Job Book 9th Edition - Book - Page 81
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Stage 1 > Preparation and Brief
1.1
Core Objectives
For the majority of commissions the architect as designer is well
placed to undertake Feasibility Studies, advise on alternative
design and constructional approaches, and identify what might
be imposed by legislative and other constraints.
Although it will have been considered in Stage 0, Stage 1
begins the actual process of team assembly. This will continue
throughout Stage 2 but it is essential to have the composition
of the complete team, and their various roles, agreed at an early
stage and identified, whenever possible, in the appointment
agreement. The RIBA Plan of Work 2013 can be used as a model
to identify the services needed. The architect engaged as project
lead would play a key role in this process. Alongside setting up
the team, it is at this stage that partnering agreements may be
finalised and project quality control systems put in place.
Stage 1 is present in all procurement routes. With design and
build, the client must prepare a clear brief, which may form part
of, or evolve into, the Employer’s Requirements under the design
and build contract. The architect may be appointed by the client
to assist in its preparation or (less common), if the contractor
has been approached at an early stage, may be engaged by the
contractor to assist in preparing feasibility proposals or studies
for the client.
Under the Standard Agreement 2010 (2012 revision) the
preparation of the Initial Project Brief is the responsibility of
the client and is ‘received’ by the architect at the start of Stage
2, although the architect may contribute to its development
through the preparation of studies, etc. If the architect is to be
responsible for the preparation of this document, this must be
identified in the terms of appointment as an ‘Other Service’.
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