Step on, step off
How We Work, Stage by Stage
River Bee Design works in clear stages. You can step on at any stage and carry on to the next, or step off once your immediate need is met.
Planning feasibility, residential design, heritage and ecological coordination and building control information come together in one process, with one accountable lead throughout.
Property Potential Review
Feasibility
- Your objectives and budget
- A desktop planning review and site consultation
- The principal planning, heritage and ecological constraints
- Initial development options and a recommended route
- An indicative programme and a proposal for the next stages
You receive: A short diagnostic report, with a consultation site visit after an initial fact-finding call
Planning Ready
Design and planning application
- Coordination of measured survey information
- Concept options and development of the preferred design
- Detailed AutoCAD drawings: existing and proposed elevations, site layouts and floor plans
- Supporting statements, including Design & Access and Heritage Statements and permitted development evidence
- Coordination of specialist reports and surveys
- Pre-application preparation, the full planning application and liaison with the local planning authority
- A defined revision allowance
You receive: A design ready for planning consent and a complete planning application, with liaison through to the decision
Build Ready
Building Regulations
- Detailed construction drawings to current building regulations standards, prepared with a registered architect
- Building regulations coordination and technical specification
- Coordination of the structural engineer and integration of specialist information
- Key details and construction sequencing
- Building control submission support and responses to technical queries
You receive: Construction-ready drawings, with support through to building control approval
Design & Tender Ready
Tender package
- Mechanical, electrical and plumbing (M&E) layouts
- Technical specifications and a schedule of works
You receive: A fully detailed tender package and M&E schematics
Beyond the four stages
Heritage and complex projects
Listed buildings, mills, conversions and ecologically constrained sites are scoped individually, to reflect the extra coordination, documentation and care they need.
Bespoke detailing
Kitchen design, joinery, feature staircases and the planning of bathroom and rainwater plumbing, detailed to suit the property.
Construction support
Optional support once you are ready to build: tender documents, contractor comparison, design clarification and scheduled site reviews. This is advisory support, not contract administration or project management.
Working with specialists
Structural calculations, party wall surveys and specialist engineering are carried out by trusted specialists whom you appoint directly, so their work is covered by their own professional indemnity insurance. We coordinate their information into the drawings.
Why River Bee Design
The developer’s edge
- Period-property expertiseDesign that respects existing character while maximising value
- Consent strategyConstraints identified before extensive, costly design work
- BuildabilityHands-on development experience informs every design decision
- ContinuityOne accountable lead from feasibility through to construction-ready information
Questions about how we work
What's the cost of your services?
A short initial conversation is free. Fees vary by project scope. We'll provide a clear estimate after your initial consultation with no obligation.
Can I speak to River Bee Design about my property before committing to a full project?
Yes. A short initial conversation is free and can quickly establish a direction. It can help clarify the property's circumstances, your objectives and the type of planning or design support that may be appropriate.
Can you help with a project from initial concept through to construction?
River Bee Design can provide support across different stages of a residential project. The exact scope of involvement is established at the beginning of each project.
More answers on our planning and property questions page.