feasibility

A project is transient, it is an activity undertaken over a period of time to achieve a particular purpose. That purpose is usually to find a solution to a perceived problem.

We will work with you to define the problem and verbalise the solution - this will become your objective.

 
An Options Appraisal is undertaken to ensure that any scenario which could deliver your objective is considered. 

With our experience we can help you to identify each scenario and we will provide you with a written report detailing the pros and cons, the associated risks and an indication of high level budget costs. 

Depending upon the size and complexity of your scheme, we will usually incorporate a feasibility study into our Options Appraisal for any recommended options.

Not all projects require both a viability study and options appraisal, it will depend on a number of factors such as the complexity of your project, whether external funding is required, whether it is a commercial investment amongst other reasons. Your project manager will discuss this with you and will advise on the most appropriate approach.

Whether it is prepared as a standalone document or with the support of the Options Appraisal, a Viability Study will consider the economic and commercial aspects of your preferred scheme. 

We will provide you with an in-depth analysis of the scheme including how it fits with your overall strategy, profitability and assessment of risk.

As your project progresses your budget will also change and adapt but it is vital for the success of your scheme that a realistic capital budget is provided at the start.

Too often early stage budget figures are vague and often based on "finger in the air" calculations. This is because the list of unknown factors is so long and some consider there is a need to reflect the client's initial budget figure. However we consider this to be a misleading practice and inevitably the project will always be assessed against this initial uninformed figure.

Throughout the project there will be events which could not be predicted - these are generally called "Unknown Unknowns" and your project manager will advise you to set aside a contingency sum for this within your general day to day budget. However an experienced project professional is able to reduce the number of unknown factors by identifying them at an early stage - referred to as "Known Unknowns". These events can be assessed for probability and also quantified financially thereby providing you with a more accurate and demonstrable budget estimate which will help to support any financial decisions.

We will constantly review your budget estimate throughout the project and a full reassessment will be carried out by us at key milestone points and major design changes - each time resulting in a more accurate budget figure and a reduced contingency  

Risk affects your resources and impacts on the success of your project.

It is important that you are able to identify the threats and opportunities to your scheme and to decide early on how you want to deal with these risks.

Our experience of working in the construction industry means that we have worked with many risks and so are able to identify them, quantify them and calculate their probability.

Whatever the size of your project there will be stakeholders involved .

Whether it is your neighbour, the planning authority, the utility provider or a pressure group, being able to identify who is affected by your proposed project and differentiating between those who are directly, indirectly or perceived to be affected is crucial to how you manage each group and how you share information with them.

We can help you to do this. Our experience is key to ensuring that you have identified each group and helping you to put a plan together to make sure that you manage each appropriately.

A great Design Brief ensures you get what you want at the best price.

It is often an informal conversation which differs with every designer involved but this can confuse the team, add cost to the project and result in unequal design proposals.

The process of creating a design brief not only helps you to better understand what you want and what is most important for your project but it also builds a good working relationship with your team as you will be clear, succinct and less likely to impose change when the project is underway.

Of course we're biased but .... A strong project management plan produced early on always helps you to stay focussed, eliminates risk of project scope creep, reduces distractions and helps to keep you on track with budget, programme, quality and cost.

This is the way we work and regardless of what we do and what happens we will always have a plan. 

The plan is unique to your project. It is live, under constant review and tailored to adapt to changes in your scheme.

Funders have questions and a huge amount of forms!

We can help you to find the right source of funding and also fill in the applications - especially the technical bits. We will provide you with the appropriate wording and supporting documentation such as programmes, timelines, scope of work, resource plans and costed activity plans.

Whether it is for a private loan or a large grant funding application we have previous experience and can help you succeed.

Every project must comply with current legislation and the applicable regulations but these are changing regularly and are not always readily available.

As professionals we must keep up to date with statutory requirements, best practice and industry guidance. We regularly deal with queries and confusion about Fire Regulations, Control of Asbestos legislation,  Listed Building protection, Sustainable Drainage Solutions, Party Wall legislation, Building Regulations, Protected Species governance, CDM Regulations and Planning Permission queries. 

As part of our involvement with your project we will review the current legislation and guidelines and advise what information you will require, when you will require it and in what format.