By Neil Turner, Director, Howarth Litchfield.
I wrote an article a couple of months ago on how to start designing a house, and the rules are true across all building development.
The next step after appointing an Architect is creating the brief: what do you want to have in your building? The brief can be room names, sizes, shapes, colours, aspirational words. It’s worth spending time, thinking about this key early stage of the project, so take the time to write a proper brief.
An architect will work with your brief to develop it but remember it’s your house so write the first brief yourself. I am amazed how often this stage is skipped over or neglected by both the client / developer and worse still, the designer.
The RIBA created an updated plan of work in 2020 and this provides a very useful understanding of the different work stages in all development. I always refer to this. Some of us use the old version with letters, before the use of the current numbering system.
The first stages of any development, be it a house or a factory, should record the client requirements. Now they may be vague at the beginning – or very detailed – but it defines what is clearly known at the start. So, when people look back there is a beginning and an audit trail. That audit trail is now so important considering the building safety act legislation.
What are the budgets at the start? Many clients will say they don’t know, which I understand, but invariably there is a budget and it’s worth declaring that to the designer. It’s rare if there is a limitless budget – in fact, everyone and every business has a budget.
In the preparation and briefing stage (RIBA stage 1) I like to get to know the client and more about their lifestyle or business operation. Once a client has written or illustrated their brief, the architect can start to advise by building upon this to create a more detailed series of questions. From this I can define what the outcomes are and what constitutes a successful project.
The temptation on all jobs is immediately to start drawing – or in fact, clients asking for visualisations of the finished buildings. I think this is where experience and knowledge comes in, to ask the right and pertinent questions.
If the project involves an existing building, then an assessment of the existing asset or building is vital. Are there accurate record drawings from previous works that can be relied upon or will the building need to be measured to get a fresh and reliable set of information? It’s always worth investing in accurate information. I was taught how to measure up a building as a young architect – now it’s sadly becoming a lost skill – because you learnt about the building you were working on. The new 3D surveys are, however, mighty impressive in their detail.
Are there building manuals in place? Buildings are more complex than ever, so finding out more about them is worth it. Defining the sustainability aspirations of the client, the building or process will also help inform the brief, the design and ultimately, your project costs.
I haven’t even mentioned programme yet, one of the biggest impacts on all development.
All this is not designed to scare you but gently point out that the initial stages should involve the time to think, plan and discuss. Then hopefully, your project gets underway, heading in the right direction from the outset.
Neil Turner, Director, Howarth Litchfield can be contacted on 0191 384 9470 or email n.turner@hlpuk.com
www.howarthlitchfield.com