Designer Framework (2023 - 2027)

The Designer Framework will be used to commission design services to deliver homes and mixed use developments, with an estimated construction value of £1.5 billion and a design service value of around £35 million. These targets are indicative and subject to external economic, community and industry influence. The Framework members will provide design services for RIBA stages 1-3 inclusive, with preference for the lead architect to be appointed by the main contractor for the delivery stages. Be First is looking to procure a maximum of eight design team consortia to a single framework Lot. Each consortium will consist of a lead architect alongside a number of sub-contracted organisations required to undertake the scope of works. The sub-contracted organisations required at a framework level include small architecture practices, landscape architects, structural, civil and MEP engineers, and sustainability consultant. Be First wants to encourage small architecture practices to work with them – these are practices which by virtue of their size do not meet Be First's minimum turnover requirements and the required level of PI insurance. Therefore, the lead architect in each consortium, will be required to actively seek relationships and sub-contract with small firms of architects (including those led by under-represented groups) who may otherwise be excluded from leading a bid for this framework.