Our Expertise & Services

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In the construction industry, concept design represents the initial response to the Client's requirements. Concept design generally takes place after feasibility studies and options appraisals have been carried out and a project brief has been prepared.

Concept design is generally considered to be the first true design stage. We are also able to offer options appraisals and feasibility studies that would naturally include the preparation of diagrams - for example exploring the relationships between functions. During this stage we would ensure that any ideas created by us will comply with the requirements of the Passivhaus Standards whilst most importantly fulfilling the Client’s brief. 

We are also able to expand on the concept design phase. 'Concept' is the initial design idea. Following this stage is the ‘Scheme Design’. The 'scheme' develops the concept, taking on board more functional and practical considerations. We generally combine these two steps into the single stage 'concept design', or 'concept'.

Concept design is followed by 'detailed design' or 'developed design' during which all the main components of the building and how they fit together are developed and described. We have many reliable and trusted architectural practices, structural engineers and electrical & mechanical engineers that we have experience working with. We would coordinate and liaise with them, sourcing fee proposals that cover the entirety of the design requirements, whilst also providing our Quantity Surveying expertise on whether they represent value for money. This process ensures a smooth transition of our works through to detailed design. 

Passivhaus

Passivhaus (also known as Passive House) is a scientifically proven design tool for new build projects that achieves exceptionally comfortable and healthy living and working conditions within our built environment. The word ‘haus’ directly translates to building, meaning the same principles are able to be applied to non-residential schemes also. 

Passivhaus buildings provide the highest level of occupant comfort while using very little energy for heating and cooling. They are built with meticulous attention to detail and rigorous design and construction quality control and assurance processes,  in line with the principles, tools and training developed by the Passivhaus Institut in Germany,  

Passivhaus buildings achieve over 75% reduction in space heating requirements, when compared to current standard practices for new builds. It can help create exceptionally comfortable buildings, that are unrivalled in quality, while also delivering up to 90% cuts in occupants’ fuel bills.  The Passivhaus standard therefore gives a robust method to help the industry achieve the 80% carbon reductions that are set as a legislative target for the United Kingdom. 

The principles of Passivhaus truly represent the apex of sustainable design and development. 

Utilising readily available techniques, that have been available to us for over a quarter of a century, you are able to create truly energy efficient, comfortable, healthy and superior living + work spaces.

To achieve the Passivhaus standards it would typically involve: 

• Accurate design modelling using the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) 
• Very high levels of insulation 
• Extremely high-performance windows with insulated frames 
• An airtight building fabric 
• 'Thermal bridge free' construction 
• A mechanical ventilation system with highly efficient heat recovery  

EnerPHit

The EnerPHit standard is the Passivhaus Istitut’s recommended route for refurbishment projects. It allows for more flexibility when compared to the normal Passivhaus standard (that is aimed towards new builds) thus allowing accommodation for the challenges that retrofit projects present, such as orientation or a historic façade that simply cannot be changed.

Aiming for EnerPHit certification offers all the benefits that PH certification has to offer, including stringent quality assurances, all the while still achieving the

superior comfort and performance Passivhaus buildings are known for.

An immediate whole house retrofit is likely to achieve the best results both in terms of energy reduction and comfort. However, this is a significant undertaking which could prove too much to complete all at once. There is an option to phase the works. Getting the sequence right and decisions in the early stages are critical to ensure that the full potential of the retrofit is realised.

The EnerPHit process includes tools to structure the retrofit in a step-by-step way, thus ensuring that the implications of each step are understood and properly planned out right at the start of the project. The Plus & Premium certification are also

available.

Trust is at the heart of our relationship with every Client. Our Clients are provided with the layers of confidence that we have the expertise, insight and technical skills to make sure that their project is delivered to specification, and within time, on budget and to the expected quality. Expectation management being a crucial factor within this.     

Drive and flexibility are the two central pillars of our service. We have a select team  of seasoned project managers with specialist knowledge spanning every building and property sector.     

The advice and support that we provide covers every step of the project lifecycle, from briefing through site assembly, design, procurement, construction, commissioning and finally to handover.    

We use the fundamental principles, themes and processes of PRINCE2 to manage all types of projects.    

PRINCE2 (or PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is a project management method widely recognised and adopted around the world, used by people and organisations from various industries and sectors. It is a flexible and process-based method for effective project management that guides you through the essentials for managing successful projects.  PRINCE2 sets out the applicability of a set of established and proven best practice governance that applies to all types of projects regardless of size and scale. It is built upon seven principles, themes and processes that can be tailored to meet your specific requirements.

For anyone embarking on a construction project, getting a full understanding of the costs involved is crucial.    

It will determine whether budget is able to match ambition, as well as identifying what constitutes value for money. That truism applies regardless of a project’s scale, complexity or whether it’s a new build or refurbishment.     

We help Clients to monitor costs, ensure value for money, and exploit opportunities to strip away excess expenditure at every stage of the project:    

Procurement advice and contract financial control 

Our detailed understanding of the construction process and its attendant challenges is one of our key strengths. We have a long and successful history of working with multiple Contractors, advising on procurement, cost planning and the tendering process, and carrying out final account services.    

Pre-contract 

A thoroughly researched cost estimate of a proposed building project is intrinsic to any feasibility study. At a fundamental level it can determine whether a project is viable or not. And it’s essential in drawing up a realistic budget.    

We harness data from similar schemes we’ve worked on, establishing a clear benchmark for the project - that’s then used to measure progress and effectively monitor the development of the design. As the design develops, the order of cost estimate can be updated to establish formal cost plans.    

We can also advise on the types of contract available to the Client, and help them to find the right tenderers for their project. We assist Clients throughout the tendering process, from drawing up the documentation to ultimately recommending which bids to accept.    

Sometimes tenders may exceed budgets. When that occurs, we have the ability to value engineer the budget without significantly impacting the Client’s position. If that’s not possible, we can help the Client to obtain additional funding.    

Post-contract 

After the award of the contract, we are able to provide a full post contract service. It covers every aspect of cost consultancy, right up to the issue of the final certificate.    

That service includes carrying out interim valuations with the Contractor, Trade Contractors and Sub-Contractors, issuing payment certificates, and implementing a cost challenging process for the valuation of variations. We also provide regular financial statements to the Client, tailored to their requirements.    

We’re used to working with all the current standard forms of construction contracts. Our expertise encompasses building, civil engineering, specialist sub‑contracting and works package contracting – we prepare and issue contract documentation, and liaise with our Client’s lawyers on amendments, design warranties, bonds and parent company guarantees.    

At the end of the process, we’ll agree the final amount with the Contractors and certify any release of retention.

Employing sustainable development and construction models assists our Clients to produce tangible economic, environmental and social benefits, and also to build long-term endurance.     

We aspire to have a positive influence on the world, so sustainability is at the heart of our work. We believe that delivering sustainable outcomes for both current stakeholders and future generations will make our operating environments stronger in the long run.    

Our analytical skills are powerful. We use them to bring focus to strategies and programmes by  demystifying and applying data to answer the individual aims of a project.  Performance measures can be selected from themes including transport, biodiversity, culture and employment. We bring a pragmatic outlook through our high-level advice.     

Aspiration into action  

Our uncommon ability to marry technical ability, skill in project delivery and strategic advice translates our responsibilities and sustainability plans into meaningful action. Our expertise spans Passivhaus (or Passive House), EnerPHit, embodied carbon, water, waste and energy, economics, planning and project management ranging from advisory services through to behavioural change,     

That breadth enables us to realise solutions at any scale: from a rainwater harvesting flushing tank for constrained spaces to large-scale sustainable infrastructure, and the design of some of the greenest buildings.     

Crucially, our diverse practical experience strengthens our ability to help Clients win community acceptance and attain legislative compliance or planning permissions by addressing sustainability.  

A more secure future   

We help organisations, individuals and communities reduce risk by applying our understanding of the natural world and its practical connection to our operating environments.      

To our Clients, resilience to resource scarcity may mean a robust energy strategy. Or it may mean using specific custom-designed products that allow retrofitting green roofs to existing building stocks.     

We address the full spectrum of climate adaptation and resilience, from disaster-resistant masterplanning, to state-of-the-art resource efficiency and security.

We have expertise in contract administration and have experience in all development types getting involved at the construction stage – at the point where procurement, tendering and the awarding of the contracts take place. 

We can be engaged independently of a Client’s existing project team, providing a valuable third party perspective. Or we can take lead in providing a full contract administration service. 

Our sector experience enables us to act on all building contract matters. With delegated authority, we could issue instructions, certificates, statements, opinions, accounts, decisions, and notices on behalf of our Clients. 

It’s a service which frees up internal resources, and provides a high level of consistency throughout the project lifecycle.

We keep the building contract running to schedule. Working closely with the contractors is fundamental to this, and we always act within the spirit of the contract, negotiating skilfully – and fairly – with all stakeholders. That collaborative approach applies regardless of whether we’re working in residential, commercial, retail, arts and culture, education or healthcare.

Our project programme experience helps Clients to make that determination, by dissecting the construction programmes provided by contractors. That process can reduce risk, and cut unnecessary expenditure.    

The advice we provide is often interlinked with broader project management objectives, establishing the principal programme tools use to drive a project – namely the Master, Design, Procurement, Construction, and Completion and Occupation programmes.    

With a wealth of construction methodology and logistics experience, it means that we can be – and often are - called on to support design development, assist in planning consultations, develop procurement strategies and demonstrate sensible construction sequences. 

We offer our Clients a range of options, tailored to their particular requirements . 

We are capable of providing a fresh insight and perspective that may unlock the  and a wealth of project management experience. 

Our deep understanding of construction projects helps us to anticipate issues, provide clarity and help our Clients to make the right decisions at the right time.

We are capable of providing a full turnkey solution to your development or project. 

Having extensive knowledge of the UK planning process we are able to assist you and your development or project from early conception through to design, build, test, commission and handover. 

Our Clients are also confident that they’re getting advice that’s market-specific. We help to deliver projects across the following sectors:

• Residential 
• Commercial 
• Retail 
• Hotel and leisure 
• Mixed Use 
• Education 
• Student accommodation 
• Arts and Culture 
• Healthcare