Design & Development Management

Our expertise lies in unlocking value through design by efficiently managing the design team and conducting thorough reviews to ensure buildability, market alignment, and cost efficiency. Our consultancy service mirrors the process we use in our own developments, offering a unique management approach that delivers quick returns on investment. By applying our proven methodology, we help clients realise the full potential of their projects with minimal risk and maximum impact.

Our process aligns with the RIBA Plan of Work, ensuring simplicity and enabling all consultants and contractors to clearly understand key gateways. Below are the key stages and deliverables throughout the development process.

  • At urbanflo, our feasibility studies go beyond standard analysis. We provide a tailored, site-specific report that addresses both architectural and financial requirements, giving you a clear pathway to unlocking your project’s full potential.

    Our process includes:

    • Site Analysis: Identifying opportunities and constraints unique to the location.

    • Architectural Assessment: Exploring design possibilities that align with planning and development goals.

    • Financial Viability: Evaluating the project’s economic feasibility, including cost projections and potential returns.

    • Strategic Recommendations: Offering actionable insights to maximise value and minimise risk.

    No two sites are the same, so we take the time to thoroughly understand the assets and qualities of each project, ensuring our recommendations are both practical and innovative.

  • At urbanflo, we understand that successful real estate development requires continuous assessment and refinement. Our design review service ensures that your project remains aligned with both vision and practicality from concept to construction.

    Our approach includes:

    • Concept Design Review: Validating the initial vision to ensure it aligns with project objectives and feasibility.

    • Planning Stage Review: Ensuring designs meet planning requirements while maximising site potential.

    • Technical Design Review: Assessing construction details for buildability, compliance, and cost efficiency.

    • Construction Stage Review: Maintaining quality control and resolving design challenges as they arise on site.

    By involving our expert team at every stage, we help you avoid costly errors, streamline the approval process, and ensure the final product meets the highest standards of quality and functionality.

  • At urbanflo, we streamline the planning process by ensuring every aspect of your project aligns with relevant planning policies from the outset. Our proactive approach reduces risk, saves time, and maximises the chances of a successful application.

    Our process includes:

    • Policy Alignment: Conducting a thorough review of local and national planning policies to ensure compliance.

    • Strategic Positioning: Developing proposals that balance design ambition with planning requirements.

    • Stakeholder Engagement: Proactively addressing potential concerns through early dialogue and consultation.

    • Submission Support: Preparing clear, comprehensive documents to strengthen your application.

    By integrating planning considerations from the start, we help you navigate the approval process with confidence and efficiency.

  • We recognise that interior design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating spaces that are both functional and aligned with market expectations. Our approach ensures that interiors are thoughtfully designed to suit the target occupant while maximising spatial efficiency and value.

    Our process includes:

    • Market Research: Understanding the preferences and needs of the target demographic to inform design choices.

    • Space Optimisation: Creating adaptable layouts that maximise usability without compromising on comfort or quality.

    • Material and Finish Selection: Choosing durable, cost-effective materials that meet aesthetic and functional demands.

    • Market Suitability Check: Continuously reviewing the design to ensure it remains relevant to changing market conditions.

    By focusing on efficiency and occupant needs, we help developers create interiors that are not only visually appealing but also highly practical and attractive to the market, driving both desirability and value.

  • urbanflo understand that successful developments start with practical, buildable designs. From the earliest stages, we ensure that every design decision aligns with both construction feasibility and financial objectives. Our approach integrates buildability considerations throughout the design process to keep projects on budget and on schedule.

    Our process includes:

    • Early-Stage Assessment: Identifying potential build challenges at the concept phase to avoid costly redesigns later.

    • Cost Alignment: Continuously evaluating design decisions against the financial pro forma to ensure feasibility and cost control.

    • Material and Construction Method Review: Selecting materials and methods that balance quality, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

    • Collaborative Design Management: Working closely with contractors and consultants to integrate practical solutions early, reducing risk and delays.

    By prioritising buildability from the start, we help developers avoid unexpected costs and create designs that are as efficient to build as they are impactful.

  • At urbanflo, we believe that great design doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Through value engineering, we creatively reimagine spaces to deliver outstanding results without compromising on quality or functionality. Our approach ensures that every design decision works hard to add value while keeping costs under control.

    Our process includes:

    • Innovative Thinking: Challenging conventional solutions to find smarter, more cost-effective alternatives.

    • Material Efficiency: Selecting high-impact, durable materials that offer the best balance between cost and aesthetics.

    • Strategic Design: Making thoughtful choices that maximise the use of space and enhance user experience without inflating budgets.

    • Holistic Review: Continuously assessing the design to identify areas where creative solutions can reduce costs while maintaining or improving quality.

    Great design is about making considered choices that deliver the most value for the investment. With urbanflo, you get thoughtful, well-engineered solutions that achieve remarkable results without unnecessary expense.

  • At urbanflo, we take build quality seriously. Our on-site snagging service ensures that every detail meets the highest standards before handover. We meticulously inspect completed works, identifying any defects or finish issues, so your project is delivered to perfection.

    With our thorough approach, we help you achieve a flawless finish, giving you peace of mind and protecting your investment.

  • At urbanflo, we understand that a successful development is more than just a building—it’s an experience. Our branding approach ensures that every aspect of the asset, from interior styling to marketing materials, communicates a cohesive and compelling story.

    Our process includes:

    • Interior Styling: Designing spaces that reflect the brand’s identity while appealing to the target market.

    • Visual Identity: Crafting a distinctive aesthetic that resonates through all touchpoints, from signage to digital presence.

    • Marketing Pitch: Developing persuasive narratives and presentations that capture the unique value of the asset.

    • Branded Materials: Producing high-quality, visually appealing content that reinforces the project’s identity.

    By integrating branding throughout the design and marketing process, we help create assets that not only stand out but also connect with people on a deeper level—making your development more desirable and valuable.

Consultancy Services

Feasibility Study

Urbanflo’s feasibility service offers a bespoke report tailored to meet your project’s specific requirements, encompassing both architectural and financial considerations. This comprehensive analysis provides an insightful response to unlocking the project’s potential while ensuring site-specificity.

Recognising the uniqueness of each site and project, we meticulously understand the assets and qualities of the site to propose optimal strategies for maximising objective outcomes.

The report includes the following key components:

  • Contextual Real Estate Analysis

  • Feasibility Report

  • Massing Options

  • Risk and Opportunities

  • Development Financial Plan

While architects can comprehend massing options, Urbanflo specialises in assessing the feasibility of development, ensuring that the most suitable project is selected to yield optimal returns. Investing in a feasibility study before appointing a design team allows for the identification of the appropriate team and the creation of a concise project brief and budgets, thereby generating streamlined value.

Design Reviews

Urbanflo’s design review service is structured to maintain the highest standards throughout the project lifecycle. We provide thorough assessments at each key stage, ensuring that designs not only meet aesthetic and functional goals but also align with planning, technical, and construction requirements.

Our design review process covers the following key stages:

Concept Design Review: Evaluating the initial vision to ensure feasibility, design integrity, and alignment with project objectives.

Planning Submission Review: Assessing planning documents to ensure compliance, clarity, and the strongest case for approval.

Detailed Design Review: Critically analysing technical drawings and specifications to confirm buildability.

Tender Bid Review: Reviewing tender documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with design intentions.

By conducting design reviews at these critical points, we mitigate risks, streamline decision-making, and secure the quality and viability of the final build. Our expertise ensures that your project progresses smoothly, avoiding costly redesigns or planning setbacks.

Value Engineering

We believe that exceptional design does not have to come at a premium. Through value engineering and proactive problem solving, we find innovative ways to deliver high-quality outcomes while keeping costs in check. Our approach ensures that the project remains efficient and adaptable, even when challenges arise on site.

Our process includes:

  • Cost-Effective Design Solutions: Rethinking materials, construction methods, and detailing to maximise value without compromising quality.

  • On-Site Issue Resolution: Rapidly assessing challenges and implementing practical, cost-efficient solutions to keep the project on track.

  • Collaborative Problem Solving: Working closely with contractors and consultants to find balanced solutions that align with the project vision.

  • Maintaining Quality Standards: Ensuring that cost-saving measures do not detract from the final quality or design integrity.

By focusing on value and efficiency, we help developers achieve optimal results even in complex or evolving project environments. Our problem-solving mindset ensures that unforeseen issues are addressed with minimal disruption and cost.

Real Estate Development Strategy

We understand that successful real estate development requires a strategic approach that balances vision, market demands, and financial viability. Our development strategy service combines rigorous analysis with creative thinking to shape projects that deliver lasting value.

Our strategy process includes the following key components:

  • Market Analysis: Understanding local dynamics, demand trends, and target demographics to inform strategic decisions.

  • Site Potential Assessment: Evaluating the development capacity and highest-value use of the site.

  • Financial Planning: Crafting a robust financial strategy that aligns projected costs with expected returns.

  • Development Roadmap: Outlining clear steps from acquisition through planning, construction, and marketing.

  • Risk Management: Identifying potential challenges early to devise mitigation strategies.

By integrating strategic thinking from the outset, we help developers make informed decisions, reducing risk while maximising the project’s profitability and impact.