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How We Work
How we take a project from the first meeting to a finished, occupied building, in ten stages.
Our approach
A clear process, from brief to handover
Good buildings depend on careful planning, clear communication and attention to detail. Our process brings design, structural coordination, cost management and site supervision together, so that one team is accountable from start to finish.
We follow the same process whether we are working on an airport terminal or a private house, adjusting the level of detail to suit the size of the project.
The stages
Ten stages, five phases
What happens at each stage, and what the client receives.
Phase 1
Brief & Feasibility
- 01
Discovery & Consultation
We start by meeting the client to understand what the building needs to do, who will use it, the budget and the timescale. Nothing is drawn until the brief is clear.
Deliverables
- Agreed client brief
- Operational & Spatial Requirements Matrix
- Initial Project Budget Framework
- Stakeholders and approval responsibilities
- 02
Research & Feasibility
We assess the site, its planning and zoning constraints, environmental conditions and the financial viability of the project.
Deliverables
- Site Analysis & Solar Orientation Report
- Zoning & Land Use Feasibility Study
- Environmental & Ecological Impact Baseline
- Funding & Commercial Feasibility Review
Phase 2
Design
- 03
Concept Development
We turn the brief into early layouts and massing options, with 3D views and material ideas, and develop them with the client.
Deliverables
- Architectural Massing & Form Options
- 3D concept views
- Material and colour boards
- Preliminary cost estimate
- 04
Design Development
The agreed concept is developed into detailed drawings, with interior layouts and the structural and services strategy coordinated with the engineers.
Deliverables
- 1:100 Detailed Floor Plans, Sections & Elevations
- Integrated Interior Architecture Layouts
- Structural & MEP Engineering Strategy
- Material & Finish Specification Schedule
Phase 3
Documentation & Approvals
- 05
Technical Documentation & BIM
We prepare the construction drawings and specifications, using a coordinated BIM model to check for clashes between disciplines before anything is built.
Deliverables
- Coordinated BIM model (Revit / IFC)
- Detailed Construction Issue Drawings (1:20 / 1:5)
- Bills of Quantities (BoQs) & NRM Specifications
- Multi-Disciplinary Clash Detection Report
- 06
Statutory & Regulatory Approvals
We prepare the submissions needed for planning, environmental, fire and building control approval in Kenya, Rwanda and elsewhere in the region, and follow them through.
Deliverables
- Municipal Planning & Architectural Approvals
- NEMA Environmental Clearance
- Fire & Safety Compliance Certification
- Building Control Statutory Sign-Offs
Phase 4
Construction
- 07
Tender & Procurement
We help the client appoint a contractor: pre-qualification, tender documents, evaluation of bids and a recommendation for award.
Deliverables
- Tender Package & Instructions to Bidders
- Contractor Pre-Qualification Evaluation
- Comparative Bid Analysis & Report
- JBC / FIDIC Form of Contract Award
- 08
Construction Supervision
Our architects and project managers inspect the works, answer contractors' queries and check quality against the drawings and specifications.
Deliverables
- Weekly Site Inspection Reports & Photo Logs
- Cost Control & Cashflow Tracking
- Quality Assurance & Material Testing Review
- Variation & RFI Log Management
Phase 5
Handover & Aftercare
- 09
Practical Completion & Handover
At the end of construction we inspect and snag the works, check that building systems are working, and hand over the documents the client needs to run the building.
Deliverables
- Snag list and defect resolution
- As-Built BIM & CAD Drawings
- Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Manuals
- Certificate of Practical Completion
- 10
Post-Occupancy Evaluation
Once the building is in use, we review how it is performing, including energy use, comfort and user feedback, and recommend any adjustments.
Deliverables
- Energy & Building Performance Audit
- Occupant feedback survey
- Recommendations for adjustments
- Continued support for the client
Why it works
What clients gain
- 01
One practice, one team
Architecture, interior design and construction project management in one practice, which avoids gaps between the people who design a building and those who deliver it.
- 02
Coordinated digital models
We use BIM (Revit) for 3D clash detection, quantity take-off and a digital record of the building at handover.
- 03
Cost awareness
Cost is reviewed at every design stage with the quantity surveyor, to keep the project within the approved budget.
- 04
Local knowledge
Since 2005 we have worked with the regulations, environmental requirements and supply chains of Kenya, Rwanda and the wider region.
Begin your project
Ready to start stage one?
If you have a site or a brief in mind, we can talk you through the first stages.