Knowledge & Research Hub
Professional Knowledge. When You Need It.
Structured research, guidance and resources informed by real architectural and construction experience — organised around the five stages of every project.
Research & Feasibility
Site selection, project briefs, budgets, planning constraints, development opportunities and initial professional requirements.
Key considerations
- Define the brief: what you need, why and by when
- Set a realistic budget including fees, VAT, contingency and finance
- Check planning history, designations and constraints for the site
- Confirm ownership, access, rights of way and services
Guides & tools
Consultants often involved
Building consultant / architect · Measured surveyor · Planning consultant (for sensitive sites)
Concept Design & Planning
Design development, planning applications, surveys, consultant appointments and planning strategy.
Key considerations
- Develop options before fixing a layout
- Choose the right planning route (permitted development, householder, full, outline, prior approval)
- Consider pre-application advice for complex schemes
- Plan surveys early — some are seasonal (e.g. ecology)
Guides & tools
Consultants often involved
Architect / architectural designer · Planning consultant · Ecologist, arboriculturist, heritage or highways consultant as required
Technical Design & Compliance
Building Regulations, specifications, structural coordination, drainage, energy performance, fire safety and technical information.
Key considerations
- Building Regulations approval route (full plans or building notice)
- Structural design and calculations
- Drainage, energy (SAP/SBEM) and ventilation strategies
- Fire safety and means of escape
Guides & tools
Consultants often involved
Structural engineer · Energy assessor · Building control (local authority or approved inspector) · Fire engineer for complex buildings
Procurement & Construction
Tendering, contractor selection, construction contracts, project management, programme, cost control and inspections.
Key considerations
- Procurement route (traditional, design & build, self-managed)
- Tender package and like-for-like comparison of prices
- A written building contract (e.g. JCT)
- Programme, cash-flow and contingency control
Guides & tools
Consultants often involved
Project manager / contract administrator · Quantity surveyor · Principal designer (CDM) · Building control inspector
Completion & Aftercare
Certification, handover, warranties, defects, maintenance and building operation.
Key considerations
- Completion certificate from building control
- Warranties and guarantees (structural warranty, product guarantees)
- Snagging and the defects period
- Operation and maintenance information
Guides & tools
Consultants often involved
Contract administrator · Warranty provider · Maintenance contractors
General guidance for England and Wales. It is preliminary and not a substitute for site-specific professional advice.