For Architects & Designers
For Architects & Designers. A Contractor That Understands Your Work.
RCB works as principal contractor with architects, designers and structural engineers. We read drawings properly, price against specifications, and communicate formally — because your reputation and your client relationship matter.
What Architects Need from a Contractor
The basics should not need explaining. But in practice they often do. Here is what we actually commit to.
How RCB Works With Architects
Our process is designed to make the build phase feel like a managed extension of your design process — not a handover into uncertainty.
Formal Tender Process
We price tender packs properly. You will receive a structured response against your schedule of works, not a rough lump sum with caveats buried in small print.
Structured RFI Response
Requests for information are logged, referenced and responded to formally. We maintain an RFI register throughout the project.
Buildability Feedback
Where we identify constructability issues during tendering, we raise them formally — as information, not as attempts to change the design. You decide how to respond.
Value Engineering on Request
If you or your client want a value engineering review, we will provide one in writing. We do not make unilateral substitutions to specification without your written instruction.
Variation Management
All variations are issued in writing before work proceeds where possible. Verbal instructions are confirmed in writing within 24 hours. No surprises at final account.
Professional Site Communication
Site managers communicate in writing. Decisions are recorded. Architect's instructions are acknowledged formally. The client relationship is yours to manage.
What to Send RCB
A complete tender pack allows us to price accurately and return a structured response. The more complete the information, the more reliable our price. Where information is missing we will note it in our tender query list rather than make assumptions.
- Architectural drawings (all relevant stages)
- Specification or NBS clauses
- Schedule of works or Bill of Quantities (if available)
- Structural engineer's drawings and calculations
- Programme requirements (start date, completion date)
- Planning conditions relevant to construction
- Any specialist sub-contractor requirements
- Form of contract or preferred contract terms
- Any employer's requirements or client brief
Buildability Review
Where budget is tight or a specification element needs constructive review, RCB can offer a pre-tender buildability discussion. This is not an attempt to change the design — it is a structured conversation about how the design builds and where cost or programme risk sits.
Any observations are provided in writing for you to consider. We do not advise clients directly on design matters — that is your role.
Pre-tender site visits available
For complex projects, we recommend a joint site visit before tender close. Include an invitation in your pack or contact us to arrange.
Communication Standards
Formal project communication is not optional. Here is what you get as standard on every RCB project.
All requests for information logged with reference numbers and response dates.
Every design decision made on site recorded in writing and shared with you.
Formal variation notices issued before work proceeds. Valued promptly.
Progress reports issued weekly covering programme, issues and upcoming decisions.
Handover pack compiled to your specification where provided at tender stage.
FAQs for Architects
Do you price tender packs?
Yes. Send us your tender pack — drawings, specification, schedule of works and any pricing document — and we will return a properly structured tender against your items. We do not return unsolicited lump sums. If we have queries we will submit them as a tender query list, not informally.
Can you work from NBS or NRM specifications?
Yes. We are comfortable pricing against NBS clause-based specifications and can structure our return against NRM work sections if required. If you have a particular format you want us to price to, include it in the tender pack.
Do you provide a construction phase plan?
Yes. Under CDM 2015, where RCB acts as principal contractor, we produce and maintain a construction phase plan. We can also provide a draft at tender stage for your review if required for your CDM pre-construction information.
What is your approach to RFIs?
All requests for information are submitted in writing with a reference number, a clear question and a requested response date. We maintain a live RFI register. We do not make assumptions in the absence of information — if we need a decision to proceed, we formally flag it with the programme implications.
Can we walk a site together before pricing?
Yes — for projects of appropriate complexity, a pre-tender site visit is often worthwhile. It helps us price accurately and allows us to raise constructability questions before they become RFIs during the build. Include a site visit invitation in your tender pack or contact us directly to arrange.
Ready to Work Together?
Send a tender pack to get the process started, or get in touch to discuss a project before it reaches tender stage.