process are discussed.

Meet our amazing team of Placemakers.

Diverse, individually skilled yet united as People Orientated Placemakers. Get to know the architects, technologists and other members of our close-knit KSA family.

Meet our team