# Design Review Checklist A comprehensive design review checklist organised by [[RIBA Plan of Work]] stages, covering all key architectural and engineering disciplines. Use at stage-gate reviews to verify design completeness, coordination, and compliance before proceeding to the next stage. --- ## Table of Contents - [Stage 1 — Preparation and Briefing](#stage-1--preparation-and-briefing) - [Stage 2 — Concept Design](#stage-2--concept-design) - [Stage 3 — Spatial Coordination](#stage-3--spatial-coordination) - [Stage 4 — Technical Design](#stage-4--technical-design) - [Cross-Cutting Checks](#cross-cutting-checks) - [See Also](#see-also) --- ## Stage 1 — Preparation and Briefing ### Site and Context | Check | Status | |-------|--------| | Site survey and topographic data obtained | ☐ | | Geotechnical investigation commissioned/received | ☐ | | Existing services and utilities survey complete | ☐ | | Tree survey (BS 5837) completed | ☐ | | Ecological survey completed | ☐ | | Flood risk assessment obtained | ☐ | | Heritage assessment completed (if applicable) | ☐ | | Rights of way, easements, covenants identified | ☐ | | Planning policy review completed | ☐ | | Pre-application advice obtained from LPA | ☐ | ### Brief and Programme | Check | Status | |-------|--------| | Strategic brief approved by client | ☐ | | Schedule of accommodation agreed | ☐ | | Budget established and validated | ☐ | | Project programme agreed | ☐ | | Procurement route confirmed | ☐ | | Sustainability targets defined | ☐ | | Design team appointments confirmed | ☐ | --- ## Stage 2 — Concept Design ### Architecture | Check | Status | |-------|--------| | Design concept responds to brief and site context | ☐ | | Building orientation optimised for solar/daylight | ☐ | | Massing and scale appropriate to context | ☐ | | Key views and approaches considered | ☐ | | Floor plans demonstrate functional layout | ☐ | | Circulation is clear, efficient, and accessible | ☐ | | Schedule of accommodation areas achieved | ☐ | | Facade concept defined with preliminary materials | ☐ | | External landscape concept coordinated | ☐ | ### Planning | Check | Status | |-------|--------| | Concept complies with local plan policies | ☐ | | Height, density, and massing within planning parameters | ☐ | | Heritage/conservation area constraints addressed | ☐ | | Parking provision meets policy requirements | ☐ | | Refuse and servicing strategy defined | ☐ | ### Structure | Check | Status | |-------|--------| | Structural system identified (frame type, grid, spans) | ☐ | | Foundation approach identified from geotechnical data | ☐ | | Floor-to-floor heights coordinated with services | ☐ | | Lateral stability system defined | ☐ | | Key structural risks identified | ☐ | ### Services (MEP) | Check | Status | |-------|--------| | HVAC system type selected | ☐ | | Plant room locations and sizes provisionally allocated | ☐ | | Riser locations and sizes provisionally allocated | ☐ | | Incoming services routes identified | ☐ | | Energy strategy aligned with sustainability targets | ☐ | | Preliminary energy model completed | ☐ | --- ## Stage 3 — Spatial Coordination ### Coordination | Check | Status | |-------|--------| | All disciplines working from coordinated BIM model | ☐ | | Clash detection run and resolved | ☐ | | Ceiling void depths confirmed for all zones | ☐ | | Floor build-ups defined and coordinated | ☐ | | Movement joints located and coordinated | ☐ | | Service penetrations through structure identified | ☐ | | Facade system detailed sufficiently for coordination | ☐ | ### Fire Strategy | Check | Status | |-------|--------| | Fire strategy report issued | ☐ | | Means of escape routes verified (travel distances, exit widths) | ☐ | | Fire compartmentation defined on plans | ☐ | | Structural fire resistance periods confirmed | ☐ | | Sprinkler/suppression system scope confirmed | ☐ | | Smoke ventilation strategy defined | ☐ | | External fire spread assessment completed | ☐ | ### Accessibility | Check | Status | |-------|--------| | Level access to all public entrances | ☐ | | Accessible WC provision compliant | ☐ | | Lift provision meets access requirements | ☐ | | Accessible car parking provision adequate | ☐ | | Hearing loops, signage, wayfinding reviewed | ☐ | | Evacuation strategy for mobility-impaired persons | ☐ | ### Acoustics | Check | Status | |-------|--------| | Acoustic criteria defined for all key spaces | ☐ | | Separating wall/floor constructions specified | ☐ | | Mechanical noise criteria coordinated with MEP | ☐ | | Room acoustics (RT60) designed for critical spaces | ☐ | --- ## Stage 4 — Technical Design ### Envelope | Check | Status | |-------|--------| | Wall build-ups specified with U-value calculations | ☐ | | Thermal bridging details (Psi-values) calculated | ☐ | | Condensation risk assessment completed | ☐ | | Air tightness strategy and target defined | ☐ | | Waterproofing systems fully detailed | ☐ | | Window/door specifications issued (thermal, acoustic, fire) | ☐ | | Roof construction fully detailed | ☐ | ### Interior | Check | Status | |-------|--------| | Room-by-room finishes schedule issued | ☐ | | Door schedule with ironmongery issued | ☐ | | Sanitaryware schedule issued | ☐ | | Kitchen/joinery layouts detailed | ☐ | | Signage and wayfinding strategy defined | ☐ | ### External Works | Check | Status | |-------|--------| | Hard and soft landscape fully detailed | ☐ | | SuDS/drainage strategy coordinated | ☐ | | External lighting designed | ☐ | | Boundary treatments specified | ☐ | | Vehicle tracking verified for servicing/emergency access | ☐ | ### Sustainability | Check | Status | |-------|--------| | Energy model updated with detailed design data | ☐ | | BREEAM/LEED credits tracked and on target | ☐ | | Embodied carbon assessment completed | ☐ | | Renewable energy systems specified | ☐ | | Water consumption calculations completed | ☐ | | Overheating risk assessment completed | ☐ | ### Cost | Check | Status | |-------|--------| | Cost plan updated to Stage 4 detail | ☐ | | VE items identified and resolved | ☐ | | Specification aligned with cost plan allowances | ☐ | | Risk register reviewed and priced | ☐ | --- ## Cross-Cutting Checks ### CDM (Construction Design and Management) | Check | Status | |-------|--------| | Hazards eliminated or mitigated by design | ☐ | | Residual risks communicated to contractor | ☐ | | Maintenance access considered in design | ☐ | | Buildability reviewed with contractor (if appointed) | ☐ | ### Quality | Check | Status | |-------|--------| | Design reviewed against original brief | ☐ | | Client sign-off obtained at each stage gate | ☐ | | Independent design review completed (if required) | ☐ | | All drawing and specification cross-references verified | ☐ | --- ## See Also - [[RIBA Plan of Work]] - [[Site Inspection Checklist]] - [[Fire Safety Checklist]] - [[Accessibility Audit Checklist]] - [[Sustainable Design Checklist]] - [[Building Permit Checklist]] --- #checklist #design-review #quality #riba #reference #templates