To ensure the success of any project , its fundamental that theres a clear understanding of the clients vision and the problems that need to be solved through design . For every project there needs to be a ‘ Design Narrative ‘ , essentially a design story or thread that connects the concept to the brand and its values .

Below are the 5 stages I work through to ensure a successful project and happy client.

01 Discovery Stage

This is the start of the relationship with the client and project team , where we get to know each other and start to define the problems we are trying to solve . Its about developing a thorough understanding of the project and objectives to formulate a comprehensive strategy and return brief and I do this by asking a lot of questions. Through workshops we deep dive into the brand and its core values to understand the clients vision and from this we set out the Design Narrative. All the stakeholders from the client team including MEP , IT and AV are part of this phase ensuring every aspect of the project is covered .The overall project design programme , key milestones and roles and responsibilities are agreed on and site surveys are taken .

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Design Narrative
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Understanding problems we are trying to solve

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Examine the brand
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Ways or working
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Understand site conditions
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Client workshop
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Team introductions
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Roles & responsibilities
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Deliverables for each design stage 
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Return brief agreed and signed by client

02 Concept Design Stage

After the return brief is agreed the first design deck is presented comprising of  zoning and first cut layouts showing clearly ideas to support the problems we are trying to solve . Existing MEP and structural conditions are taken into consideration when exploring the ceiling design and shown through hand sketches and layouts . Initial mood boards and materials also form part of the concept deck along with 3D visuals and hand sketches to support any ideas . To achieve a certain acoustic rating set out by the client , relevant products such as glazed partitions and wall coverings are worked into the design as part of 'The Kit Of Parts ' where individual rooms are designed in 3D showing materiality and furniture . All of the design presented will be inline with the client budget .

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Design deck
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Zoning and layouts
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Mood boards
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3D views / hand sketches
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Furniture / lighting / materials 
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Branding / EGD
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Physical material board 
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03 Schematic Design Stage

A refined design deck would be presented in this stage where a finalised layout would be presented in order to get sign off. All comments and feedback from the Concept stage would be incorporated into revised 3D's where final materials , lighting , furniture and graphics are depicted . Ceiling layouts would be finalised showing clearly how the MEP , AV and lighting requirements support the concept . A revised BOQ is presented and a review of the project programme forms part of the workshop. Final chosen material samples and furniture mockups would be presented and signed off and even factory visits to suppliers can support this stage .

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Finalised floor and ceiling plans
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Finalised 3Ds
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Materials / lighting / furniture schedules

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Furniture mockups
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Revised BOQ
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04 Construction Documentation Stage

With the concept and layouts signed off , the construction / tender drawings will be produced . These drawings will be given to the nominated contractor to build from . All layouts from partition plans to MEP plans , partition types , ceiling details , joinery details , finishes schedules . Essentially every detail required to complete the build . Once the drawings pack is complete , a page turn workshop withe the client will take place where each detail will be signed off prior to being sent the contractor . Any changes or revisions needed will be done in the following days and re issued to the client . A final BOQ will also be presented and signed off

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Complete CD set
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Final furniture / material / lighting schedules

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Programme review 
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Final BOQ 
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05 Construction Stage

The site is taken over and construction will start . This is the stage where the PM will take over and although the design is complete , regular site visits by the design team will take place ensuring that the concept is realised . The first part of the construction is the setting out stage where the layout is marked out on site with tape for the client and design team to review . Once this is approved the construction can begin . There will be weekly site meetings with contractors , consultants and designers and reports with photos of site progress will be issued to the client . 2 weeks prior to the completion of the project there will be a site walk with the client and design team to identify any defects that may need resolving . Upon completion of the project and with any defects resolved the client will sign off the project .

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Construction
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Weekly site meetings 
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Weekly reports  
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Project close out 
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