A substantial refurbishment of a listed embassy in central London has gone out to competitive tender. Payte led the design, statutory and technical work, and now stays on as the client’s independent Contract Administrator.
The commission
The client is an overseas government, and the building sits in one of London’s diplomatic quarters. It is a sensitive listed property, so the project demands care on three fronts: the architecture, the technical detail and the client’s confidentiality.
Payte was appointed to lead the architectural process. That covered developing the scheme, coordinating the planning and Listed Building Consent requirements, and preparing the technical and construction information. In a listed building, any change that affects its special character needs consent first, so the design and the consents had to move together.
From design to tender
With the design, statutory and technical work complete, Payte brought the architectural and consultant information together into one coordinated tender package. It was issued to a number of established contractors in September.
A coordinated package gives every bidder the same clear picture. That means prices the client can compare like for like, and fewer surprises once work starts.
Why we stayed out of the tender
Payte has been retained as Contract Administrator. So the practice deliberately kept itself independent of the construction tender.
That separation matters. As Contract Administrator, Payte will run the procurement and then the construction contract on the client’s behalf. Having no stake in who builds it means every decision, from assessing tenders to certifying payments, is made objectively for the client.
What comes next
On the strength of the current commission, the client has asked Payte to consider further work, including future refurbishment associated with the Ambassador’s residence.
For diplomatic and overseas government clients, continuity counts. A team that already knows the building, the people and the level of discretion required can carry that trust into the next project.
Working with diplomatic or overseas government clients?
Payte provides architectural, heritage and Contract Administration services for sensitive and listed buildings across London, with confidentiality built into how we work. Get in touch to discuss a project in confidence.
