During the concept stage of work we listen to our client’s brief; their technical requirements and emotional aspirations. We analyse the site and its context, and produce concept design packs that are often used to reinforce the potential of a development. In many cases, the concept stage of our services culminates in a pre-application submission to the local planning authority, which is a valuable indication of the potential success of a future planning application.

The developed design stage takes our concept designs on to a further level of detail, enabling our clients to fully understand their development, how it will work for them, and how it will sit within its context. During the developed design stage, initial cost reports may be produced, along with other investigations required by the design team. GUNN Associates may act as lead consultant from this point onwards, organising the full design team of consultants, engineers, and surveyors.

The developed design stage will often lead to a planning application for the development.

GUNN Associates have extensive experience of designing developments to exceed building regulations, and homebuilder guarantee providers’ guidelines. We work with, and lead, the design team in order to ensure that our clients’ developments satisfy statutory requirements.

More detailed than building regulations documentation, GUNN Associates will work with the design team to coordinate and lead the production of a suite of tender documents. We advise our clients on strategy for getting best value and optimum results for their development. We compile tender lists from our directory of known contractors and organise for the issue and return of the tender packs. This stage of our services often concludes with a construction contract being ready to be let to a building contractor.

GUNN Associates performs the role of contract administrator on construction contracts; from commencement on site to the issue of the practical completion certificate and beyond to the end of the defects period. We have experience in a range of contract types including traditional, design & build, and construction management. If required we act as employer’s agent, and can also be novated to the main contractor.

We have worked on several masterplan projects for our developer and educational clients. These masterplans look at projects on a macro scale and allow our clients to strategize the project at a very early stage, giving them economic and practical direction. We use site analysis software to assist in our reporting, as well as 3D computer modelling.

In the education sector we have produced masterplans for university and specialist education clients, referring to established contemporary strategic thinking.

We offer a full range of conservation and heritage services from inception to completion.  Offering a bespoke service to each of our clients, our in house team can provide the full range of services from heritage impact assessments, heritage surveys to carefully considered extensions, remodelling and adaptations. Assisting our developer sector, we are now able to offer advice and guidance on how the impact of new development can be mitigated or lessened, informing the design team throughout the RIBA Stages.

GUNN Associates can provide you with computer-generated models throughout the various stages of the design process. The models vary from ‘cardboard’ concept models to photorealistic images. Computer-generated models really help our clients understand their developments, from a very early stage. They are used to illustrate developments to all stakeholders, including funders, local authorities, and end-users. We also use them as an additional design tool.

If your project or development requires development branding then we can help. Development branding has become an essential tool for our developer clients to help them make sales before completion of their projects. Our services include providing you with a bespoke-designed micro-site and digital sales brochure; of course, we also work with you to name your development and create its graphic image.

For our developer clients, we offer a bespoke interior design service, which includes detailed kitchen and bathroom designs, overall interior concepts, and home-staging for show homes or rental properties.

GUNN Associates are dedicated to providing sustainable design solutions and advice. Not only does this create developments that have a lower impact on the environment but also developments that are more economic to use.