How does a Design Brief help your budget?
Having clearly in mind what you really want or need from your architectural project is very important. Whatever stage your project is at, it’s good to keep your main objectives in mind. Whether you’re just beginning to think about design ideas or you're about to engage with your preferred contractor, knowing exactly what you want to achieve can save you time and money. Method Studio Architecture want to make sure our clients get the best value for money. One way we do this is through our design brief.
What is a design brief?
A detailed design brief is a document that lays out the scope of works, or the required works to complete a project. This document is based on our initial conversations with a client during the design consultation and measured survey of the property. We always try to incorporate as much of this scope and brief into our design process. We regularly review the design brief and strategies throughout the project, advising where decisions could impact initial plans and what scope change could mean for the project outcome.
This is why we encourage all of our clients to think clearly about what their needs and wants are at the very outset. For example after consideration, some clients realise additional bedrooms, a family area or space for entertaining are must haves. These are things they really need to get from their architectural project. Whereas, maybe that impressive entrance or spectacular staircase is only an option if the budget can stretch that far.
Elements to Consider
It’s important to think about the points below in line with a design brief:
Scope of Works - the number of rooms, changes to internal layouts or the connection between the house and garden might be important for you.
Sustainability Strategy - the thermal efficiency of your home or potential upgrades you might wish to make.
Budget Strategy - this is an extremely important aspect to consider ahead of time, including agreeing a budget, any cost saving solutions or concerns you may have.
Be clear about your budget!
Overtime, we appreciate a project may evolve to a certain extent. However, when a client is honest with us from the very beginning about what they want and how much they can really afford then we can steer the project in the right direction. Either we can stop the scope of works increasing so you don’t go over budget or on the other hand if your budget is generous we can create a design that is exactly what you have in mind with very few constraints.
What Method StudioArchitecture do to help?
We will always do what we can to steer a project to your desired budget, but ultimately we cannot control what a contractor will quote. Any scope change during the evolution of your architectural project could lead to budget implications. However, we will advise you as much as possible what these may be. Additionally, when tendering for a project we never share your budget with a contractor, this makes the tender process fair and comparable, meaning our clients get the best value for their money. Also, we keep a record of all our projects so we can keep a track on average prices from contractors. We have the information to give an approximate cost at different stages of the project based on what you have included.
If you have any concerns about budget, scope of works or even how to get your architectural project started speak to our team today, they will be happy to answer any questions you might have!