Feasibility Design

The best way to ensure a project’s viability is through a thorough feasibility design process.

Our design workshops, led by interior designer Eddie Welham, help to define the objectives for the proposed building works, ensuring alignment with your vision.

To complement this, our Quantity Surveyor, Ben Clarkson, provides detailed cost analysis, enabling us to identify the most cost-effective strategy for delivering the project.

Developed Visualisation

Realised Building

Our partnership architecture practice Welham Architects provide visualisations of the proposals as standard.

Planning Application

If your building project requires planning approval, we work closely with the local authority to ensure a seamless process and a positive outcome.

Our team has successfully navigated complex planning challenges, including issues such as Sports England objections to the loss of playing fields, wildlife and ecology concerns, Listed Building Consent, developments near listed buildings, Green Belt regulations, and projects within conservation areas. We have also addressed highways concerns, including new crossings and access points.

This entire process is expertly managed by our registered architect, Clive Welham (ARB, RIBA), ensuring compliance and successful approvals at every stage.

Building Regulations

Our expert partnership team has a deep understanding of Building Regulations, British Standards, and Building Bulletins, ensuring that all school environments are safe, healthy, and accessible for students, staff, and visitors alike.

Welham Architects lead on architectural design and space planning, with a focus on effective fire escape strategies and ensuring accessibility throughout the building for all abilities.

Moran Structural Consultants are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and stability of the building, both during construction and in the final design. They also oversee below-ground drainage and civil engineering work, including roads and car parking.

Integrated Energy Building Solutions (IEBS) design the school’s Mechanical and Electrical systems, focusing on energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions, as well as the technology necessary for modern educational environments. IEBS are also Gas Safe certified and design safe, compliant science laboratories and workshops for students and staff.

We always recommend obtaining Full Plans Approval from Local Authority Building Control (LABC), and are proud to have won and been nominated by the LABC for both regional and national building excellence awards.

Tender

The information used to obtain Building Regulations Full Plans Approval forms the basis for the tender documents, which are then sent to at least three qualified contractors to obtain competitive quotes.

We believe traditional tendering offers significant advantages over design and build contracts. By using a traditional approach, you retain greater control over the design, ensuring that your project reflects your exact needs and vision. This process also invites multiple contractors to bid, ensuring competitive pricing, which can lead to better value for money. Additionally, with traditional tendering, you can select a contractor based on their track record, expertise, and suitability for the specific requirements of your project.

We’ll support you in choosing the most appropriate contractor and ensure they are DBS registered and have the necessary insurance before starting work on-site, giving you peace of mind throughout the project.

On-Site Project Management

EDP understands that construction contract administration in a school environment is crucial to ensuring that a project runs smoothly, stays within budget, and meets the desired standards. It involves overseeing all aspects of the construction process, from contract award to project completion. This includes monitoring the contractor’s progress, managing communication between stakeholders, and ensuring that the work adheres to the agreed-upon designs, specifications, and regulations.

This role may not always be best suited to an academies existing team, due to the required expertise, experience, and time. EDP have a wealth of experience in contract administration, and work alongside you to keep you informed and in control.

In a school setting, construction contract administration also involves addressing specific challenges, such as minimizing disruption to the daily activities of students and staff, maintaining safety on-site, and ensuring that the project meets educational requirements. It is essential to regularly review timelines, budgets, and quality control to keep everything on track.