Development / Project Briefs Flashcards
What is a project brief
The project brief is the final stage in the process of defining the client’s requirements.
The strategic brief develops on from the statement of need and describes the client’s requirements in sufficient detail to allow the appointment of consultants. It is then developed further with the benefit of comments made by the consultants.
How is a brief developed?
It is developed through:
- Interviews with the client team to understand key goals
- Workshops with potential users
- Input from Stakeholders
- Site and user surveys
- Statutory considerations
- Business Case
- Existing building information
- Analysis of existing office space
What should be in a brief?
- Description and background of the client (culture, vision, organisational structure, key policies)
- Site information (fir out guide, site surveys, plans etc.)
- Spatial requirements (desk numbers, users, open plan, zoning etc.)
- Technical requirements (MEP, acoustic, equipment, IT/AV, security, environmental etc.)
- Specific components needing specialist design or on a long lead.
- Budget
-Programme - Key KPs
How should a brief be presented?
This is a formal document normally issues as a report broken down into a number of sections.
At what RIBA Stage is the brief defined?
RIBA Stage 1 - “preparation & Brief”
What is the difference between the “strategic definition” and “Client Brief” in the RIBA plan of works?
Strategic definition is the first stage of the process where the client requirements are defined and key goals noted. Statement of needs.
Client briefing stage is once the above has been agreed these goals are refined and considered in terms of specific needs and further information required. A Brief document will be completed, site surveys undertaken, budget set, responsibility matrix developed.
What existing building information would be included in a client brief?
- Any O&M information
- Site plans
- Existing surveys
- Asbestos register (if before 1999)
- Fit Out guide
- Access constraints
- Legislative constraints
Why is it important to involve different stakeholders when completing the brief?
The more people discussed the more refined the brief document can be and therefore the more complete tender returns will be. If not refined this could lead to a number of changes post contract.
You note sustainability measures are important within a brief. Why is this and what common features are you aware of?
- Climate change act and UK government targets to achieve net carbon zero by 2050. Therefore my obligation to promote this.
- MEES regulation and requirement for commercial units to meet an EPC B by 2030
- BREEAM and WELL accreditations
What are KPIs?
Key performance indicators
What are common KPIs on your projects?
- Project cost and budget
- H&S
- Programme milestones
- Quality issues at the end of the defects liability period / PC
Gatwick Cat B - How were you appointed?
- The client requested a fee proposal be issued
- Completed a COI check and DD
- Issued a fee proposal. This included an understanding of the project, resource allocation, key programme milestones, scope of service, fee, terms of business and complaints handling procedure
- Terms of engagement letter was returned and signed in writing by my client
What do you mean benchmark?
This is the process of comparing the project against similar sized and scoped works completed to ensure alignment
You note the client advised their lease expiry was in 7 months - why was this important to note in the brief
This was a key programme influence and goal to meet. it impacted the choice of procurement, design and lead time considerations. It was imperative the deadline was not missed otherwise my client would not have an office.
What project risks did you note in the risk section within your Gatwick Cat B fitout brief?
- Late delivery of the Cat A floor
- Material costs
- Covid
- Industry procurement concerns
- Other tenant works in the building
