RIBA STAGE 0 - Strategic Definition (initial planning stage)

How we will achieve all your requirements… WEEKS 1 - 5

Before we decide on a final design, we take time to explore various options. We base these ideas on:

  • What you've told us you want in the initial briefing consultation, including your lifestyle and how you like to live

  • Our detailed site analysis of your property / site

  • Achieving your aspirations within your outline budget

  • A shared online design board where you can easily post pictures and comments about styles you like (and don’t like!)

  • Your sustainability aspirations; to go full Passive House or to target a low-energy building

This process helps us understand your preferences better and to achieve the best design for you.

After we finish this initial planning stage (RIBA Stage 0), we'll share the design plans with you and ask for your feedback. This helps us better understand your needs and preferences.

We'll also advise you on the relevant planning permission and building control requirements that may apply, as well as the types of consultants you're likely to need, i.e. structural engineer, geotechnics, ecologist, arboriculturist, mechanical and electrical engineer, planning consultant, etc. 

We encourage you to carefully review the design plans and send us your written comments. We'll then incorporate your feedback into the start of the next stage of the project.

The key aims are:

  1. We'll share the initial design plans with you for your feedback.

  2. We'll provide guidance on planning, building control, and the consultants you may need.

  3. We want you to carefully review the plans and send us your written comments.

  4. We'll use your feedback as we move to the next stage of the project.

  5. We will give you advice on project programme and initial budget project costs.

AT THE END OF RIBA STAGE 0 - We will give you a design pack of our site analysis, concept design sketches and a sketch plan of the proposed layout of spaces. We will also formulate a sustainability plan to clarify how your sustainability goals will be achieved.