The eight stages from your side
| Stage | What we deliver | What we need from you |
|---|---|---|
| 01 Project brief | A written brief: vision, scope, priorities and budget | Openness about budget and how you live |
| 02 Concept & schematic design | Concept sketches, 3D massing and an agreed direction | Engagement and honest feedback |
| 03 Cost review & budget testing | An early cost check and contractor conversations | A realistic budget and willingness to adjust |
| 04 Planning application | The planning application, prepared and managed to a decision | Sign-off on drawings and quick answers |
| 05 Detailed design | The architectural design developed and coordinated with your engineer and other consultants | Decisions on materials and finishes |
| 06 Building Warrant application | The warrant application, prepared and managed through Building Standards | Prompt responses |
| 07 Construction documentation | Tender package, builder selection and contract | Reviewing tenders and choosing a builder |
| 08 Construction-stage support | Where appointed: design queries, review of relevant information and agreed site visits | Timely decisions on site |
Construction-stage support is defined in your written appointment. Any contract administration, payment certification, inspections or completion-related services are agreed separately, never included automatically. ED Design develops and coordinates the architectural design, working with structural engineers, energy assessors and other specialist consultants where their input is required; each consultant's scope is confirmed in the appointment. Fees for each stage are set out separately in our fee guide.
- 01Project brief
- 02Concept & schematic design
- 03Cost review & budget testing
- 04Planning application
- 05Detailed design
- 06Building Warrant application
- 07Construction documentation
- 08Construction-stage support
What makes it work
- Honesty on both sides, especially about budget and concerns.
- Prompt decisions. Building programmes depend on answers arriving when they're needed.
- Trust in the process, and asking whenever you're unsure.
- Realistic expectations. Building is complex, and not everything goes perfectly. What matters is that problems are handled openly.
Building is complex. What matters is that problems are handled openly.
Why stay involved through construction
Some self-builders stop design involvement once the warrant is approved to save on the construction stage. The construction stage is where the quality of the finished home is decided, and catching a single significant problem early can go a long way towards covering the cost.
General guidance for Scotland, not legal, tax, financial or planning advice for your project. Rules change, so check current official guidance and take advice specific to your site before acting.
