Urban Design & Masterplanning

We work hand-in-hand with our Planning Consultants and Development Agents to ensure that any development potential is properly assessed across a range of criteria. The unit capacity or capability of a site for development is a complex matter to answer, and having expert professionals in both the development and urban design fields ensures we are well placed to provide a considered and accurate answer. We tend to start with the principles of the development (access, topography, services, etc.) and then provide a development framework, on which further technical work can be undertaken.

When looking at a more strategic or large-scaled site, the complexity of the project requires a broader range of expertise which crosses all three of the services we provide.  The masterplanning or urban design role is to balance the planning policy and strategy needs with the architectural intent and design for the eventual scheme. They also balance and incorporate development-focused challenges, such as phasing considerations, infrastructure delivery, and construction economics.

A critical part of any large or strategic scheme is understanding its impact on surrounding residents and businesses. Inevitably, there are going to be consequential impacts of new development, our role when it comes to supporting or delivering genuine community engagement is to ensure that early conversations are had and issues considered at the outset of a scheme. This gives our clients and projects the ability to adapt and adjust to help ease concerns, incorporate elements that the local community might need, resulting in a better-quality project for all. From running community engagement workshops to delivering public exhibitions and meeting with statutory or focus groups, our engagement work focuses on transparency and openness.

These two elements are inextricably linked. We believe that in delivering the best quality places, by designing great places for people to live, we inherently create value.  This can be financially beneficial, but it goes beyond that, supporting the development of social interactions, communities and a sense of belonging to something beyond just the extent of a property.  If we deliver on the cultural, environmental and social value that new masterplanning should have, then we will create economic value, which enables us to drive high standards of construction, material selection and open space provision.