What is a technical design package?

A technical design package is the bridge between a consented design and a buildable project. We produce fully coordinated drawing sets, schedules and specifications that give contractors and consultants the information they need to price and build accurately, with architectural, structural and services information aligned rather than contradictory.

Where Technical Design sits in the RIBA process

0. Strategic Definition

1. Preparation & Briefing

2. Concept Design

7. Use

3. Spatial Coordination

6. Handover

5. Manufacturing & Construction

4. Technical Design

4. Technical Design

Detailed drawings, specifications and schedules are produced so the project can be priced, procured and built. Design responsibilities are pinned down and information is prepared for tender or for a contractor to manufacture and construct.

Look at the whole process

Who do our packages support?

Our packages support projects in education, healthcare, commercial and public sector settings, whether procured traditionally or through design and build. Clear, complete information at tender stage reduces queries, variations and risk pricing during construction.

Fully coordinated drawing sets

We produce coordinated drawing sets for construction that bring the design together across disciplines.

Detailed information for delivery

We provide the detailed information that contractors and consultants need to deliver the project accurately.

Specification of materials and approaches

Materials and construction approaches are specified clearly to support consistent and reliable delivery.

What does a complete package contain?

A typical package brings together general arrangement drawings, sections and elevations, construction details, schedules for doors, windows and finishes and a specification that ties them together. Everything is coordinated with structural and services information, so the set reads as one description of the building rather than several competing ones.

A project we have worked on

East Norfolk College (Various Areas)

Norfolk

Education
Masterplanning & Phased Works
College

Three-year campus programme: courtyard infills creating teaching space, auditorium upgrades, a two-storey CDT block, and a nursery and animal centre. Planning secured in phases, with project management alongside the Principal Contractor.

View project

FAQs

What does a technical design package include?

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General arrangement drawings, sections, elevations, construction details, schedules and specification information, coordinated with structural and services design. The exact contents are scoped to suit the procurement route.

At what stage do you produce the package?

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After planning consent, typically alongside building regulations submission and ahead of tender. The package develops from spatial coordination through to construction-ready information.

How does a coordinated package reduce cost risk?

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Contractors price uncertainty. When drawings, schedules and specifications align, there are fewer queries and less risk allowance in tenders, and fewer variations once work starts on site.

Do you work with our structural and services engineers?

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Yes. Coordination with the engineering team is central to the package. We integrate their information into the architectural set and flag clashes before they reach site.

Can you produce packages for design and build contracts?

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Yes. We prepare employer's requirements information and can also work on the contractor side developing the design after novation, depending on the project structure.

Which standards do you work to?

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Information is produced to recognised UK drawing and specification conventions and structured to suit your project protocols. Deliverable formats are agreed at the start of the appointment.

What our clients say

From schools to homeowners, we work closely with every client to deliver thoughtful, lasting architecture here’s what they’ve said about working with us.

Sarah Mitchell
Headteacher, Hollowbrook primary

AEC understood exactly what our school needed a space that was calm, practical, and inspiring for students and teachers alike. The whole process felt collaborative from day one, and the end result has had a real impact on daily school life.

James Carter
Private homeowner, Cambridge

Working with AEC was seamless. They listened carefully, challenged our thinking in the right ways, and delivered a design that just works — light, functional, and surprisingly cost-efficient. We couldn’t be happier with the result.

Ravi Patel
Director, Ashore housing development

AEC brought clarity and creativity to a complex residential scheme. Their technical knowledge and attention to detail kept the project on track and their team were genuinely great to work with.

Sarah Mitchell
Headteacher, Hollowbrook primary

AEC understood exactly what our school needed a space that was calm, practical, and inspiring for students and teachers alike. The whole process felt collaborative from day one, and the end result has had a real impact on daily school life.

James Carter
Private homeowner, Cambridge

Working with AEC was seamless. They listened carefully, challenged our thinking in the right ways, and delivered a design that just works — light, functional, and surprisingly cost-efficient. We couldn’t be happier with the result.

Ravi Patel
Director, Ashore housing development

AEC brought clarity and creativity to a complex residential scheme. Their technical knowledge and attention to detail kept the project on track and their team were genuinely great to work with.

Sarah Mitchell
Headteacher, Hollowbrook primary

AEC understood exactly what our school needed a space that was calm, practical, and inspiring for students and teachers alike. The whole process felt collaborative from day one, and the end result has had a real impact on daily school life.

James Carter
Private homeowner, Cambridge

Working with AEC was seamless. They listened carefully, challenged our thinking in the right ways, and delivered a design that just works — light, functional, and surprisingly cost-efficient. We couldn’t be happier with the result.

Ravi Patel
Director, Ashore housing development

AEC brought clarity and creativity to a complex residential scheme. Their technical knowledge and attention to detail kept the project on track and their team were genuinely great to work with.

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