Commercial Project Planning Pack

PLANNING A COMMERCIAL PROJECT

Here’s how to achieve the result you’re looking for.

Summary sheet

“Plans are nothing; planning is everything”

Dwight D. Eisenhower, former

U.S. President

Rapid Project Planning Pack for The Research Phase

Q: What’s the #1 problem with projects?

A: Going over time and budget.

This happens all the time and we believe it’s because too many people move projects into the Design Phase, before they’ve done the necessary research. Just like an advocate never addresses the court without thorough research into the case beforehand, so too do you need to research and plan, before you start doing any of the design work.

That’s why we’ve created the Commercial Project Planning Pack, giving you a simple way to help you move through the Research Phase. If you use this handy tool of ours, you’ll reduce your project risk and improve the overall design in the end.

Building Project Roadmap

6 Steps to Design and Build your Commercial Development or Refurbishment

You should always begin with the Research Phase, where you gather the information you need and explore various ideas and possibilities. While it’s important to dream big, you also need to get a realistic grasp on the feasibility of your ideas, by understanding what your project constraints are.

If you work with us, we’ll move to the Analysis Phase by conducting a Definition and Appraisal Review to eliminate assumptions, identify constraints and determine your best options. You’ll receive a document which any architect can use to reduce project risk and present optimal options for your site.

Building Project Roadmap

Here’s

your ideal roadmap to Design and Build your Commercial Development

Research

• Architects

• Builders

• Magazines

• Internet and Social Media

Appraisal & Definition Review

• Needs & options

• Review proposals

• Budget constraints

Documentation

• Planning approval

• Construction documentation

Tender

• Costings from builders

• Select a builder

Design

• Concept design

• Design development

• Consultant co-ordination

3 6

Build

• A Builder builds

• An Architect advises

1

Cost & Quality

Everyone wants to know how much a project will cost but architects are not the best people to answer this question accurately - their primary skill, after all, is to design and formulate the building language. However, no costing can be done without their input, because they are the ones who deal with the quantifiable detailing and optimisation of the development. Therefore, an architect and a quantity surveyor should be engaging with each

other from the inception of the project in order to get the most out of the budget available.

Your architect can do a preliminary desktop cost analysis based on their past experiences of similar projects. It’s therefore essential to engage with an experienced architect, who is knowledgeable and familiar with the type of project you’re pursuing, and who has a portfolio showcasing their previous work.

Questions to ask

When hiring an architect, it’s helpful to go through a defined process to make sure you get the BEST person for your project.

Although architects go through extensive schooling and training, that doesn’t mean all architects are created equal. Finding the RIGHT architect for you depends on several factors, like your project type and whether a unique skill set is required for that specific project.

Choosing the right architect can mean the difference between an enjoyable and productive experience, versus one plagued with problems and hassles.

Questions to ask

Here are the right questions to ask a potential architect:

• What are the specific challenges / considerations for this type of project?

• Do you have prior experience working on this specific type of project?

• How can you add value to our development / refurbishment, so that we maximise the return on investment?

• Do you have sufficient insurance?

• Will you manage the tender process, and do you help select suitable consultants and contracting teams?

• Will you inform us if the budget, timelines and project scope are realistic and achievable?

• Do you have an experienced team working with you on the project?

• How would you like us to share our ideas, vision and project requirements?

• What type of educational material do you provide to help us understand our specific project (if required)?

• What can we do to help you deliver the best work for us?

• How are you and your team reducing the impact on the environment and do you have experience with Green and Sustainable Design?

• Are you up to date with the latest technology and construction methods to prevent unnecessary expenses?

Myths vs. Reality

Myth

Architects are a luxury as they cost too much, plus they don’t listen to their clients anyway!

Reality

• Architects are problem solvers by nature - they have the ability to turn a difficult site into a beautiful building.

An architect’s role is a lot wider than most people realise. When an architect administers your project from start to finish, they ensure that every part of the project is handled, so that the significant investment you’re making is safe and secure.

• Years of experience have taught architects to plan and design buildings that can greatly reduce energy and maintenance costs.

• Architects’ services do come at a price, and cheaper rates may be offered by less-qualified designers.

• Remember though that architects are well-trained professionals, have specialist skills and must comply with the requirements of a registration body.

• The architect’s fee is actually quite a small part of the total cost of a construction project, and the money an architect costs is always outweighed by the value they add.

• Listening is actually a key professional skill for an architect, just like a lawyer would listen to your case (after all, architects that don’t listen will quickly run out clients!).

• Clients should always be honest, assertive and acknowledge that a project dialogue needs two partners if it is to be successful.

How

to

create a design brief

The quality of the output you get (your construction) depends very much on your design brief, which defines what you want – and what you don’t.

Our design brief creator uses the following questions when crafting briefs :

Question

• What type of business / organisation do you have?

• How important is branding / exposure for your business?

• Outline your current situation and challenges.

• Do you have a current lease agreement, or do you own the property or are you buying property?

• Do you require a high-level or detailed needs assessment and / or feasibility study?

• Do you require a new building, or the refurbishment of an existing building?

• Are you familiar with the latest Town Planning Scheme and its requirements?

• Do you have a budget, and do you have specific requirements?

Answer

How to create a design brief

The quality of the output you get (your construction) depends very much on your design brief, which defines what you want – and what you don’t.

Our design brief creator uses the following questions when crafting briefs :

Question

• What is your timeline and are there specific time constraints?

• Will you be able to supply us with a detailed accommodation schedule?

• What is your current head count and projected future growth?

• Would your development require alternative energy generating capabilities?

• Are you conscious about the environment and do you recycle?

• Do you have a dedicated maintenance team, and what is their level of experience?

• Will your building be used by your staff only or other members of the public too?

• How important is physical security and monitoring to your building?

Answer

Readiness Slider

“Where there is a will, there is a way.”

- Proverb from the 1600s

Think you’re ready to move to the Design Phase?

The adjacent exercise allows you to assess how ready you are to move into the Design Phase. If you’re not close to 10 on ALL scales, then it’s best to seek help from an expert to do the necessary research before you start designing.

If you don’t do this, you’ll run the risk of making too many assumptions, which is the #1 reason that projects exceed their budgets and go over time.

Questions

1 How clear are you on exactly what you’ll need?

2 How aware are you of the development options on your site?

3 How confident are you that you’re aware of all the rights and constraints of the site?

4 How aware are you of the processes you’ll need to have in place to get the project completed on time and on budget?

5 How confident are you that your budget will achieve your needs?

Give yourself a current overall rating for readiness.

As experienced, innovative architects, we can help you every step of the way. Book your free appraisal and definition phone call and get started today.