Building Consultancy Services - Education

The biggest problem facing schools is a lack of space. Do they give up expensive land, often used for sports and recreational purposes, to build new classrooms? Or do they reuse their current estate to maximise space? Our professionals help schools to unlock and understand underutilised areas or navigate the planning process to build upwards instead of outwards.

How do we future proof schools and importantly how do we create environments that could be let? Also, how can schools utilise summer and spring breaks? Our professionals can help in answering these essential questions.

Understanding the flow and focus of schools is essential. Bottlenecks and general wear and tear can be caused because of a lack of consideration. Being mindful of activity and communal spaces for staff and students to interact and support each other is key. If you have questions on building layouts, out professionals can advise.

Our professionals understand that budgets are tight most of the time. We can help highlight where and how revenue can be maximised for the best return. How do you prioritise health and safety over immediate concerns or possible revenue generating facilities? Our experts can advise.

Understanding that education needs change and so do property the requirements is essential. Will energy requirements support IT infrastructure in ten years’ time? What about acoustics and maintenance? Could a new room exist next to an art and drama department that has had to move? Our professionals can advise on these questions.

How do you renew and invigorate old spaces? Can you remove walls that could make way for bigger or brighter spaces? What about bringing listed buildings in line with new EPC standards? How can schools be set-up to accommodate external revenue generation? Our professionals can advise on all these questions.

How can estates be set-up to reduce maintenance and ever-increasing energy costs? What about EV charging points or renewable energy such as solar power in the roofs? Can the current structure of buildings sustain growth for in ten years’ time? With the UK government’s objectives around sustainability and carbon neutral buildings, how do we create cost effective and energy neutral buildings that create funds instead of draining them? Our professionals can advise on these questions.

With traditional build taking upwards of six to twelve months and impacting on the day-to-day running of a school, our professionals can aid in exploring faster modular building methods as well as concluding what is best for each individual client.

According to RIBA's analysis of government figures published in 2015, only 5% of 60,000 buildings in 18,000 schools surveyed in England were in top condition, performing as intended and operating efficiently. Our professionals work with all parties involved to make sure our client’s schools fit within the 5%.