Our process
Ten stages One clear path
Every project, from a restaurant fit-out to a whole-house refurbishment, follows the same sequence. Each stage ends with something you can see and approve, so you always know what has been agreed, what comes next and where the budget stands.
You can appoint us for every stage, or only for the ones you need. Many clients start with feasibility and decide on the build route once they have a design and a cost they are comfortable with.
How a W1 project runs, from first conversation to handover
Stage
01Initial consultation
We meet on site or at the studio, listen to what you want to achieve and look at the building, lease or site.
You receive: A written summary of the brief, the likely route and our proposed scope.
02Brief & feasibility
Measured survey, review of planning history, constraints, condition and services, and an early check of budget against ambition.
You receive: A feasibility report with options, risks and an order-of-cost view.
03Concept design
Layouts and three-dimensional studies that test the brief, with materials and lighting direction. Cost is checked against the design.
You receive: A concept pack you can review, share and sign off.
04Planning
Pre-application advice where useful, then the planning or listed building application, landlord consents and liaison with the council.
You receive: A submitted application, managed through to decision.
05Developed design
The design is coordinated with structural, mechanical and electrical engineers and other consultants; finishes and key details are fixed.
You receive: A coordinated developed design and an updated cost plan.
06Technical design
Construction drawings, specifications and details, prepared to meet Building Regulations and any landlord or brand requirements.
You receive: A tender-ready package and Building Control submission.
07Tender & procurement
We price the works with selected contractors, or provide our own design and build price, and compare like for like.
You receive: A tender report and a recommendation, so you can appoint with confidence.
08Construction
Works on site, with programme, health and safety and quality managed day to day. Changes are agreed in writing before they happen.
You receive: Regular progress updates, photographs and site meetings.
09Project management
Cost, quality and programme are controlled throughout: valuations, change control, consultant coordination and reporting.
You receive: Clear reporting on spend, programme and decisions needed.
10Completion & handover
Snagging, testing and commissioning, certificates and sign-offs, then a structured handover.
You receive: A finished project, the certificates and manuals you need, and aftercare.
Appoint us for the stages you need
Design only takes a project through stages 1 to 6, ready for your own contractor. Design and build covers every stage with one team. Full delivery adds project management and aftercare from the first meeting to the last certificate.
Questions clients ask
Yes. Some clients need feasibility and planning only; others come to us with planning approved and need technical design and construction. We agree the scope at the first meeting.
You see cost at every stage, not just at the end. We give an order-of-cost view at feasibility, check it against the concept and developed design, and confirm it at tender.
If you appoint us for design and build, we agree a fixed price for the agreed scope before work starts on site. It only changes if you decide to change the scope, or if something genuinely unforeseeable is found once the building is opened up. Any change is priced and agreed with you in writing before the work is done.
We do. We prepare and manage planning and listed building applications, landlord consents where needed, and the Building Control process through to completion certificates.
Yes. With a design-only appointment we prepare the tender package, help you compare prices and can inspect the works on site.
It depends on the size of the project, the approvals it needs and the route you choose. At feasibility we give you a programme covering design, planning, procurement and construction, and we update it at every stage so you can plan your move, opening date or lease around it.
You receive the certificates, warranties and manuals for the building, and we return to deal with anything that needs attention during the defects period.
Further reading
Guides from our journal on the questions that come up most at this stage.