The Technical Design stage, RIBA Stage 4, develops the approved design into the coordinated drawings, details and specifications needed to obtain Building Regulations approval, secure reliable contractor prices and construct the project. ​At this stage, we develop the planning drawings into a technical 3D model, resolve construction details and specifications, coordinate input from structural engineers, energy assessors and other consultants, and work with you to agree key decisions on materials, finishes, performance and buildability.

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A typical Technical Design stage includes:

• Technical drawings and 3D model – detailed plans, sections, elevations and construction information.

• Consultant coordination – integrating structural, energy and other specialist designs.

• Construction detailing – developing key junctions, build-ups and building-envelope details.

• Materials and finishes – agreeing the principal specifications with you.

• Services coordination – establishing indicative layouts for heating, ventilation, plumbing and electrics where required.

• Building Regulations – preparing and submitting the information needed for Building Control approval.

• Pre-Construction Information – compiling the coordinated drawings, schedules and health and safety information ready for pricing and construction. The clearer and more comprehensive the information is - the smoother and more certain the build phase will be.

 

Varying levels of service to suit you

We offer varying levels of Technical Design service to suit your project, budget and the amount of design input you would like from us. This can range from a more streamlined technical package through to a highly detailed service incorporating internal elevations, finishes and bespoke joinery design.

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Our Standard service is the most popular option. It provides a comprehensive and robust package of coordinated drawings, construction details and specifications suitable for Building Control approval, contractor pricing and construction. The aim is to give builders clear, consistent information so that costs can be established more reliably and fewer design decisions are left unresolved on site.

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Principal Designer & Building Control

As part of our Technical Design services, GreenTrace Architect can act as Principal Designer under both the CDM Regulations 2015 and the Building Regulations, coordinating health and safety considerations and preparing the relevant Pre-Construction Information. 

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Ready for tender and construction

At the end of Stage 4, the drawings, details, schedules and specifications are brought together into a coordinated package that can be issued to contractors for pricing and used as the basis for construction. From here, we can also assist with tendering, contractor selection, choosing an appropriate building contract and Contract Administration during construction.