We are specialists in appraising the development potential and feasibility of sites, from small, intricate backland plots to larger, complex urban and rural sites.
Our expertise lies in maximising opportunities and mitigating constraints by combining in-depth knowledge of planning policy and local design guidelines with an inquisitive, creative, and strategic design approach.
The Ambient Studio Project Plan is a tailored, stage-by-stage framework, designed to deliver continuity, clarity, and efficiency throughout each step of your project journey.
While guided by the RIBA Plan of Work, our plan is uniquely adapted to address the specific challenges and ambitions of each project. By defining bespoke scopes and checkpoints, we align every detail with the individual needs of the project, and your specific circumstances and goals, ensuring outstanding outcomes.
See our Process
We begin with a free Introductory Online Consultation Call to get to know about you, your project, priorities and aspirations. Before the call, we ask you to complete a brief form to provide essential details, enabling us to carry out a desktop analysis and offer valuable insights.
Following this, we finalise the initial project brief, establish the programme, and agree upon the project scope and associated fees. Once the architectural appointment is signed, we initiate our onboarding process, setting the foundations for a smooth and collaborative journey.
Using our expertise, we identify essential project requirements such as surveys and the need for specialist consultants. We help assemble a reliable project team with a proven track record of successful delivery.
We visit the site to conduct a thorough analysis, assessing constraints, opportunities and planning risks. Using this, we refine the project brief and prepare feasibility studies to strategically explore design options and development potential. These studies clarify risks and opportunities, empowering you to make confident, informed decisions.
Building upon the initial studies, we develop an architectural concept design that balances creativity, aesthetics, and spatial quality with market-driven priorities, incorporates specialist consultant input, and aligns with planning policy and local design guidelines.
Projects commonly benefit from seeking pre-application planning advice. We prepare an effective yet concise submission to communicate the core design principles and invite constructive feedback on key issues.
Integrating detailed consultant input and pre-application planning feedback, we refine the design to ensure it meets planning requirements whilst still maximising the site’s potential. Our comprehensive planning package includes detailed drawings, design reports and visualisations.
As lead consultant, we collate design information from the project team and oversee submission. We monitor the application, maintaining proactive communication with the case officer to secure a timely approval.
In collaboration with the project team, we develop a fully coordinated technical design, presented through detailed drawings, schedules and specifications. This demonstrates compliance with current building regulations and is used to carry out a thorough costing exercise for careful budget management.
To minimise construction risks, we resolve intricate technical details and address planning conditions in advance. If needed, we assist with tendering, helping you select the right contractor and evaluate submissions.
We facilitate the start of construction by preparing and finalising the building contract, advising on key terms, and recommending the most suitable contract type.
During construction, we monitor progress through regular site visits, quality checks and valuations. We work closely with the contractor to resolve design queries and keep the project on track for quality, budget and timelines. At the end of this stage, we identify defects for remedying, and we issue a certificate of Practical Completion, marking the building ready for occupation.
Following practical completion, we manage the handover process to ensure all requirements are met and any remaining or arising defects are identified. We conduct a detailed walk-through to transfer key building knowledge from contractor to client. We also provide as-built drawings and certifications, to be incorporated within a comprehensive handover manual.
Once all tasks and defects have been addressed, we issue a final certificate to conclude the building contract.
We offer ongoing post-occupancy support to review building performance, address maintenance needs, and communicate lessons learned. This service is particularly valuable for developers seeking to refine and improve their process, decision-making and outcomes for future projects.
If needed, we assist in creating marketing material for rental or sale, helping you achieve the maximum value from your development.
