Guide to Using the RIBA Professional Services Contracts 2018 - Other - Page 43
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Guide to RIBA Professional Services Contracts 2018
2 Stage 1 Brief (Initial Project Brief): This is the most important task undertaken
during Stage 1 and is developed, by or for the Client, from the initial Strategic
Brief to provide sufficient information for the Design Team to commence the
design process. The time required to prepare it will depend on the complexity
of the project. When preparing the Initial Project Brief, it is necessary to consider
the desired project outcomes, spatial requirements, the site or context, by
undertaking site appraisals and collating site information, and the budget. This
is most effective if carried out after completion of any feasibility studies and/or
option appraisals. This brief may be appended to the PSC (under the contract
details section D).
3 Stage 2 Brief (Final Project Brief): This is developed from the Initial Project
Brief in parallel with the design process and any briefing decisions made during
Stage 2. The purpose is to identify or confirm the detailed requirements for
such matters as operational use, quality, environment, budget, programme and
procurement. The Final Project Brief will define all design requirements and for
some building types, e.g. schools, laboratories, health care buildings, etc., it
may be appropriate to prepare individual room data sheets. The Client and all
members of the Design Team should contribute to the process of evaluation,
testing and development. Responsibility for approving and publishing the Final
Project Brief lies with the Client, but the Architect or another Consultant may be
commissioned to carry out the preparation and editing of the final document.
This version of the Brief can replace the Brief appended to the PSC (under the
contract details section D) subject to the Client’s approval.
Notwithstanding the Client’s obligation to provide information, it will be in the
interest of the Architect/Consultant for the Brief to be complete, without any gaps.
For instance, if not provided the Client should be asked what standards their
insurers will require, which may require the Client to consider the extent of the
precautions necessary to minimise the risk of disruption to the Client’s business or
business systems. These may include fire precautions more onerous than Building
Regulations and security measures.
The Strategic Brief
The preparation of the Brief is the responsibility of the Client although the Architect/
Consultant may contribute to that Brief as a result of any initial meetings and
discussions. The Brief should establish the initial project requirements, target
construction cost and key target dates, such as obtaining planning consents or
the commencement and completion of building works. For the best outcomes,
following appointment the Architect/Consultant should set the Brief out in a separate
statement attached to the PSC as a numbered appendix.
Under RIBA Professional Services Contracts 2018, the Client is to supply all the
information in the Client’s possession, or which is reasonably obtainable, and which
is necessary for the proper and timely performance of the services. Under the CDM
Regulations 2015 the Client has a requirement to supply other information about or
affecting the site or construction work.
When establishing the Brief at the beginning of the project, the Client and/or
Architect/Consultant should consider, and include, the following:
• What are the Client’s motives and expectations in the long and short terms?
• Is the design to be contemporary or traditional and should it be in keeping with
the existing?
• Any preferences for materials, fixtures or finishes?
• What are the functions of the finished product? Will there be any schedules
of accommodation or room data sheets? Consider core user operations and
processes, equipment, plant layouts.
• Are there any priorities in terms of sustainability aspirations?
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