Level 2 Flashcards
Tell me about your understanding and application of spatial parameters and requirements.
Spatial parameters need to be closely tailored to the existing structure while ensuring that the building functions well for its new use. This involves:
- delicate balance between preserving the building’s features
- complying with modern building standards
- improving the overall space for the end-users.
Effective communication with all stakeholders, careful planning, and attention to detail are key to delivering a successful refurbishment project.
Tell me about your preparation of sketch designs to demonstrate compliance with a client’s brief while satisfying statutory requirements.
Preparing sketch designs is a critical early stage in ensuring that the client’s brief is met while satisfying all statutory requirements. By carefully considering:
-client’s needs
-regulatory constraints
-practical design elements,
I ensure that the design sets the project on the right path towards successful execution.
How do you detail how components are installed connected and performing?
Detailing how components are installed, connected, and perform involves clear communication through precise drawings, material specifications, performance benchmarks, and integration strategies.
How do you develop initial proposals to a detailed stage (including sections and details) and obtaining statutory consents?
*Client Brief & Requirements: Understand the client’s needs, goals, and budget, while considering statutory requirements.
*Concept Design: Create initial sketches, site analysis, and space planning to demonstrate the building’s layout and functionality.
*Detailed Design: Develop detailed architectural plans, sections, elevations, and technical details, including structural and MEP systems.
*Materials & Sustainability: Select materials that meet both aesthetic and performance requirements, ensuring energy efficiency and sustainability.
*Consultant Coordination: Work with structural, MEP, and other consultants to ensure integrated designs that comply with regulations.
*Statutory Approvals: Submit plans for planning permission and building regulations approval, including environmental impact assessments, fire safety, accessibility, and thermal performance considerations.
*Client & Stakeholder Review: Present the design to the client and engage stakeholders, incorporating feedback where necessary.
*Final Submission: Submit all documentation for necessary statutory consents and approvals, including planning, building regulations, and other relevant permits.
Talk me through preparation of a Design Risk Assessments (DRA) of the proposed design to satisfy the requirements of the Health and Safety regulations.
Design Risk Assessment (DRA) is a proactive measure to reduce potential hazards throughout the life cycle of the building. By incorporating health and safety considerations during the design stage, the project can achieve a safer construction process, minimize risks for workers, and provide a safer environment for the building’s users after completion.
How can you express recognised performance standards and guidance?
Fire Safety
Reference Standard: BS 9999:2017 (Fire Safety in the Design, Management, and Use of Buildings)
Specification: “The building will incorporate fire-resistant glazing to the main stairwells, with a fire rating of at least 30 minutes, ensuring compliance with BS 9999 for fire safety in commercial buildings. Fire exits will be clearly marked, and emergency lighting will be provided in accordance with BS 5266.”
Purpose: Fire safety standards are essential for occupant safety, and this ensures the building meets required fire resistance ratings.
By clearly referencing these standards, the project ensures that it meets performance expectations. These standards help protect the client, contractors, and building users, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, while also promoting best practices in design and construction.
How have you investigated suitable sustainable features and incorporate them within a design?
Upgrading Insulation: I would propose enhancing the insulation in the walls, roof, and floors to meet or exceed current standards. For example, adding insulation to the roof to bring the U-value in line with modern standards, helping to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
Replacing Windows: Where necessary, I would replace existing single-glazed windows with double-glazed or triple-glazed units to improve thermal efficiency and reduce heat loss, thereby improving comfort levels for the students and reducing energy costs.
Water-Saving Fixtures: I would recommend installing low-flow toilets, faucets, and showers throughout the school, which will significantly reduce water consumption.
Westvale Primary School - How did you go about preparing your CAD plans? How did you ensure compliance with building control? What are the design guidance? Did you review?
Initial Planning: Review the client’s brief, conduct a site survey, and develop conceptual designs that meet spatial and functional needs.
Design Compliance: Ensure designs adhere to Building Regulations (e.g., fire safety, accessibility, acoustics) and statutory requirements. Prepare detailed drawings and submit them to Building Control for approval, addressing fire safety, accessibility, and structural compliance.
Coordination: Work closely with other professionals (structural engineers, MEP consultants) to integrate systems and resolve potential clashes, ensuring the design is holistic.
Review and Feedback: Continuously review the design against design guidance (e.g., BB93 for acoustics, Part M for accessibility) and gather feedback from Building Control officers to ensure compliance.
Sustainability: Incorporate sustainable features like energy-efficient systems, insulation, and green materials to meet environmental standards and reduce operational costs.
Final Steps: Finalize CAD plans, engage Building Control for inspections, and ensure the design meets all regulatory standards, preparing the project for successful execution.
Millbrook School - Can you talk me through a detail you designed? Which performance requirements did you consider? Can you talk me through a British standard that you reviewed and implemented?
*BS 9999: Code of Practice for Fire Safety in the Design, Management, and Use of Buildings
BS 8200: Design of Buildings – Part 1: General Principles for the Design of Buildings
BB103
