Our Services
At Cornerstone Architects, we work across interiors, new builds, renovations, extensions and master planning, focusing on clear, practical design that responds to each project’s requirements and the context of the Isle of Man. We help clients navigate planning and regulatory processes, consider accessibility from the outset, and can remain involved through construction to ensure the project is delivered as intended.
We can help with:
Interior design, new builds, renovations and extensions
Master planning and site strategy
Accessibility assessments and solutions
Planning and building control
Sustainable and climate responsive design
Heritage, conservation and environmental impact
Technical drawings and construction detailing
Material selection and specification
Client communication and project management
Approach
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RIBA Stage 0
Strategic Definition
This stage determines whether a building project is the best way to meet your requirements. We explore all options, from refurbishment to new construction, considering budget, risks, and site constraints. The aim is to make informed decisions before design begins. We review feasibility and gather essential insights to ensure the chosen approach is practical and cost effective. By the end of this stage, you will have clarity on the best route forward and confidence that your investment aligns with your goals.
Confirms if a building project is the right solution for your needs.
Compares options, considers budget, risks and site constraints.
Ensures the chosen approach is realistic and meets your priorities.
Provides confidence and clarity before design work begins.
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RIBA Stage 1
Preparation and Briefing
During this stage, we work with you to define and approve the project brief, ensuring your vision fits the chosen site and budget. We confirm your priorities, including sustainability and quality, and gather essential site information. This sets the foundation for the design process in Stage 2, giving you clarity on what’s achievable and how your aspirations will be met. We also outline responsibilities and prepare plans for smooth collaboration, so you know exactly what to expect as the project moves forward.
Your project brief is developed and approved, confirming it meets your needs and fits the site.
Budget, sustainability goals, and quality aspirations are agreed and documented.
Site surveys and essential information are gathered to enable design work. Read more about our survey process.
Roles and responsibilities are clarified for a clear, structured process.
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RIBA Stage 2
Concept Design
At this stage, we develop the initial design concept based on your approved project brief and site information. We explore layouts, form, and appearance to reflect your vision while meeting spatial requirements. Regular reviews with you ensure the design evolves in line with your feedback. We can also coordinate with engineers and consultants to confirm feasibility and compliance with regulations. By the end of this stage, you will have a clear concept that aligns with your aspirations and is ready for detailed development in Stage 3.
Creates an initial design concept that reflects your vision and meets the brief.
Reviews and refines proposals with your input throughout the process.
Confirms feasibility with consultants and checks compliance with regulations.
Ensures the concept aligns with your budget and quality aspirations.
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RIBA Stage 3
Spatial Coordination
This stage ensures the design developed in Stage 2 is fully coordinated and ready for detailed technical work. We validate the architectural concept and integrate engineering details so everything works together. Cost checks and compliance reviews are carried out, and any minor adjustments are made to achieve a robust, buildable design. By the end of this stage, you’ll have a coordinated proposal that meets your budget and quality goals, and we’ll be ready to submit a planning application.
Confirms the design is spatially coordinated and ready for technical development.
Validates assumptions and integrates engineering details for buildability.
Aligns design with budget through cost checks and refinements.
Prepares for planning application and ensures compliance with regulations.
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RIBA Stage 4
Technical Design
At this stage, all detailed design information is prepared so your building can be manufactured and constructed. We produce technical drawings, specifications, and coordinate with specialists to ensure accuracy and compliance. The design is refined to meet regulations, planning conditions, and your agreed budget. This stage also involves finalising procurement details and signing the building contract, so everything is ready for construction to begin. By the end of Stage 4, you’ll have complete, coordinated technical information that ensures your project can move forward smoothly.
Produces all technical drawings and specifications needed for construction.
Ensures compliance with Building Regulations and planning conditions.
Aligns design details with your budget and procurement strategy.
Finalises the building contract so work can commence on site.
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RIBA Stage 5
Manufacturing and Construction
This stage is where your building takes shape. Construction begins in line with the agreed programme, and we can oversee progress to ensure quality. We can manage logistics, coordinate suppliers, and respond to site queries promptly. Regular inspections and reporting keeps you informed throughout. As completion approached, we prepare for handover by compiling essential building information and addressing any defects. By the end of this stage, your building will be ready for practical completion and handover.
Oversees construction to ensure quality, safety and alignment with your vision.
Manages logistics and coordinates suppliers for timely delivery.
Provides regular progress updates and addresses site queries.
Prepares for handover, including building manuals and defect resolution.
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RIBA Stage 6 and 7
Handover and Use
These stages begin when your building is handed over and aftercare starts. We ensure any remaining defects are resolved promptly and provide any necessary information so you can use building systems effectively. Feedback can be gathered to confirm performance and identify improvements. Twelve months after completion, the Final Certificate is issued, concluding the Building Contract. At handover, you’ll receive complete manuals and asset information to help you manage and maintain your building effectively. This ensures your building continues to perform as intended throughout its life.
Building handed over with aftercare and defect resolution in place.
Training provided for smooth operation of building systems.
Feedback collected to confirm performance and inform improvements.
Complete manuals and asset information supplied for effective management.
FAQs
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Each project is considered at the outset usually following a site visit where we look at any constraints before you have to commit. Thereafter fees are calculated based on the agreed brief and scope. This is then issued in written format to you as client for review. Typically this is based on the RIBA Plan of Work and presented as a 'shopping list' allowing you flexibility to engage for full or part service. On receipt of your acceptance of the fees we will then programme the works to be commenced. As part of the appointment process we issue an agreed scope of works and standard 'Terms and Conditions'. The stages normally correlate with payment due requirements.
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As each project is reviewed in the context of your brief it is not always a requirement to have full services - our services are tailored to meet your requirements - often clients wish for statutory approvals only.
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We are professional designers and as part of our service interpret your vision to initially agree the scope of your project. If you have preformed ideas and a firm brief written down and potentially in a sketched format greatly assists and informs the early part of the appointment. In most cases the brief is simply a headline and we use our skills to draw out the detail before moving forward.
