Stage 1 Design – Preparation and Brief. Today we are asking the question “why should you consider early engagement for MEP Services?”. Quite often the Building Services element gets pushed back to later on in the design process, which at times can be detrimental to the project.

Having successfully delivered hundreds of projects during the past +20 years in the construction industry, you inherently start to understand what works, and what doesn’t. Some of the most rewarding, and enjoyable projects I have ever worked on have been from very early engagement to completion.

What do we mean by early engagement?

Ideally, early engagement begins at RIBA Stage 1. The project has already passed through Stage 0 – Strategic Definintion where the Business Case, Project Risks and Project Budgets have been developed. The Site Location should have been marked out, and the Client Requirements should have been identified ready for RIBA Stage1.

At RIBA Stage 1 – Preparation and Briefing, we are setting out the “Project Brief” and the “Project Outcomes”, the “Quality Aspiration” and the “Spatial Requirements”.

• Understanding and supporting the Project Brief helps the collaborative work flow.
• Feeding into the goals set as part of the Project Outcome gives awareness for all team members.
• The Quality Aspiration assists to pin point the “time, cost, quality” aspects of the project.
• Sensible Spatial Allowances are critical to negating abortive design time later on.

During this stage, the Feasibility Study is also undertaken, and engaging with MEP services at this stage will highlight risks that may have been overlooked. Site Surveys are also conducted at this time giving a high-level understanding of the existing infrastructure. With that early-stage information, the project team is better informed to make strategic decisions.

List of deliverables for Stage 1 Design from the RIBA Plan of Work 2020

• Project Brief
• Feasibility Studies
• Site Information
• Project Budget
• Project Programme
• Procurement Strategy
• Responsibility Matrix
• Information Requirements

Over the coming days, we will be looking at how Building Services plays a crucial role throughout the design stages. In follow up posts we will illustrate how ADR Consulting Engineers closely follows the link between BSRIA and RIBA to ensure all members of the design team are working collaboratively towards a common goal.

Lex ROuzee MIET AEI

At ADR Consulting Engineers, we can offer early engagement support for any project. We will work with the team to develop a scope of works, that fits the budget and programme. Providing a collaborative, supportive environment every step of the way to drive the scheme forward.

We hope that at the start of your next project you may consider us for a free, no-obligation video of face-to-face discussion to explore your options.

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Do you have a project coming up?

Why not get in touch with our team today to discuss? We offer free and confidential advice and are happy to support projects of all sizes.