How we scope a feasibility study

Most of our projects start with a feasibility study. It answers three questions before anyone commits to a design: what the site can hold, roughly what it will cost, and what permits it will need.

We start with the site. We check zoning, setbacks, height limits, access and anything recorded on the title. Then we test two or three ways of arranging the brief on the site, drawn simply enough to compare.

For each option we give an area schedule and a cost range, checked with a cost consultant on larger projects. We also list the approvals each option needs and how long they usually take.

At the end you get a short report with the drawings, the numbers and our recommendation. Some clients go straight into design. Others use the report to buy a site, raise funding or decide not to build, which is also a good outcome.