14 - Development / Project Briefs

Question 1

569 - What is a feasibility study? (3)

Answer 1

1) A feasibility study is used to analyse and assess the viability of a construction project.
2) The goal is to understand if the project is feasible by assessing the practical aspects of the project and identifying potential strengths and weaknesses. The inherent objectivity of the feasibility study allows stakeholders to make informed and qualified decisions about the project.
3) The feasibility study should be structured in a way so the client can decide whether to proceed to the next stage.

Question 2

570 - Can you detail the key sections of a feasibility study? (5)

Answer 2

There are five typical aspects of a feasibility study (acronym TELOS);
1) TECHNICAL - This area assesses how the project will be delivered based on materials, labour, resources and any other practical requirements such as transport.
2) ECONOMIC - Loss and profit considerations.
3) LEGAL - Assessment to confirm the business will be able to meet the legal requirements of the project.
4) OPERATIONAL - To effectively complete a project, there needs to be a plan of action in place. This area of the feasibility study assesses whether the business has the ability and appetite to execute the project.
5) SCHEDULING - This area outlines whether the project can be expected within a realistic timeframe.

Question 3

571 - What is a project brief? (2)

Answer 3

1) The brief formally defines the client requirements and objectives, in sufficient detail to enable the proposed project to be designed and specified.
2) A good brief ensures clarity for the design team, consultants and contractor and creates a sound foundation for the successful delivery of the construction element of the project.

Question 4

572 - Which RIBA Stage is the project brief typically drafted?

Answer 4

RIBA Stage 1 - Preparation and Brief

Question 5

573 - Who prepares the project brief? (2)

Answer 5

1) Typically, the CLIENT TEAM will gather information and draft the brief.
2) The CONSULTANT TEAM THEN REVIEW the brief to assist with its development, this is usually achieved by raising queries and identifying areas of missing information.

Question 6

574 - What information is typically included in the project brief? (5 sections, with 5, 11, 3, 4 & 7 points respectively)

Answer 6

The project brief may include, but not be limited to;

1) CLIENT AND PROJECT BACKGROUND
- A description of the client’s brand, culture and organisation.
- Organisational structure and decision making processes.
- Legislative constraints to be observed.
- Likely stakeholders.
- Planning permission history.

2) PROJET REQUIREMENTS
- Information identifying the ‘need’ for the project.
- A description of the client’s priorities and the criteria that will measure success.
- A description of the principles that should be adopted in the design.
- Identification of the project outcomes.
- Phasing requirements and key programme milestones.
- Policies to be observed (for example sustainability and energy).
- Plans for future expansion.
- Life expectancy of building and components.
- Operational and maintenance strategy.
- Client sign-off procedures and specifications to be followed.
- Templates or procedures to be followed (for example change control).

3) FINANCIAL
- Project budget.
- Funding, institutional requirements and restrictions.
- Operating expenditure, costs-in-use and other whole-life cost considerations.

4) SITE INFORMATION
- Existing surveys.
- Existing drawings, O&Ms and H&S file.
- Ground conditions and existing utility capacity.
- Access and other constraints.

5) SPATIAL AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Schedules of accommodation, areas and special requirements.
- Schedules of users, their numbers, departments, functions, organisational structure and operational characteristics.
- Project performance targets (for example energy usage)
- Information and communications technology (ICT) requirements.
- Requirements for specialist processes plant.
- Maintenance and cleaning requirements.
- Safety and security requirements.

Question 7

575 - WHat steps do you take to ensure the requirement of the project brief are met throughout the design and construction phases? (4)

Answer 7

1) Reviewing the design at the end of each RIBA stage and checking against the brief for compliance.
2) Reviewing the brief at key meetings and workshops, particularly design team meetings.
3) Capturing changes to the brief through the change control process.
4) Regularly reviewing and updating the project execution plan to ensure suitable processes are in place.

Question 8

576 - Can you explain what room data sheets are and why they may be needed?

Answer 8

Room data sheets (RDS) provide a detailed description of the finishes, FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment), acoustic, mechanical and electrical requirements etc. that will be required for each room or space. They provide detailed information to supplement the main project brief.

Question 9

577- Once the brief is frozen, how are future changes captured?

Answer 9

Once the brief is frozen, CHANGE CONTROL PROCEDURES are introduced to prevent changes without appropriate justification and authorisation.