Site analysis establishes a thorough understanding of the site before any design begins.
The brief
Site analysis establishes a thorough understanding of the site before any design begins.
Approach
It maps the constraints and opportunities of the site: planning history, policy, neighbours, daylight, ground, drainage, trees, access, and acoustic and visual context. These are translated into design parameters that any scheme must respect.
Planning and regulation
Site analysis sits between the measured survey, which records the site, and the feasibility study, which tests options on it.
Delivery
The analysis is issued as a written report with diagrams and a consolidated constraints and opportunities plan.
Fees
Fees are fixed for each stage and confirmed in writing once the scope is agreed. Construction cost depends on the site, the specification and the procurement route, and is established through an indicative cost plan at feasibility stage.
Common questions
Is it the same as a site survey? +
No. A survey measures the site; site analysis interprets what those measurements mean for design.
Is it required if the studio is preparing the feasibility study? +
No — it is included as the first stage of every feasibility study. Only worth commissioning separately when needed independently of design work.
How long does it take? +
Residential-scale: two to three weeks. Larger or complex sites: four to six.
Can a site be analysed before purchase? +
Yes, and it is often the most valuable time. Desktop research and design-parameter conclusions do not need physical access.
What if it identifies a serious problem? +
You have identified it at the least costly stage. Common examples: unregistered rights of way, undisclosed TPOs, ground contamination indicators. Better to know before you commit.
Does the studio work on commercial and industrial projects? +
Yes. Same framework, different emphasis — servicing, contamination and industrial constraint typically carry more weight than residential amenity.
Get in touch and we will confirm what would be involved for the site.