OUR PROCESS
At Edwards Wilson, we believe that successful design starts with understanding what matters most — to you, your project, your community, and your building. That’s why our process is designed to be clear, collaborative, and responsive from the outset.
We follow the structure of the RIBA Plan of Work to provide a consistent, phased approach. This gives our clients transparency, control, and confidence at every stage. But while the framework is fixed, our level of service within it is flexible.
We understand that not every client needs every stage. Some come to us for strategic advice in the early stages, others need focused help getting through planning or resolving challenges on site. Some want us to lead the entire journey, from blank page to completion. Whatever the scale or scope, we’ll shape our input around what you actually need.
OUR SERVICES
We offer a range of service levels to suit different circumstances.
Our aim is always to simplify the process, reduce risk, and unlock the full potential of your project — whether it’s a complex urban retrofit, a listed community building, or a new build home. We take pride in being hands-on when needed, light-touch when appropriate, and clear throughout.
One-off consultancy
We regularly support clients and professionals with specific challenges — from building control compliance checks, to conservation advice, to strategic input on complex stakeholder issues. This can be delivered on an hourly or fixed-fee basis depending on scope.
Budget-conscious paired back design services
For clients in early development phases or with limited funding (such as community groups or SMEs), we offer reduced-scope design packages that focus on essential outputs – such as outline designs, key coordination drawings, or technical signposting – to move the project forward without overextending spend.
Feasibility and concept-only services
For clients testing the potential of a site, a building, or an idea, we offer quick-turnaround feasibility studies, outline sketches, massing models, and early cost guidance. This helps avoid wasted investment and gives clarity on what’s realistically achievable.
Stage-specific packages
If you require planning permission or listed building consent, but already have a good idea of what you want, we can take on Stage 3 as a targeted, standalone package. We’ll prepare coordinated drawings, design and access statements, and heritage assessments that speak the right language to your local authority and statutory consultees. Or maybe you have planning and need a detailed construction package, in which case we can help you flesh out the detail and specification and assist in tendering the project to suitable contractors.
Full-service leadership (Stages 0–7)
For clients seeking continuity, peace of mind, and deep design leadership, we provide comprehensive support through every work stage. We take the lead on design, approvals, consultant coordination, procurement, and contract administration – managing risks, resolving issues, and ensuring quality from beginning to end.
Stage 0 – Strategic Definition
Understanding the project brief, context, and potential.
At the outset, we help you define what a successful project looks like. This stage is about clarifying objectives, identifying constraints (legal, financial, spatial), and confirming the viability of the project. For clients with existing properties or portfolios, we may carry out strategic reviews across multiple sites to guide next steps.
Typical outputs: site reviews, strategic briefing, project definition documents, high-level budget or timeline advice.
Stage 1 – Preparation and Brief
Turning ideas into a clear project brief.
We work with you to define your needs, priorities, and aspirations. This includes assembling the right consultant team, identifying statutory requirements, and advising on planning policy, sustainability goals, or conservation obligations.
Typical outputs: project brief, early risk register, initial programme considerations, sustainability aspirations, fee proposals from other consultants.
Stage 2 – Concept Design
Exploring design ideas that meet the brief.
This is a creative, collaborative phase where we test ideas in sketch form – both in plan and three dimensions. We explore layout options, massing, key materials, and the spatial character of the project. At this stage, no decisions are fixed – it’s about unlocking potential.
Typical outputs: sketch designs, 3D visualisations or massing models, outline costings, pre-application discussions with planners.
Stage 3 – Spatial Coordination (Developed Design)
Coordinating the design in more detail to secure approvals.
We refine the preferred design, resolving layout, structure, materials, and servicing in greater detail. This stage is often focused on securing statutory consents – planning permission, listed building consent, or building regulations approval.
Typical outputs: planning submission drawings and documents, design and access statements, outline specifications, conservation statements, stakeholder engagement.
We can also provide Stage 3 as a standalone package for clients needing planning approval before committing to later stages.
Stage 4 – Technical Design
Producing detailed drawings and specifications for construction.
This is where the project becomes construction-ready. We coordinate information from engineers and specialists, and prepare technical drawings, schedules, and specifications. If required, we can support you in tendering the work to contractors.
Typical outputs: full construction drawing set, technical specifications, building regulations submissions, tender packages.
Stage 5 – Construction
Overseeing the build and ensuring quality on site.
We act as Contract Administrator or Employer’s Agent depending on your needs, inspecting works, reviewing contractor information, and certifying payments. We ensure the works are built to the correct standard, in line with the contract documents, and help resolve issues as they arise.
Typical outputs: site inspections, progress reports, valuations, change control, contract management, defect resolution.
Stage 6 – Handover and Close Out
Ensuring the project is successfully completed.
We carry out post-completion reviews, confirm defects are rectified, and support with handover procedures such as O&M manuals, certification, and final account sign-off. For residential or education clients, we also offer post-occupancy support to help you settle in and ensure the building performs as intended.
Typical outputs: practical completion certification, defects list, maintenance advice, aftercare reports.
Stage 7 – In Use
Supporting the building’s performance after occupation.
A well-designed building continues to evolve. We offer post-occupancy support to help you understand how your building is performing and to fine-tune its use. This may include feedback sessions, building performance evaluation, or assistance with future adaptation.
Typical outputs: post-occupancy evaluations, client feedback reviews, maintenance check-ins, planning for future works or changes in use.