The Devon & SomersetDesign Review Panels

w w w. d e s i g n r e v i e w p a n e l . c o . u k

Objective:-• To provide an independent, impartial evaluation process …

• … where a multi-disciplinary panel of built environment experts assess the design of significant proposals.

Participating Local Authorities (January 2014):-

• Devon County Council,• East Devon District Council • Exeter City Council • Mid Devon District Council

• North Devon Council• North Somerset Council• Plymouth City Council• Taunton Deane Borough Council

• Teignbridge District Council• Torridge District Council • West Somerset Council

The Panels …

• exists to offer constructive comments on schemes, aiding their improvement, but not to fundamentally redesign them.

• advises and empowers the decision makers on how to improve design quality, so as to meet the needs of their communities and customers.

• will support decision makers in resisting poorly designed schemes.

• will support decision makers in approving well designed schemes.

The Panels …As well as being of benefit to applicants, the Design Review Panels aims to help the project team in the following ways:-

• Support unconventional high quality design proposals.

• Provide designers with constructive, impartial advice from fellow professionals.

• Examine the design of a project in the round.• Support good design intentions and pin-point any weaknesses.• Bring a fresh external viewpoint.• Reduce the risk of an unexpected decision.• Aid in provision of a more efficient service to clients

‘Design Review: Principles & Practice’

New publication ‘Design Review: Principles and Practice’:- Guide produced by CABE at the Design Council, the Landscape Institute, the RTPI and the RIBA.

10 Principles of Design Review:-

10 Principles of Design Review:-

1. Independent

10 Principles of Design Review:-

1. Independent

2. Expert

10 Principles of Design Review:-

1. Independent

2. Expert

3. Multidisciplinary

10 Principles of Design Review:-

1. Independent

2. Expert

3. Multidisciplinary

4. Accountable

10 Principles of Design Review:-

1. Independent

2. Expert

3. Multidisciplinary

4. Accountable

5. Transparent

10 Principles of Design Review:-

1. Independent

2. Expert

3. Multidisciplinary

4. Accountable

5. Transparent

6. Proportionate

10 Principles of Design Review:-

1. Independent

2. Expert

3. Multidisciplinary

4. Accountable

5. Transparent

6. Proportionate

7. Timely

10 Principles of Design Review:-

1. Independent

2. Expert

3. Multidisciplinary

4. Accountable

5. Transparent

6. Proportionate

7. Timely

8. Advisory

10 Principles of Design Review:-

1. Independent

2. Expert

3. Multidisciplinary

4. Accountable

5. Transparent

6. Proportionate

7. Timely

8. Advisory

9. Objective

10 Principles of Design Review:-

1. Independent

2. Expert

3. Multidisciplinary

4. Accountable

5. Transparent

6. Proportionate

7. Timely

8. Advisory

9. Objective

10. Understandable

10 Principles of Design Review:-

1. Independent

2. Expert

3. Multidisciplinary

4. Accountable

5. Transparent

6. Proportionate

7. Timely

8. Advisory

9. Objective

10. Understandable

Additional Terms of Reference …

• Conflicts of Interest

• Code of Conduct

• Confidentiality Requirements

• Panel Members Presenting to the Panel

www.designreviewpanel .co.uk

Design Review Timing

Ideally, schemes will be submitted to the panel at the pre-application stage of the planning process whilst the design is still fluid …

…. this can help to identify design aspects that may be improved. This in turn may help resolve design issues before submission, saving time and expense.

The design review will be treated as a conversation about work in progress, not a verdict on an outcome.

The Panel Format …

Session Format:-

1. Presentation - 30 minutes to present.

2. Questions – 30 minutes. Panel members will ask questions of the presenters.

3. Discussion – 15 minutes. The panel will discuss & consider in private.

4. Summary – 15 minutes. Chairperson will verbally summarise Panels view in a clear and constructive manner. Each Panel member will make any final comments.

5. Conclusion – The session is concluded. The Panel Administrator will amalgamate the notes from the meeting and produce a clear actionable written report that will be provided to the Local Authority (LA). The Local Authority will in turn issue this to the applicant.

The Panel Format …

The Panel Format …Multi-disciplinary

Six built environment professionals; the administrator/chairperson and five rotating panel members, selected from a pool.

Panel pool includes built environment professionals from a range of disciplines …

… architects, urban designers, landscape architects, conservation specialists, ecological & sustainability experts, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, structural engineers, chartered surveyors, independent town planners & arboriculturalists.

Devon & Somerset Design Review Panel Members - January 2014 …

Click on photos for CV’s ...

Joining the Panel …Applications are invited from all sectors of the design community of the built environment.

Panel members are expected to attend approximately four full-day sessions a year, and are not reimbursed for their time, other than for a small honorarium. Refreshments & lunch will be provided.

All panel members are required to undertake the RIBA Design Review full-day training & will be required to attend an annual full-day training update …

RIBA Design Review Training …

To provide a national standard for design review panel professionals across the

country.

Ensuring standards are geographically consistent &

maintained at the highest level.

RIBA Design Review Training …

The training introduces the principles of design review &

techniques for those who wish to sit on a design review panel as a

panel member. The training covers presentation skills and

proven design review techniques. It instructs on how to provide

constructive criticism as a panel member.

The PlymouthDesign Review Panel

www.designreviewpanel .co.uk

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