With soooo many plans never making it to construction, it’s time to rethink how we approach the design and construct process. Too often in our industry, the story is the same: the builder comes in at the end, delivers the bad news that the plans are unaffordable, and months (or even years) of work (and expense) are wasted. It’s the worst part of our job, which is why we simply don’t do it that way anymore.
Instead, get a builder involved pre-construction, when their advice can really make a difference. This is the Urban Form way. We can confirm early on whether your dream design aligns with realistic construction costs or suggest ways to reduce costs while preserving the vision.
Every project deserves the benefit of the best combined industry expertise that both an architect and builder bring. By selecting your designer and builder as a team from the outset, your project is approached with confidence, clarity, and a shared commitment to achieving the best possible outcome.
This early collaboration means well-informed, buildable solutions that maximise efficiency, reduce the risk of costly redesigns, and keep your budget on track with accurate cost reviews at each design stage. Furthermore it also provides the opportunity to try, test and build a strong communication system well before construction begins.
At Urban Form, we passionately believe that a collaborative, ‘round table’ approach is key to delivering the best client experience, and strongest possible project outcome.
The idea of engaging a builder in a consulting role early in the design phase is still new for many, but the need is clear:
Watch Samuel Architecture and Urban Form discuss the benefits.
Take Aways:
– Aligns design + budget early
– Combines the unique expertise of both builder + designer to maximise site potential
– Ensures realistic, buildable design decisions from the start, preventing emotional attachment to unaffordable plans
– Avoids overdesigning + costly rework
– Gives the builder insight into the client’s priorities + preferences
– Helps the builder gauge how well clients interpret plan and tailor explanations accordingly
– Allows for builder input to improve efficiency and cost-effective solutions
– Gives the client the opportunity to get to know the builder before the build
– Provides client confidence