Project Brief - Level 2

Question 1

What is a Project Brief ?

Answer 1

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 2

What is the feasibility study ?

Answer 2

1 - A feasibility study is used to analyse and asses 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 such a way so the client can decide whether to procced to the next stage.

Question 3

Can you detail the key sections of a feasibility study?

Answer 3

There are five typical aspects of a feasibility study (TELOS):

1 - Technical - This area asses how the project will be delivered based on materials, labour, resources and any other practical requirements such as transport.

2 - Economic - Profit and loss 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 asses whether the business has the ability an appetite to execute the project.

5 - Scheduling - This area outlines whether the project can be executed within a realistic timeframe.

Question 4

Which RIBA Stage is the project brief typically prepared?

Answer 4

RIBA Stage 1 - Preparation and Brief

Question 5

Who prepares the project brief?

Answer 5

• Typically the client team will gather information and draft the brief.
• 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

What information is usually found in the brief?

Answer 6

1 - Client and project background 
2 - Project requirements
3 - Financial 
4 - Site Information 
5 - Spatial and Technical requirements

Question 7

What steps do you take to ensure the requirements of the project brief are met throughout the design and construction phase?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

What are Room Data Sheet and why are they needed ?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Once the Design 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.