RedBook and its Role as ‘Project Guardian’ in the RIBA Plan of Work

Stage 0: Strategic Definition

This is about determining the feasibility of a project and understanding the client’s requirements. This is the stage at which RedBook curates the project launch. We sit with the client when the client’s goals for the project are in their infancy, and we help to clarify ideas, reviewing any risks from a legal and planning perspective. Essential to this process is the Project Brief we write for the client, and which gives us – and other project-team members – a deep understanding of the client’s wishes. We then take clients on a fun and engaging journey as we help them identify their critical requirements in terms of designers and delivery professionals. We shepherd them through our ‘Taste Exploration’, ‘Beauty Parade’ of project-team candidates, and Fee Comparison of our shortlisted talent.

Click here to read more about RedBook’s launch process.

 “…We sit with the client when the client’s goals for the project are in their infancy, and we help to clarify ideas, reviewing any risks from a legal and planning perspective.”

 “…RedBook provides market data from its Luxury Project Index to give the client an initial overview of potential project costs. Design reviews take place with the client to develop the concepts.“

Stage 1: Preparation and Brief

At the end of this stage, we host a project kick-off meeting together with the whole team from the architect and interior designer to the project manager, quantity surveyor, and planning consultant – or whichever experts the client and project need. The project is now launched. Following this, the architect will use the RedBook Project Brief and further conversations with the client to develop early concept diagrams. These concepts are shaped by the size of the home required and, crucially, the budget. RedBook provides market data from its Luxury Project Index to give the client an initial overview of potential project costs. Design reviews take place with the client to develop the concepts.

Stage 2: Concept Design

This is the most exciting part of the project: ideas start to flow, more drawings and sketches come together. At this point, the client is working most closely with the architect or designer. RedBook offers the client an independent view of the designs that emerge, and acts as a ‘Project Guardian’ to ensure the client’s ambitions are fulfilled. 

Stage 3: Spatial coordination

Now the project is coming to life. By this stage, all architectural and engineering information required for the planning process will have been pulled together and the planning application submitted. Depending on the project programme RedBook can now introduce additional consultants should they be required – from best-in-class structural engineers to energy-sustainability consultants. 

Stage 4: Technical design

Detailed architectural and engineering drawings and technical specifications are now drawn up and ready for tendering. At the end of this stage, RedBook will recommend three of its approved contractors to clients. Our role as ‘Project Guardian’ – rather than project manager – is to help at a strategic level to ensure the project is moving ahead in the best way.

If you would like to read more about how RedBook helps clients choose the best contractors for a project – click here.

Stage 5: Manufacturing and Construction 

This is pretty self-explanatory although it’s worth pointing out that every bespoke property project is a prototype of something that has never been created before. So, while everyone on the team will have experience of doing something similar, the project inevitably represents something of a first for all involved. That’s why RedBook remains on hand to help guide the team and the client throughout this period.