Procurement

We help public sector clients to procure the right development and design partners for their projects, ensuring that qualitative criteria are properly considered as part of the process.

When any third party is brought in to help deliver a project, there is both an influx of expertise and a loss of project control. The client’s skill is to allow the design and construction supply chain to bring all of their creativity and efficiency to bear on the project, whilst eliminating design complexity and preventing unconsidered cost-cutting. Selecting and then working with design teams, contractors or developers should be an intensive and rewarding process for all. These parties will have a huge influence on whether a good quality outcome is achieved.


Developer Procurement

Who is this for?

You are a public sector landowner leading a major city/town centre regeneration project. It’s important that you find the right developer partner who will deliver a high quality scheme which leaves a lasting and attractive legacy.

What’s included?

  • We work alongside your commercial advisors, cost consultants and you, the landowner 

  • We contribute to creating the project brief so that the developer understands your vision and drivers 

  • We set out qualitative questions for the SQ and ITT 

  • We participate in dialogue sessions 

  • We evaluate the developer submissions (including quality of design team) as part of the wider consultant team 

  • We organise visits to completed projects by the candidates 

  • We advise you on the final selection and present to senior leaders and members 

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Design Team Framework Procurement

Who is this for?

You are a public sector landowner with a pipeline of new housing developments. You want that housing to be as high quality as possible, whilst also being efficient and pragmatic. You want to procure a diverse framework of appropriate architects (and potentially other consultants) to suit your project pipeline.

What’s included?

  • We work alongside procurement specialists and you, the landowner 

  • We work with you to understand your forward pipeline of projects 

  • We advise on potential other frameworks which could be used 

  • We set out a report showing the proposed structure and content for your procurement lots, based on your pipeline 

  • We advise on the likely appropriate candidate pool using our Architect Directory tool 

  • We undertake soft market testing with likely candidates 

  • We advise on how to advertise the opportunity 

  • We set out SQ and ITT questions 

  • We participate in interviews and evaluate submissions 

  • We advise on final selection of framework members 

Claire set out a procurement strategy for a designer framework which met Be First’s programme and values. She then worked with us on the tender process itself, ensuring that qualitative factors were retained throughout. We are really pleased with the quality and diversity of framework members we attracted.
— Jacob Willson, Head of Design, Be First

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Architect Competitions

Who is this for?

You are a public sector landowner or other institution leading a major new development project. You want to choose the right architect for that scheme, based on criteria which matter to you.

What’s included?

  • We work alongside your commercial advisors and you, the landowner 

  • We work with you to understand your drivers and requirements for the project 

  • We set out a competition strategy which suits your needs 

  • We work with you to create long and short lists of candidates depending on the strategy 

  • We manage the competition process and contact with candidates 

  • We evaluate candidates alongside you and your stakeholders include written, drawn and interview formats 

  • We advise on final selection of architects 

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Get in touch to find out more.