Architectural Services

Our experience extends across all stages of construction projects; from early feasibility sketches and brief making, to planning application submission and building regulation approval, detailed design and working drawings, and through contract administration on-site and hand-over.

Axis works to the industry recognised ‘Work Stages’ that the RIBA produces and we can deliver either a specific Stage, a combination of them or provide a full service from inception to completion.  The Work Stages divide a project into discrete parts to provide consistency across multiple projects.

Each project is unique and each Work Stage is dependent on the particular procurement route (eg. Traditional or Design & Build), therefore please contact us if you would like more information in relation to your particular project.

Below is a brief description of each work stage from the RIBA Plan of Work 2013:

  Stage 0 – Strategic Definition

Initial appraisal of a project to identify strategic objectives prior to the creation of a detailed brief.  Such as site acquisition, financial viability of projects and setting overall project timescales.

 Stage 1 – Preparation and Brief

This stage prepares for the project and forms the brief that will guide the rest of the project.

 Stage 2 – Concept Design

Based on the brief a concept design will be developed to address all the key requirements set out by the Client.  At the end of this stage a coherent design will have been created to form the basis of the next stage or sometimes outline planning permission.

 Stage 3 – Developed Design

The concept design will be developed further to produce a more detailed proposal that aligns with budget costing information.  The design will then be fixed once all parties are in agreement and at the end of this stage a full planning application will be usually be submitted.

 Stage 4 – Technical Design

The design is developed to include specification information, detailed design of the services, structure, and other architectural items.  Further consultants will usually be required at this stage to provide specialist design input for items outside of our expertise.  During this stage a Building Regulation Application will usually be made to gain a ‘plans approval’ and at the end of this stage all the design elements will be completed and coordinated, and a tender price sought for the works.

 Stage 5 – Construction

This stage includes the mobilisation of the contractor and all the on-site operations up to completion.  During this stage we can administer the building contract, deal with queries on-site and undertake site inspections.

 Stage 6 – Handover and Close Out

This stage includes the completion of the construction works, the handover of the site to the Client, and any defects liability period through to the issue of the Final Certificate.

 Stage 7 – In Use

This stage includes the facilities management of the completed project, post occupancy evaluations and any post-project monitoring required.