Generally, Studio VK gets involved at an early stage of a project to understand & define requirements and objectives of the client, measure and draw the existing property (‘Preparation and Brief development – Stage 1’). The measuring can also be done by a third-party surveyor.

This leads to further discussions, determination of a planning route, review of site constraints and the development of sketch/concept designs for the clients’ consideration. These get refined and one preferred option is chosen at the end of ‘Concept Design – Stage 2′.

The preferred option will then be developed further into a ‘Developed Design – Stage 3’ for the planning submission with any required design statements. Some technical aspects will already be considered at this stage to ensure design proposals can be realised.

With the receipt of planning permission, the design and specific details will be advanced, and specifications/ schedule of works are set up for building control approval, tender and construction – which falls under the ‘Technical Design – Stage 4’. At this stage Studio VK also liaises with Building Control and the structural engineer (and other consultants that may be required). Towards the end of this stage we can manage a competitive tender process to request a number of quotes from suitable contractors we know or from client recommended contractors.

During ‘Construction – Stage 5’, Studio VK administers the building contract between the client and the contractor, inspects the site on a regular basis and issues interim payment certificates prior to contractor invoicing, coordinates any site issues and highlights deviations from the approved design.

With completion of the works, the project proceeds to the ‘Handover and Close Out – Stage 6’ during which final inspections are undertaken with the client and contractor to report any defects to remedy. Following on from this the administration of the building contract will be concluded.

(The stages mentioned up to and including the ‘Developed Design – Stage 3’ are necessary to be able to get to a planning submission.)