Projects
Design and Build
This route suits alterations where the desired outcome is clear but the detailed design and construction solution still need development. It helps coordinate layouts, building fabric and services before separate decisions become conflicting site instructions.
Discuss your requirementsProjects are judged by their evidence.
What the work includes
- Develop the client requirements and performance brief.
- Allocate design responsibilities and specialist interfaces.
- Coordinate drawings, specification and construction method.
- Plan approvals, procurement and site delivery.
- Demonstrate completion against the agreed requirements.
Important decisions
Agree what the client will specify and what the delivery team will design. Define review points, substitutions and responsibility for retained information. Statutory roles still need suitable appointments; the words design and build do not replace them. Government guidance explains building-regulation dutyholder requirements.
Assessment and the project brief
Provide operational standards, existing drawings, surveys and the required building performance. Identify future maintenance access, resilience requirements and the decisions the estate team will retain.
How the project proceeds
- Establish the requirements and survey the existing conditions.
- Develop and coordinate the design.
- Confirm approvals, specification and delivery price.
- Procure and construct the agreed solution.
- Test, inspect and hand over the finished project.
Working in occupied properties
Include occupied-building constraints in the design, not only the construction programme. Equipment access, temporary services and staged handover can affect the proposed layout and installation method.
Budget and programme factors
Design maturity, survey findings, client selections and approval requirements affect price certainty. Make the agreed requirements and allowances explicit before the construction commitment. A later design change needs its procurement, cost and programme effects explained.
Completion and handover
Compare the delivered installation with the client requirements and accepted design. Provide relevant drawings, operating data and commissioning evidence so the facilities team can manage the finished systems.
Projects across sectors
Offices need layouts and services developed together. Hospitality needs equipment, circulation and customer areas coordinated. Construction and development needs clear design interfaces and acceptance requirements. Explore the full sector range to connect the project with the premises and its users.
Frequently asked questions
Does design and build mean the owner has no design decisions?
No. The owner defines the required outcome and agrees the decisions retained for approval. Design development then works within that brief and the agreed review process.
Can existing drawings be used?
Yes, after their relevance and accuracy are considered. Existing information may need surveys or updates before it can support the new design.
Are planning and building control the same approval?
No. They address different matters. The project should identify the applicable approvals and responsibilities rather than assuming one covers the other.
How are product substitutions handled?
Compare the proposed product with the specified performance, appearance, maintenance and compatibility requirements. Record approval and any cost or programme effect before procurement.
Discuss design and build
Send the intended outcome, property information, estate requirements and budget parameters. Identify the design information already available. Contact Black & White Facilities.