Reeve & Co

Tag: architect collaboration

  • Working with Architects on Bespoke Joinery: Our Collaborative Process

    Working with Architects on Bespoke Joinery: Our Collaborative Process

    Last updated: April 2026. By the Reeve & Co studio team.

    The architects we work with most often — in London, the Home Counties and East Anglia — want one thing from a joinery sub-contractor: a fabrication partner who can take a concept and deliver it to the standard the architect has drawn, on programme, with no surprises. This article is for architects who are considering Reeve & Co for a project, and explains exactly how we collaborate from first concept review through to handover.

    1. Why a joinery shop’s collaboration model matters

    Bespoke joinery is the trade where the architect’s vision either lands or fails. Unlike off-the-shelf packages, every joint, profile and finish is decided between the architect and the joinery shop. A poor sub-contractor will value-engineer the design without telling the architect; a good one flags buildability concerns at concept stage and offers solutions that protect the design intent.

    Our model is built around early architect engagement. We expect to be in the room (or on the call) at concept stage, not at tender.

    2. The 5 stages of our collaboration

    Stage 1 — Concept review (RIBA Stage 2/3)

    • The architect shares concept GA drawings and mood boards.
    • We mark up buildability concerns, suggest material substitutions where original spec is high-risk, and flag lead-time issues for any specialist veneers or stone.
    • Output: a 2–3 page memo back to the architect, no commercial commitment.

    Stage 2 — Tender response (RIBA Stage 4)

    • We respond to the architect’s tender package with itemised pricing, programme, and clearly-listed assumptions.
    • Where the spec is incomplete (e.g. ironmongery TBC), we price a placeholder and flag the gap.
    • We do not undercut on price to win — PCL clients pay for substance.

    Stage 3 — Shop drawings (RIBA Stage 4 detailed)

    • 1:5 and 1:1 details for every joinery junction, issued in PDF and DWG.
    • Architect-comment cycle: we expect 2 review rounds before drawings are frozen.
    • Once frozen, design changes trigger a formal variation; this protects programme.

    Stage 4 — Workshop fabrication (RIBA Stage 5)

    • Fabrication in our Suffolk workshop. Hand-cut joints on visible carpentry, traditional finishes for heritage work, hand-rubbed lacquer or polyester for contemporary.
    • For complex elements (curved staircases, large panelling runs), we build a workshop mock-up and invite the architect to inspect before delivery.
    • Each piece is photographed and tagged for installation reference.

    Stage 5 — Site installation & handover (RIBA Stage 5/6)

    • Our install crews are directly employed (not subcontracted), CSCS-carded, and briefed on the architect’s tolerances before they leave the workshop.
    • We attend snag walks with the architect and project manager, and clear the punch list within 10 working days.
    • We retain finish samples and offcuts for any post-completion query.

    3. BIM, Revit and CAD compatibility

    We accept architect-issued drawings in the following formats:

    • 2D CAD — AutoCAD DWG (latest 3 versions), DXF, PDF.
    • 3D / BIM — Revit (RVT, IFC export), SketchUp, Rhino. We do not author the central model but federate our shop drawings as IFC for the BIM coordinator.
    • Drawing standards — we work to BS 1192 / ISO 19650 naming conventions on Tier 1 sites.

    4. What we expect from an architect’s tender package

    To respond well at tender stage, we ask architects to include:

    • GA drawings at 1:50 and key elevations at 1:20.
    • An indicative finishes schedule (timber species, paint codes, ironmongery brand).
    • Programme constraints — key dates, access windows, snagging windows.
    • The Tier 0 main contractor (if appointed) — this affects our pre-qualification pack.
    • Any planning or LBC conditions affecting joinery.

    5. Recent architect-led projects

    Working with Reeve & Co

    We currently have capacity to engage on 2–3 new architect-led projects per quarter. If you are an architect with a residential or commercial joinery package coming up in London, the Home Counties or East Anglia, we would be glad to share our pre-qualification pack and a sample of recent shop drawings.

    Contact the studio to start the conversation.