Our Services: Concept Design

Design Direction

The key to success with all of our projects is discussing the brief and understanding as early as possible our clients vision and aesthetic sensibilities. Some clients approach Found and have been thinking about their projects for years in advance and have a scrap book or image library. Others have considered very little and would like Found to take the lead on all aspects of the project. Whichever type of client you are it is important for us to establish the basis of the scheme to fully understand how a space is going to be inhabited, its function and the atmosphere that is to be created. Through exploring various options and imparting the knowledge we have gained during numerous projects we will start to develop the design language with you. We are not arrogant or precious, we are though passionate about design and, through this process we want to cultivate a common understanding and close working relationship with you that is taken through the lifetime of the project.

The Design Direction stage culminates in a presentation that is intended to provoke a design discussion between us that formalises the brief and informs the concept stage through the development of a collaborative design language. The work undertaken at this stage will vary from project to project, in most instances the final presentation will consist of:

• A series of sketch plan options.
• Initial sketch ideas.
• A selection of precedent images.

Concept Design

The Concept Design stage provides the opportunity for Found to further develop the design language established during the Design Direction stage. A concept design seldom comes about from a eureka moment where a single idea resolves everything, it is created by developing a scheme through a series of iterations, the testing of ideas and examining them with you against the criteria set out in the brief. Our close working relationship is further developed as we present our ideas to you at a series of workshop meetings, site and showroom visits. Throughout the process we add more layers of information to the scheme through a deeper examination of context, form, layout and materiality. We do this by creating a set of concept design drawings that form the basis of our scheme development, from which we then create 3D visualisations and architectural models.

The work undertaken at this stage will vary from project to project depending on the scale and complexity of the project but in most instances the final presentation will consist of:

• Plans and Elevations
• 3D Visualisations
• Architectural Model
• Material Samples
• Finishes Samples

During the concept stage it may also be advisable to make a submission for pre-application advice to the local authority for feedback on the viability of the scheme. As the design progresses we can advise if this is required.

As part of the final concept presentation we include a cost plan and programme that has been updated to suit the concept design. This will be produced by us or by the appointed Project Manager and Quantity Surveyor.

3D Visualisation

3D Visualisation offers Found an important communication platform for discussions with our clients during the Concept Stage allowing us to explore spatial arrangements, material options and atmosphere.  3D Visualisation is also extremely helpful when discussing a scheme with planners or any other interested parties.

3D Visualisation is a broad term that has many variations, the principle terms we use are:

Visual – Also referred to as a render or CGI.

Animation – Also referred to as a fly-through or walk-through.

Found can produce visuals and animations in-house or work with trusted partners if required. The artistic style of the visuals or animations Found produce may vary from project to project depending on the nature and atmosphere we are looking to convey.