What Ortus Does
As development managers the scope of our services is broad. We adapt and deliver to suit our clients needs but some of the more common services we provide are listed here with more detail on some elements below.
Preliminary site appraisals | Site constraints assessment | Viability studies | Development cost appraisals | Planning review | Acquisition strategies | Pre-planning project management | Feasibility studies | Architecture | Public consultation | Planning applications | Planning management | Planning conditions | CDM Principle designer | Construction specification | Construction detailing | Tender production | Tender management | Contract administration | Construction project management | Certification | Marketing strategy | Project visualization graphics.
Project Viability
The Property Polaroid - A preliminary snapshot of a potential development site to review planning history, flood risk, local property values and project potential. Our clients see this as a valuable first step often enabling them to get to 'No' quickly without wasting too much time.
The Viability Report - A more detailed site analysis, to consider local variables, planning restrictions, development constraints, market values and feasibility designs, providing our clients with the right solution in the right location. The profiles, products and ambitions of our clients are as different as the sites they acquire and the the right solution for a development project depends on many different factors.
Ortus works closely with clients to understand their long term ambitions which in turn inform the shape any new project takes. Understanding their attitude to risk, time frame and delivery strategy are all considerations to be resolved before any form of design takes place.
Analysis of development, cost, strategy and product alternatives provide our clients and their investors with security and confidence that their progressing the right solution with risks identified, measured and mitigated.
Architecture
With the earlier phases of work complete Ortus and our clients approach the design phase of a project with a clear understanding and project brief. Risks are identified, managed and mitigated and there's a clear understanding of expected outcomes.
As experienced architectural designers we take this first hand and undiluted brief developing it through the feasibility, design and planning stages that follow.
Practical, usable buildings can still be beautiful, beautiful buildings can still be low energy in use and in construction; technologies, modern methods of construction, contemporary materials and technical solutions form part of a pallet that we apply in the right way, to the right projects, to fulfil our clients needs.
As a member of the Chartered Institute of Building we take an equal pride in our technical capacity as in our design. With experience delivering traditional construction, off site manufactured solutions, detailed specification and tender package production the transition from concept and planning to detail and construction is seamless.
Planning
At Ortus we have extensive experience in the development, preparation and submission of Planning Applications. A knowledge and degree of in house expertise that informs the early development stages of a project.
With a demonstrable track record of planning success we're confident in both our ability to deliver and to know when more specialist support is necessary.
We work within a wide support network of specialist providers from heritage and conservation to urban development strategies and S106 negotiations.
Principle Designer
The 2015 CDM regulations require the appointment of a 'Principle Designer' on projects where more than one contractor is involved.
In this capacity we represent the clients interests in planning, managing and coordinating the design team and the information produced. We assess and document risks, processes and potential hazards, that could emerge through the construction phase contributing to the production of the principle contractor's construction phase health and safety plan..
Risk identification and management through the design phase is a key factor in the safe delivery of any construction project and for continuing operations and maintenance beyond.
Project Management
The preceding phases of a development project establish value, scope, risk and detail but once a project is on site the risks become very real and mistakes become expensive.
A clear programme, robust supply chain, cost control, contractor relationships and communication across the project team are essential to the successful delivery of every construction project.
Clear understanding of the differing contract arrangements and appointment structures will ensure the right solution is provided for the delivery phase of your project.
Ortus has successfully delivered development contracts through principle contractor, management contract and other bespoke contracts and we're confident in the experience and professionalism in our project management team.