This is an important part of our service; to ensure a project is planned carefully at the outset, and then implemented within the required time scale. Delays are all too common in the building industry, so we have developed a number of effective techniques to avoid them.

For example:

1. We identify clients requirements and possible constraints to development.
2. We assist clients in preparing a strategic brief for projects.
3. We advise on what steps are needed to arrive at a design which meet our clients requirements within budget, to achieve planning consent, to obtain Building regulations approval and to implement the project on site.
4. We can prepare detailed project programmes, interrelating all the key activities and showing the critical path which we monitor throughout the design and implementation process, ensuring it takes account of any delays (which are normally set against a contingency time established at the outset).
5. We identify procedures, organisational structure and range of consultants and specialists to be engaged for the project.

In many instances the first stage of our service to a client on a building project is a very outline design which aims to establish its feasibility in planning and financial terms. This is often a particularly valuable exercise in that it is probably the best opportunity for our clients and us as designers to grapple with the project objectives and the constraints arising out of the character of the site, planning polices, and financial aspects. Our aim at this stage is to come up with one or more outline design proposals which satisfy the clients objectives while dealing with the constraints.

Our drawing work at this stage is usually fairly limited but usually includes an overall site plan, typical sketch plans and outline elevations and is often accompanied by a brief report and / or schedule of accommodation.

Once the outline design has been approved by the client, a more detailed study can be carried out, whereby the full design including the detailed appearance of the building project is defined as well as the fitting out of every room in it.

This usually involves:-

1. Preparation of relationship diagrams & Room Data Sheets (describing the furniture, equipment and services required in each room) in agreement with the client which completes the client brief.
2. Preparation of draft design proposals based on the above.
3. Develop outline design proposals to show spacial arrangement, type of construction, materials, appearance and structural and service concepts.
4. Preparation of an outline specification.
5. Discussions with the client on the draft design proposals.

At this stage we would recommend the appointment of a design team consisting of (as appropriate):-

Structural / Civil Engineer, Building services / Mechanical Engineer, Quantity Surveyor (who would check against the budget) and Landscape Architect (where appropriate).

We would normally prepare a Design Report at the completion of this exercise including: ;

1. A site plan (usually at 1:500 scale).
2. Floor plans (usually at 1:100 or 1:50 scale fully fitted out).
3. All elevations (usually at 1:100 or 1:200 scale).
4. The Agreed Room Data Sheets.
5. One or more perspective views of the project as required.
6. A written report explaining the reasoning behind the design.
   This would normally be accompanied by a Cost Plan based on the design prepared by the Quantity Surveyor.

ESHA has a very good record in obtaining planning consent for a wide variety of projects, including a number in particularly sensitive locations such as central Tiverton, Ludlow, the Redland Conservation Area (Bristol) and the listed Merchants Almshouses also in Bristol.

ESHA are well versed in the coordinating of the submission of Building Regulations applications for projects.

We have undertaken this for residential, sports, social and care home projects. In some cases we have used local authority officers as the approving body, but for other projects we have used independent approved inspectors and housing insurance organisations such as Zurich.

Our service includes:-

1. Advising on the employment (where appropriate) of other consultants such as engineers, energy / SAP assessors / environmental specialists.
2. Developing the design from sketch or planning stage and preparation of the architectural application drawings.
3. Coordination of the application package and forms for submission.
4. Input into the development of a design stage fire strategy (where appropriate) in conjunction with building management representatives.
5. Advising on the appointment of testing specialists for sound and airtightness, where required by the regulations.
6. Answering queries raised by the approved inspectors.

In a proportion of our commissions our clients have decided to ask us to prepare fully detailed designs and specifications before seeking tenders from building contractors.

In these cases we lead and coordinate a design team consisting of:

1. ourselves as Architects.
2. sometimes a Landscape Architect.
3. a Civil and Structural Engineer.
4. a Mechanical & Electrical / Services Engineer.
5. a Quantity Surveyor / Cost Consultant.

We produce overall plans, sections and elevations usually at 1:100 or 1:50 scale together with constructional details usually at 1:10 or 1:5 scale, together with a detailed specification document which sets out materials and workmanship for the building. This information combined with that provided by the other consultants then forms the basis of the invitations to tender.

Tender Action and Appointment of Contractor

We prepare and collate tender documents in sufficient detail to enable a tender or tenders to be obtained and respond to queries raised by the tendering contractors. We contribute to the appraisal and report on tenders received and if necessary revise production information to meet adjustments in the tender sum.

Site Inspection and Contract Administration

Post Completion Feedback

After completion of the building work and where we have administered the contract we make a final inspection of the building and advise the client on the settlement of the final account for the building work.

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What We Do Planning Consultancy Project Planning & Programming Feasibility Studies Detailed Briefing and Design Achieving Planning Consent Building Regulations Production Information Tender Action and Appointment of Contractor Site Inspection and Contract Administration Post Completion Feedback

Other Services Public Consultation Design Review / Client Advisor Design Intent Details & Specification Design Monitoring Preparation of Design Codes Illustration & Visualisation • Illustration • Visualisation Design Competitions Single Houses and Small Scale Conversions / Extensions

Potfolio Masterplanning & Urban Design Housing in Urban Areas Rural Planning & Housing in Villages Housing for Specialist Groups / Elderly / Students Single Houses & Small Scale Conversion / Extensions Refurbishment & Reordering of Buildings Health Education including laboratories Conservation Areas & Listed Buildings Offices / Defence / Other

Sustainability Introduction Mixed use Long life, loose-fit, low energy Thermal insulation and mass Water drainage and flooding Natural lighting and ventilation Embodied energy Natural landscape Renewable energy sources Aesthetics Building Design Design Process Built Form Conclusion

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