The importance of pre-contract involvement in the commercial design process

Kevin Winkworth Portrait

Written by Kevin Winkworth

Article - Arch

As a Project Design Director, my role is to oversee the Vision Arch Design Team and supervise aspects of commercial glazing projects, ensuring that specifications are met and projects are delivered in a timely manner. As Design Engineers, engagement early on in the process is essential to achieving smooth project delivery.

I have seen time and time again, how the Design Team’s involvement in stages one or two of the process contributes towards efficient project management from concept to installation. Aside from smooth delivery, pre-contract involvement is also key to preserving and protecting the original vision of the project.

The raft of benefits that early engagement with Vision Arch brings include the provision of detailed drawings and 3-D modelling. Vision Arch are also able to provide “bay studies” that can really enhance this stage of the façade design process. The primary goal of this service is to ensure that design ideas can be properly communicated to, and approved by all involved. The design team can present alternative solutions at this stage and give our clients the opportunity to see various options before Stage 4 — ironing out any issues here is the most exciting part of a project coming together. 

Our tried and tested methods have resulted in impeccably delivered projects and proved the efficacy of the Vision Arch approach. Take, for example, our current project:  an office refurbishment at Pilgrim Street, London, with ISG and Stiff+Trevillion. Still in the design phase, we are working collaboratively on this project to realise one of the architect’s signature designs: a bespoke curtain wall system with an integrated external feature fin. With potential technical issues, such as thermal expansion, getting the design concept drawings of the bespoke feature wall (complete with rainscreen cladding) correct is crucial for the latter end of this project. 

Our approach to our current projects is informed by years of experience. Reflecting on my time working with Vision Arch, I have seen our approach work for multiple projects, but my favourites have to be 2 Gresham Street and Shelley House

Gresham Street not only exemplified the importance of pre-contract services in achieving smooth delivery, but was also an example of how well the design team adapted to working during the 2020/21 pandemic. The design process for this 8-storey headquarters building all happened remotely, but we successfully managed and maintained the program for the curtain walling manufacture and installation.

Demolition and extensive refurbishment works at Gresham Street consisted of general refurbishments to a reception space and office accommodation. Alterations were made to the core building configuration and atria infills, and we also created a new rooftop terrace. Although we had to manage onsite ‘close working’ arrangements (adhering to the government guidelines on social distancing), the project was completed to a Category ‘A’ standard. The new atrium allows light to flood down into the core of the building during the day and at night, and the integrated LED lighting provides a real architectural feature to the finished space.

Shelley House, on the other hand, presented us with some intense installation issues. Although we were crucially able to overcome some technicalities in the design phase, this was a very challenging project. It didn’t come without reward, however, as the finished build is very impressive and features a range of forward-thinking designs— an innovative structural glazing system, impressive entrance canopy and high-level glazing. I was very proud of how we were able to overcome the challenges this project presented and were able to bring our wonderful designs into fruition. 

Located in the historic heart of the City of London, the transformation of the 11,000sqm Shelley House comprised of a new external façade at street level, a new entrance and expanded reception area. The work was part of a refurbishment that included 12 floors of office facilities, a rooftop extension and a new roof terrace.

The innovative structural glazing system allowed for double height curtain walling without the use of any visible secondary steelwork, allowing much slimmer sight lines to the framework of the façade. The bespoke aluminium clad canopy included all of the secondary steelwork required to connect the new canopy onto the existing one and incorporated detailed LED lighting. 

Working with the City of London to organise road closures and ensure the project was delivered on time were challenges for us on this project, but not insurmountable. The site and project team also needed to come up with lifting solutions due to the limited access to the external façade because of tight site boundaries, and some heavier elements had to be installed using a crane. Working collaboratively with the client, and thanks to some solutions found in the pre-contract design stage, we overcame these challenges to successfully deliver this landmark workplace facility.

To learn more about our past projects, head to the Our work page on the Vision Arch website.