We create spaces that inspire communities. Working with councils, community land trusts, and cultural, arts, and sports organisations, we bring ideas to life through action.
Whether rejuvenating a forgotten space, creating a cultural landmark, or reimagining a community hub, we understand the unique challenges of public projects - tight budgets, complex funding, and the need for inclusive, sustainable design. Our participatory approach shall guide you throughout.
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 understand your organisation’s aspirations, ideas, and needs, as well as the project’s context. Before the call, we ask you to complete a short form providing essential details, enabling us to tailor our advice and offer valuable insights during the call.
Following this, we refine the initial project brief and set out the key steps needed to mobilise your project. We define a clear scope of work, establish a realistic timeline and agree on associated fees. Once appointed, we guide you through our onboarding process, laying the groundwork for a strong and collaborative journey.
This stage focuses on turning initial ideas into actionable plans. It often begins with participatory engagement with your organisation, local stakeholders, and the wider community. Together, we explore the diverse needs and goals of the group, identifying the core priorities and shared aspirations.
We appraise the context - whether open or an existing building - considering its current use and potential for strategic change or transformation. Initial feasibility studies evaluate possible options, enabling informed decision-making with clarity on scope and budget. This ensures the project starts on a realistic footing, with clear objectives and a detailed funding strategy.
With a refined brief in place, we develop creative and strategic design concepts that address your organisation's goals and community needs. Our designs translate aspirations into practical ideas, balancing creativity with considerations such as accessibility, durability, security and maintenance.
For projects in sensitive contexts, we recommend seeking pre-application advice. Here, we prepare a concise submission that communicates the project’s core principles and invites early feedback. Through iterative design, effective presentation, collaboration and community engagement, we build stakeholder confidence, foster enthusiasm, and create momentum for fundraising.
Building on the concept design pre-application feedback, we refine the design further with input from stakeholders and consultants. This stage defines key decisions, such as materiality and functionality, whilst ensuring alignment with planning guidelines and technical requirements.
We prepare a comprehensive planning application, complete with drawings, reports and visualisations, to clearly communicate the project to the planning authorities. By engaging proactively, we address feedback and manage conditions to ensure a smooth approval process - an essential step in securing public funding and project momentum.
At this stage, we focus on the project’s technical details, ensuring compliance with building regulations, sustainability targets, and budgetary considerations. Working closely with consultants, we resolve complex design challenges and provide the information needed for accurate cost planning.
We review the project’s procurement requirements, often shaped by funding conditions, and assist with tendering and contractor selection. By presenting clear and comprehensive technical information, we maximise cost accuracy and reduce risks during construction, setting the stage for effective project delivery.
We prepare your project for construction by proposing and drafting a suitable building contract, advising on contract terms that protect you.
Throughout the construction phase, we remain closely involved with regular site visits to monitor progress and ensure alignment with design intent, quality standards, budget, and timeline. We maintain clear and consistent communication between the project team and contractors, addressing site issues promptly, managing requests for changes, additional time or expense, and preparing valuations. By overseeing defect resolutions and maintaining a proactive approach, we help ensure a smooth journey to project completion.
Upon project completion, we guide you through the handover process, ensuring everything meets your expectations. We walk you through your new community building and explain key details that provide the essential information for its use, operation and future maintenance.
We also supply as-built drawings and other important documents, neatly organised in a handover manual for future reference. Once the builder resolves any new arising defects, we issue a final certificate to conclude the project.
Our support does not end at handover. We’re here to ensure you make the most of your space - whether by addressing operational queries, optimising its performance, planning future upgrades or phases, or evaluating outcomes to inform next steps.
We’re committed to your long-term success, offering advice and support to ensure it continues to meet your community’s evolving needs.
