Education Sector
Our public sector experience includes a number of schools, academies and healthcare facilities.
We have the expertise to lead projects as principal designers, project managers and contract administrators on projects with complex security requirements, large project teams and multiple stakeholders.
Specialists in sector design & construction.
With 20 years experience providing Lead Architectural Design Consultancy and Project Management in the delivery of new build, and refurbishment projects, ranging from £1k school toilet refurbishments to £2m new build schemes, to the local authority and voluntary aided sector.
Key understanding of funding streams, bidding and application process means we can advise and carry out all paperwork efficiently to ensure appropriate timescales are met.
As lead project consultant our key skill areas of architectural design and project management enable us to effectively coordinate the design team and deliver the project, from the inception of the client’s brief, through to the completion of construction works.
Building Consultant Services.
Your building consultant should offer more services than just on live projects, below is a brief list of other services:
Strategic Development Plans
Creating a five-year plan development of the school. This Plan will outline future targets for the school's capital development be it extension and refurbishment or key condition items so they can be monitored with economical life expectancy.
Review your current Asset Management Plans
Most schools will have an asset management register issued every 3 – 5 years identifying all condition aspects of the building, this is quite a lengthy document. Your consultant can review this and extract information to be included within the development plan or highlight critical items which need auctioning.
Feasibility Studies / Option Appraisals
Review options and demonstrate best advice both economically and functionally on any proposed works the school maybe thinking of carrying out. Give options and review to best suit the function and goals of the school.
Facilities Management Advice
Some consultants for a facilities management services reviewing day to day issues along with annual checks for an annual fee. Even if your consultant does not offer this service, they should advise on any issues arising and can be contacted to help. They will be able to recommend suitable contractors to carry out any repair works as required.
Advice on Funding Option/Sources
Dependant on the size of the project the school is looking at the consultant can advise on the best source of funding available to finance the building cost, whether it be from the schools Devolved Formula Capital (DFC) for smaller works or if a bid for School Condition Allocation Funding (SCAF) maybe required for larger scale works. Your consultant should be able to communicate with the building officer at the diocese to review available funding and advise the school of the best route. The consultant should complete all required paperwork required to apply for the necessary funding and review with the school prior to signing and applying.
Grant Applications & Claims
Your consultant should complete any grant bid applications and submit to the diocese for the required deadlines for any works you have identified as priority. If successful, your consultant should then complete all associated paperwork required for grant applications and submit to the EFA for approval prior to any works commencing. These should include all evidence that procedures have been followed for best value.
Outline of service during work.
Architectural Design Services – for new build, remodelling, and refurbishment projects
1.
Architectural Design Services
for new build, remodelling, and refurbishment projects.
Carry out design works and preparation of documentation to enable the best solution for the proposed works is achieved and schools targets are hit. This could be in the form of architectural plans or schedules of works depending on the nature of the job.
2.
Project Management Services – from inception of the brief to execution of the project works.
Your consultant should manage the project efficiently to ensure added pressure are not applied to the school. This means controlling expectations and monitoring the contractor to achieve budgets and programs with minimal impact of the school. On larger projects this will be with formal site meetings to review all targets are being met. On smaller projects it may be through weekly site visits and monitoring.
3.
Contract Administration and Cost Control.
Producing the correct documentation for tendering and ensuring proper tender procedures are carried suitable to the size of the project. Review and advise on returned tenders so that the most suitable contractor is selected for the job. Review works throughout the project and issue valuation certificates to suit the financial stage of the project. Submit all required certificates to the diocese to ensure financial control is achieved.
4.
Planning & Building Regulations Advice.
Ensure all legislation is applied to the project and all approvals are in place prior to handover back to the school. Your consultant should apply for all approvals within sufficient timing to enable the job to hit program.
5.
Construction & Design Management Advisors
Ensure the client is aware of their duties under the CDM regulations and advise of any items / documents that maybe required. Ensure all elements of Health and safety are covered and everybody knows their role in achieving this.
