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Architectural Feasibility Studies: Key to Successful, Cost-Efficient Design Projects

Posted Tuesday 27 August, 2024 in Stories

If you’ve ever watched a home renovation show or followed the intricate planning of a futuristic building in a blockbuster movie, you’ve had a glimpse into the world of architectural feasibility studies. These studies are the secret sauce that ensures an architectural project is viable before diving in headfirst. For our architects in Shropshire, mastering the art of feasibility studies can turn a dream project into reality, just like those dramatic reveals on TV, and inevitably saves the client money by identifying and finding solutions for potential problems early on in the design process prior to any planning application support and further construction documents and project management our architecture firm may be able to support you in.

What is a Feasibility Study in Architecture?

Feasibilities are the bedrock of a design project. An example of this could be home design in the West Midlands. Before we can start transforming that old, creaky mansion into a modern marvel, you need to figure out if it’s even possible. That’s a feasibility study—a deep dive into whether your project can stand up to real-world challenges. It looks at everything from budget constraints and legal hurdles to environmental impacts and site suitability.

At Johnson Design Partnership, we have vast experience in feasibility studies across all sectors including large schemes in healthcare design and education design as well as commercial fit-out and industrial design.

Why Feasibility Studies Matter?

  1. Risk Mitigation: Think of a feasibility study as your superhero shield, protecting you from unexpected villains like hidden costs and regulatory roadblocks. This protection is crucial in healthcare design and education projects and others alike, to ensure safety and compliance.
  2. Informed Decision-Making: Like a detective gathers clues, feasibility studies provide architects and stakeholders with all the information they need to make smart decisions. For Shropshire architects, this means designing projects that meet local needs and adhere to regulations.
  3. Cost Efficiency: Imagine the horror of realizing halfway through a project that you’re way over budget. Feasibility studies help avoid these nightmares by identifying potential issues early, saving time and money.

Initial site investigation plan for a bespoke residential project

The Key Ingredients of a Feasibility Study

  1. Site Analysis: Picture scouting locations for a new theme park—this step evaluates if the proposed site is up to the task. For healthcare facilities, this means checking access for emergency vehicles and ensuring environmental safety. In education, it’s about finding a spot that’s convenient for students and staff.
  2. Regulatory Review: Every good heist movie has a scene where the team studies the security system. Similarly, architects need to understand local zoning laws, building codes, and other regulations to avoid any legal dramas.
  3. Financial Analysis: This is your budgeting phase, akin to figuring out if you can afford to build that dream treehouse. It involves estimating costs, exploring funding options, and projecting long-term expenses.
  4. Stakeholder Input: Think of this as getting feedback from your audience before launching a new TV show. For healthcare projects, you’ll consult with medical professionals and patients. For educational facilities, teachers, students, and administrators provide crucial insights.
  5. Environmental Impact Assessment: In the age of eco-conscious superheroes, understanding the environmental impact of your project is vital. This step assesses how your building will affect the local environment and explores sustainable design options.

Feasibility Studies for Healthcare Design

Healthcare facilities are like the intricate set designs of a sci-fi movie—every detail matters. Feasibility studies for these projects need to consider:

  • Clinical Needs: Ensuring the design supports patient care, with smooth workflows and specialized equipment.
  • Safety and Accessibility: Designing for safety and making sure the facility is accessible to everyone, like a well-planned escape route in an action flick.
  • Future Expansion: Planning for future growth, akin to leaving room for sequels in a blockbuster franchise.

Site analysis for complex brownfield site pegged for expansion at a hospital in the south of England.

Feasibility Studies for Educational Design

Designing educational facilities is like crafting the perfect school in a coming-of-age story. These studies focus on:

  • Educational Objectives: Aligning the design with the school’s goals, much like creating a set that reflects the narrative of a movie.
  • Flexibility: Designing spaces that can evolve with changing educational trends and technologies, just as a show adapts across seasons.
  • Community Integration: Ensuring the school serves as a hub for the community, much like a beloved neighbourhood coffee shop in a sitcom.

Image of a site constraints plan achieved for a feasibility study into a new primary school near London.

Conclusion

For Shropshire architects, especially those specializing in healthcare design and educational facilities, conducting thorough feasibility studies is like having a detailed script for a hit movie. These studies ensure your project is feasible, compliant, financially viable, and tailored to the needs of the community. By investing in comprehensive feasibility studies, architects can create successful, sustainable projects that are as rewarding as a surprise plot twist.

Contact Us For more information.

Masterplan as part of a series of healthcare feasibility studies across a NHS Trust Campus near London.

Feasibility into industrial design changes for a european factory. 

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We engaged Johnson Design 4 years ago at the start of a big renovation and new build project. Matt Spinks has always taken our ideas or vague notions of an idea and turned them into something innovative which is both attractive and practical. We were delighted with the final plans which went straight through planning permission, even though part of the project was a Grade 2 listed renovation. As a project manager Matt has also been first rate and thoroughly supportive. We would not hesitate to recommend Johnson Design.

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Lynda Hall
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We love this house and it is a testament to your skills that it works so well for us. I am hoping that you will be able to help us again when (if) we succeed in buying the run down (and badly designed) bungalow we want – I will be in touch soon, I hope

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Richard and Jenn
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It’s a refreshing change to have such good service these days. I really have no idea how your prices compare to other practices, but on the face of they look absolutely fine and look perfectly fair & reasonable, and if I’m honest, pleasantly surprising.

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Steve Woods
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Once we found Johnson Design we didn’t consider looking anywhere else. They offer such a professional and comprehensive service which made the whole process of extending our house totally hassle and stress free. We had some brilliant designs which were exactly what we wanted and from there they helped us with all the small and big details and to find the right builders for us. They were on hand at any time to answer questions and queries for us and to communicate with the building company on our behalf. Their advice at every step was so helpful. Our double storey extension is now finished and we couldn’t be more happy with it.

We would highly recommend this team without reservation.

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Kat Williams, Wolverhampton
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As well as our thanks, we would like to add our congratulations on steering our application to approval first time – with no hitches or refusals! This success, we feel, must be a result of your skill, expertise and carefully timed discussions and consultations throughout the planning process. – We have no hesitation in recommending your work.

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Mr and Mrs Pavard
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“We wanted a small extension to the rear of our property, to create an open-plan kitchen dining area. Vic and Matt helped us understand what could be achieved ticking all our wish list and more by also adding a utility and downstairs toilet creating a space we didn’t think was possible. They supported us at every stage of the project through to completion, providing their expertise every step of the way, making the whole process painless. We are really pleased with the result, turning our house into our dream family home.”

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Mark Evans
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I have been involved with Johnson Design Partnership for some time now and my project with them began in March. I have been so impressed, in particular, with architect Matt Spinks, with his/their attention to detail, their inspiring ideas, and their attitude that nothing is ever too much trouble. They deal with things both promptly and efficiently and both myself and my daughter whose property it will be, and also to reside in, are so excited about the finished result.Cannot recommend this amazing company enough. Creating a new build like this, originally stables, can be a stressful time but this most professional company have succeeded in making it less so, Matt is always on the end of the phone or in person when needed. Thank you Johnson Design Partnership!!

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Kim Osborne, Smestow Gate Cottage
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Many thanks to Johnson Design for delivering exactly what we wanted: A bright, flexible, modern space which brings the garden and the lovely views of the upper Corvedale into our home, without losing anything of the character and warmth of our historic stone farmhouse. The family home of nearly 30 years has been greatly enhanced, giving a perfect blend of old and new, and the perfect venue for entertaining and family get-togethers. The extension was the proud focus for our wedding celebration and garden party for more than 100 guests over the Bank Holiday weekend, and bought in more admiring comments than we could count!

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Mr and Mrs Coad - Much Wenlock