Design and Build
Design and build starts with a clear requirement for the finished premises, rather than a fully resolved drawing package. Facilities teams should establish performance, maintenance needs and retained decisions early, so the developing design and construction approach remain aligned with the estate brief.
Assessment and the project brief
Provide estate standards, existing plans, surveys and the performance needed from the building. Identify resilience and future maintenance-access requirements, together with decisions that will remain with the estate team as the design develops.
Important decisions
Establish which choices the client specifies and which the delivery team designs. Agree reviews, substitutions and responsibility for existing information. The delivery route does not replace suitable statutory appointments. The government dutyholder guidance explains the requirements associated with building regulations.
How the project proceeds
- Confirm the brief and investigate the existing premises.
- Develop the design with connected trades coordinated.
- Agree specification, approvals and the delivery price.
- Purchase and construct the approved solution.
- Complete inspection and testing before transferring the finished work.
What the work includes
- Develop the required outcome and performance specification with the client.
- Identify design ownership and the specialist connections involved.
- Bring drawings, technical requirements and construction approach into agreement.
- Coordinate permissions, purchasing and attendance on site.
- Show that the delivered work meets the requirements agreed.
Working in occupied properties
Reflect occupation constraints in the design itself. Equipment access, temporary provisions and staged handover may influence the chosen layout and installation approach, rather than being matters that can be left entirely to the construction timetable.
Budget and programme factors
Survey results, design development, selections and permissions affect how firmly the price can be established. Make allowances and requirements clear before committing to construction. Explain any later change in terms of procurement, cost and programme before seeking a decision.
Completion and handover
Check the completed installation against the agreed client brief and accepted design. Provide applicable drawings, operating information and commissioning records so the receiving facilities team can manage the systems as delivered.
Projects across sectors
Office projects need layouts and services considered together. Hospitality premises need equipment, movement and customer spaces coordinated. Construction and development needs design boundaries and acceptance made clear. Explore further settings in the sector directory.
Locations covered
Our recorded locations span Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and Durham and areas across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Teesside in North East England. For an estate instruction, identify each proposed site and the people coordinating its operations.
Frequently asked questions
Does design and build mean the owner has no design decisions?
No. The owner sets the result required and agrees which decisions remain subject to approval. Design development proceeds within that brief and the established review arrangements.
Can existing drawings be used?
Yes, subject to checking their relevance and accuracy. Surveys or revisions may be needed before existing plans can form a sound basis for the proposed design.
Are planning and building control the same approval?
No. Each addresses different matters. Establish which permissions apply and who is responsible for obtaining them, rather than assuming one approval covers both.
How are product substitutions handled?
Assess the alternative against the specified performance, appearance, upkeep and compatibility. Record the decision and any timing or cost consequences before ordering the substitute.
Useful guides
Prepare for design development with the refurbishment scope guide and budgeting guidance, making the intended result and cost boundaries explicit.
Related work
Related stages include surveys and feasibility, refurbishment and fit-out and construction design and management. Browse the project catalogue, services, maintenance, sectors and locations.
Discuss design and build
Contact Black & White Facilities with the outcome sought, estate requirements, property records and budget parameters. Explain which design information is already available and which parts remain to be developed.
Discuss your requirements