Our Architectural Services

Creating education estates for the future

1. Feasibility: Site and building appraisal – what spaces exist and what is needed?

When considering a large or complex project, before spending any money on detailed designs, technical drawings and planning applications it is important to conduct a feasibility study to assess whether the new development will meet current and future requirements, is cost-effective and has a balanced risk profile.

During this stage our architectural team and surveyors will work together to gather existing information and surveys and work with you to fully develop your brief. Early engagement with an architect will help ensure your project brief includes the full range of briefing considerations and clearly articulates your current space and future needs. Our team can conduct spatial analysis of your estate and will develop proposal options to help evaluate the most effective solutions for your project.

Our feasibility studies cover the following core areas:

  • Site surveying and appraisal

  • Project viability

  • Identification of development options

  • Assess planning implications

  • Budget analysis vs requirements

  • Operational and maintenance issues

  • Stakeholder consultation

2. Planning: Project design and planning applications

Our architecture team will develop designs to meet your project requirements, working closely with you to ensure our proposals are in line with your expectations.

For larger projects we use Building Information Modelling (BIM) which ensures fully coordinated design and a 3D digital model of your project. It also enables us create 3D visualisations and walkthroughs of your project, providing the opportunity to show immersive visuals to wider stakeholder groups and end users at the planning stage.

With specialist knowledge of education planning regulations, we will advise if planning applications are required and will prepare designs, reports and visual materials to support an application when needed. We will liaise with planners and provide planning guidance until the project receives approval.

3. Detailed design and tender process

During this stage we develop the detailed design and construction information providing the required specifications, schedules and drawings for tendering. We will assist in the contractor selection process and will prepare the information to be issued for tender to contractors.

4. Construction

Once on site, our architectural team will be available throughout the build process reviewing queries from Contractors on the design and providing a review of Contractor proposals to ensure design intent and quality is achieved.

For more information on our architectural services and how we can support your school, college, academy or MAT, please call 0116 5070130 or email enquire@s2e.org.uk.