OUR APPROACH
Our Unique Process
SPD Studio uses the RIBA Stages of Work to guide our approach to architecture planning and design as well as engineering with a strong focus on sustainability.
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Each is a brief summary of what each stage typically comprises, focusing on the roles of Town Planner, Architect and Civil Engineer. These stages ensure a comprehensive, organised approach to project delivery, with a clear role for each discipline.
Stage 0: Strategic Definition
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Purpose: Establish the project's objectives and viability.
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Activities: Involves defining the project scope, identifying the client’s needs, and ensuring the project aligns with strategic goals. Town planning considerations include reviewing the site’s zoning, regulations, and potential planning permissions. Civil engineers may assess the site’s condition and infrastructure requirements.
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Outcome: Project brief, initial site analysis, and feasibility report.
Stage 1: Preparation and Brief
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Purpose: Further define and refine the project scope and goals.
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Activities: Detailed discussions with the client about budget, timeline, and specific requirements. Architects prepare initial design concepts. Town planning professionals ensure that the project complies with local planning policies and regulations.
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Outcome: Initial design brief, project budget, and understanding of planning constraints.
Stage 2: Concept Design
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Purpose: Develop the conceptual design for the project.
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Activities: Architects create design proposals, including layouts, massing, and spatial organization. Town planning and environmental consultants might work on land use, density, and sustainability. Civil engineers conduct site investigations, including soil analysis and environmental considerations and start planning structural systems, drainage, and utilities. A pre-planning application may be submitted at this stage if required.
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Outcome: Concept design with preliminary sketches and outline of the planning application.
Stage 3: Developed Design
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Purpose: Refine and develop the design.
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Activities: More precise architectural drawings, including materials, finishes, and dimensions. Civil engineers prepare more detailed structural, drainage, and infrastructure designs. Town planning may be consulted to ensure compliance with planning policies and any feedback from planning authorities.
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Outcome: Developed design ready for technical design, with all disciplines (architecture, engineering, planning) integrated.
Stage 4: Technical Design
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Purpose: Finalise the technical aspects of the design for construction.
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Activities: Architects and engineers complete detailed technical drawings and specifications, ensuring that the design is fully coordinated. Civil engineering designs include structural elements, foundations, and utilities. Town planning may still be involved in reviewing any final permissions or permits needed. Contractors are typically appointed at this stage.
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Outcome: Full technical documentation, ready for tendering and construction
Stage 5: Construction
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Purpose: Execute the construction of the building.
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Activities: The construction phase begins, with the contractor building the project according to the technical design. Architects may oversee the work to ensure design compliance, civil engineers manage construction-related challenges. Regular site visits by town planners may be necessary to ensure compliance with local planning laws.
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Outcome: Completed building, ready for handover to the client.
Stage 6: Handover and Close Out
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Purpose: Complete the project and hand over to the client.
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Activities: The project is finalized, including the inspection, testing, and commissioning of systems and equipment. Architects and engineers ensure that any remaining defects are addressed. Town planning may be involved in ensuring that the project is in full compliance with the approved planning permissions. Documentation such as operation manuals and maintenance plans is handed over.
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Outcome: Building handed over, with all necessary documentation provided to the client.
