Professional Services
We work to the RIBA Plan of Work, the UK’s recognised framework for managing building projects from concept to completion. For our clients, we simplify this into four clear stages:
- Feasibility & Brief Development – Understanding your site, needs, and opportunities
2. Outline Design & Planning – Shaping the concept and securing approvals
3. Detail Design – Preparing detailed information for construction
4. Construction & Completion – Managing the build and handover
As a RIBA-compliant practice, we combine creative design with rigorous project management, delivering every stage to the highest professional standards. We can guide you through the entire process or provide a bespoke package focused on just the stages you need — whether that’s securing planning permission, preparing a Building Regulations package, or overseeing your project on site.
1. Feasibility & Brief Development
Understanding Your Site, Needs, and Opportunities
- RIBA Stages: This ensures you progress through RIBA Stages 0, 1, and 2.
- Measured survey: We carry out a detailed measured survey of your property and review the site conditions.
- Scaled drawings: Accurate survey drawings are prepared, suitable for use in planning applications.
- Brief development: We work with you to refine your goals, budget, and priorities.
- Early proposals: Initial design ideas are presented in 3D using CAD and SketchUp.
- Planning strategy: A tailored planning route is developed for your site and location.
- Feasibility confirmation: We confirm stylistic direction, budget alignment, and overall viability.
2. Outline Design and Planning
Shaping the Concept and Securing Planning Approval
- RIBA Stage: This ensures you progress through RIBA Stage 3.
- Sketch designs: Freehand sketches explore creative options.
- Consultant coordination: Engineers and other specialists are brought in early to ensure buildability.
- Outline drawings: A coordinated set of outline design drawings is prepared in CAD and SketchUp.
- Planning application: We compile all supporting documents and submit your application to the local authority.
- Planning liaison: We communicate directly with the planning officer, responding to feedback and requests.
3. Detail Design
Preparing Detailed Information For Construction With a Building Regulations Submission
- RIBA Stage: This ensures you progress through RIBA Stage 4.
- Design guide: A clear guide is issued to define materials,
finishes, and specifications. - Structural systems: Materials and structural details
are finalised with the engineer. - Technical design: Full technical coordination
across the project team. - Building Regulations: A complete package is
prepared and submitted for approval. - Pre-Construction Pack: Information compiled for
accurate cost estimates. - Schedule of Works: A detailed breakdown of all
building elements for tendering.
4. Construction & Completion
Managing the Build and Handover
- RIBA Stages: This ensures you progress through
RIBA Stages 5,6 and 7. - Tendering: A shortlist of vetted contractors is invited to tender.
- Contractor selection: Interviews, reference checks,
and suitability assessments. - Fixed-price contract: Preparation of the contract,
programme, and payment terms. - Site visits: Regular inspections to monitor quality and progress.
- Payment certification: Interim payment certificates
issued based on completed work. - Practical completion: Certificate issued when the build is finished.
- Snagging and defects: A final site visit is carried out
after 6 months to address any outstanding issues. - Final close-out: Ensuring everything is signed off and documented.
Start Your Dream Project Today
Through The Woods Ltd
Architecture + Development Services
alan@throughthewoods.co.uk
Call Alan – 07736 777533