Architects working methods are often thought of as somewhat mysterious and like most creative pursuits they involve artistic moments that defy straightforward analysis.  However, there is a logical process whereby a project is developed from the first thoughts in a clients mind through to the construction of the building and the management of it's subsequent life-cycle.

Generally the design and construction process is divided into a series of Work Stages as defined by the RIBA Outline Plan of Work.  During the Pre-Construction period the proposals are developed in increasing detail, Stage by Stage, until they are ready to be built.  Once the final decision has been taken to implement the proposals the Construction period can begin.

These Work Stages provide an industry standard framework that assists in describing the level of detail that a given set of proposals has achieved, and helps in staging services supplied by other members of the project team should they be required (e.g. structural and services engineers, quantitiy surveyors, planning supervisors and others).

Feasibility :

Stage A - Appraisal - Identification of Client's requirements and possible constraints on development, preliminary studies to assist Client in deciding whether to proceed and to select probable method for procurement.

Stage B - Strategic Brief - Preparation of a Strategic Brief, either by the Client or on his behalf, confirming key requirements and constraints, as well as the organisational structure of the project team and procedures to be adopted.

Pre-Construction :

Stage C - Outline Proposals - Begin development of the Strategic Brief into full Project Brief, preparation of outline proposals and estimate of cost, review of the procurement route.

Stage D - Detailed Proposals - Development of the Project Brief completed, preparation of detailed proposals, and application for detailed planning approval.

Stage E - Final Proposals - Preparation of final proposals sufficient for co-ordination of all components and elements of the Project.

Stage F - Production Information - Preparation of production information to obtain tenders and apply for statutory approvals, together with further production information as may be required under the building contract.

Stage G - Tender Documentation - Preparation and collation of tender documentation in sufficient detail to enable tenders to be obtained for the construction of the Project.

Stage H - Tender Action - Identification and evaluation of potential contractors and/or specialists for the construction of the Project, obtaining and appraising tenders together with the submission of recommendations to the client.

Construction :

Stage J - Mobilisation - Letting the building contract, appointing the Contractor, issuing production information, and arranging handover of the site.

Stage K - To Practical Completion - Administration of the building contract up to and including practical completion, provision of further information to the Contractor as and when reasonably required.

Stage L - After Practical Completion - Administration of the building contract after practical completion, making final inspections and settling the final account.

13 Charlotte Street, London :

Stair detail  - office refurbishment with restaurant unit at ground floor and basement.  Client : Vale Retirement Trust.  Construction Cost : £500,000