Design and build company in London. Designers, a quantity surveyor and builders, under one contract.
For most of the last century a London renovation was bought in two halves. An architect drew it, then a contractor priced and built it. That split is still common. It is still the reason most of the arguments happen.
Design and build puts both halves in one place. NU Projects works that way, and this is what actually changes.
One team, one contract
Architects, interior designers and a quantity surveyor all sit inside the same company. So do an MEP director and the site team. There is no gap to hand a drawing across. There is no second party to blame when the drawing proves unbuildable.
That covers the whole job, from the first survey through planning and technical design. It continues through procurement and construction to handover and aftercare. It may be a basement, a full interior refurbishment or a new elevation. The same people carry it.
What it changes on cost
The people drawing the work also have to build it. So the price is tested against buildability as the design develops. It is not left to tender. A scheme that cannot be built for the budget is found in week three. It is not found in month six.
It also means one cost plan rather than two estimates that do not compare. Our construction rates are published by work type in the NU Build Cost Calculator.
What it changes on programme
Design and build is not automatically faster. It removes the dead time between a design decision and the pricing of it. It also removes the rework when a consultant draws something the contractor then re-draws.
Where the architect-led route still wins
It is not the right answer for everybody. A scheme may be architecturally ambitious. The client may want an independent designer holding the contractor to account. Then the traditional route does that better. We say so when it applies. The trade-off is explained in architect or design and build, which should you choose.
Where we work
NU Projects works on residential and commercial projects across prime London. This includes Chelsea, Notting Hill, Highgate and Wimbledon. It also reaches out into Surrey.
Talk to us
Are you deciding how to buy the work rather than what the work is? That is the right time to call. Tell us about the property. Or read how we run a job in our 12-stage process.
This is the work we do. Design and build company in London, or ask for a cost estimate.
Published 22 February 2025. Written by the NU Projects studio, edited since for house style and accuracy.