Guiding Your Project Through Every RIBA Stage: How 6 Design Consulting Supports You from Concept to Completion

At 6 Design Consulting, based in Manchester and Stockport, we specialise in delivering clear, practical, and technically robust design services across all six RIBA work stages. Whether you're at the very beginning of an idea or approaching the final handover of your build, our team is equipped to support you every step of the way.

Stage 1: Preparation and Brief — Setting the Foundations

Every successful project begins with a solid brief. During Stage 1, we work closely with you to understand your goals, priorities, and budget. This is where we explore early design ideas, discuss indicative costs, and define the scope of your project. Once aligned, we prepare a detailed and transparent quote for architectural services so you know exactly what to expect.

Stage 2: Concept Design — Bringing Ideas to Life

With the brief established, your project starts to take shape. We develop concept designs, presenting options through floor plans and 3D visuals. To help you fully immerse yourself in the design, we also offer 360° tours and virtual reality walkthroughs. This gives you the chance to experience your future space long before construction begins.

Stage 3: Planning — Navigating the Approval Process

Stage 3 focuses on preparing your project for planning or permitted development. We produce the required drawings, including plans, elevations, and site location documents. Our team can support you throughout the planning process or act as your agent, managing the submission through the planning portal and liaising with the local authority on your behalf.

Stage 4: Technical Design — Turning Concepts into Buildable Detail

Once planning is secured, we move into the technical detail. Our team develops comprehensive drawings and specifications that contractors can price accurately. As Principal Designer, we oversee the coordination of the design, while our in-house structural engineers produce the necessary calculations and building regulation drawings. These documents form the backbone of a compliant and buildable project.

Stage 5: Construction — Supporting Delivery on Site

When construction begins, your Principal Contractor leads the build. We remain actively involved, walking the contractor through key design decisions, clarifying technical details, and highlighting any risks. Clear communication at this stage is essential to ensure the project is delivered safely and efficiently. For added reassurance, we also offer on-site presence throughout the build, giving you confidence that the design intent is being executed correctly.

Stage 6: Handover — Completing the Journey

At the end of construction, we help bring everything together. We prepare as-built drawings, contribute to the building manual, and ensure all documentation is in place for a smooth handover. We also gather feedback to continually refine and improve our services