Start Smart: Why Feasibility is the First Steps That Matters

If you don’t know where you're going, how will you know when you’ve arrived?

Big ideas need a solid foundation. A feasibility study is where that foundation begins. It’s not just about ticking boxes - it’s about seeing the future before it happens. It’s about making brave decisions with confidence.

Before you commit time, money, and energy, ask the big questions: Will it work? Is it viable? Is it worth it?

A feasibility study gives you the answers. It shows you what’s possible - and what’s not - before you spend a single penny on bricks and mortar. It removes the guesswork. It clears the fog. It gives you a roadmap, not a dead-end.

If you want a project that flows, rather than struggles, start here.

Diagram from Architectural Feasibility of Finn House

Unlocking Potential: The Power of a Feasibility Study

At RISE Design Studio, we believe every project should begin with clarity, purpose, and a deep understanding of possibilities. Before a single brick is laid, a well-structured feasibility study provides a roadmap - mitigating risks, maximising opportunities, and ensuring every decision is grounded in sustainability and efficiency.

For deep retrofits and low-energy new builds, this process is even more critical. A feasibility study isn’t just a technical assessment; it’s an investment in the success of your project.

What Does a Feasibility Study Cover?

Each site tells a story - its history, its constraints, and its untapped potential. A feasibility study distills all of this information into a clear, actionable strategy, focusing on:

1. Understanding the Project and Its Potential

• A clear Executive Summary sets out the vision, whether it’s a full retrofit or a low-energy new build.
• The Initial Client Brief ensures every sustainability priority - such as ASHP, PV panels, MVHR, airtightness, and Passivhaus/EnerPHit principles - is accounted for.
• Multiple design options are explored, helping clients evaluate different pathways before committing to a final approach.

2. Site & Building Analysis

• Existing photographs, plans, and sections document the site’s condition, constraints, and potential.
• A detailed structural assessment reviews materials, energy performance, and opportunities for retention and improvement.
• Sun path diagrams and environmental data provide insight into natural light, ventilation, and energy efficiency strategies.

3. Planning & Regulatory Strategy

• A dedicated Planning Section outlines constraints such as conservation areas, heritage status, and design policies.
• Relevant planning history and policy considerations are evaluated to identify challenges and opportunities early.
• Case studies of similar projects offer reassurance about what’s possible within local planning frameworks.

4. Sustainable Design & Performance

• Airtightness & insulation strategies (to Passivhaus/EnerPHit standards) ensure maximum energy efficiency.
• Triple-glazed windows prevent heat loss, condensation, and noise intrusion.
• Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) ensures superior indoor air quality while reducing heating costs.
• Solar PV panels support energy self-sufficiency and carbon reduction.
• Material selection prioritises low embodied carbon and longevity, ensuring a project that performs for generations.

5. Cost Transparency & Programme Clarity

• Outline construction costs provide a realistic financial framework.
• Architectural fees are clearly outlined to aid budgeting.
• A detailed project timeline highlights key milestones, offering visibility on what to expect and when.

6. Phased Approach for Long-Term Success

For homeowners looking to spread investment over time, a feasibility study can strategically phase works, prioritising:

• Essential upgrades first (airtightness, insulation, services).
• Secondary improvements (kitchens, bathrooms, aesthetic upgrades).

This approach allows for financial flexibility while still achieving long-term sustainability goals.

7. Visualising the Future: Precedents & Design Options

• Precedent studies showcase similar deep retrofits and sustainable homes.
• Architectural drawings - plans, sections, and elevations - help clients visualise their future home.
• Design flexibility allows for an adaptable approach that evolves with client needs.

When Should You Carry Out a Feasibility Study?

Time and cost are intertwined in development. The earlier potential challenges and opportunities are identified, the better the project outcome.

A feasibility study is particularly valuable:
→ Before purchasing a site – To ensure viability before investment.
→When refining development strategies – If new constraints emerge, a reassessment can unlock solutions.
→ Following a planning setback – If an application is refused, a feasibility study can offer a fresh way forward.

How Much Does a Feasibility Study Cost?

The cost of a feasibility study depends on the project’s complexity - from a straightforward extension to a Listed Building or a large home over 250 sqm GIA requiring multiple design options.

At RISE Design Studio, feasibility studies range from £2,250 - £9,500 + VAT, reflecting the depth of analysis, design iterations, and regulatory considerations involved.

Can a Feasibility Study Support a Planning Application?

Absolutely. A feasibility study forms the foundation for a pre-application submission, offering local authorities an early insight into the project’s ambitions. Presenting clear options and sustainability-driven design solutions can lead to constructive feedback and a smoother planning process.

Why a Feasibility Study is an Investment in Success

→ It provides a roadmap for a high-performance, low-energy home.
→ It ensures financial, planning, and design feasibility before significant investment.
→ It offers multiple options and phased approaches to suit different budgets.
→ It mitigates risks by outlining regulatory constraints upfront.
→ It uses sustainability-driven strategies that align with the highest energy efficiency and comfort standards.

A well-planned project is a successful project. At RISE Design Studio, we specialise in transformative architecture that balances sustainability, beauty, and long-term value.

If you’re considering a deep retrofit, a low-energy new build, or a major home extension, let’s start the conversation. Thoughtful, sustainable, and impactful design begins here.

Get in Touch

If you would like to talk through your project with the team, please do get in touch at architects@risedesignstudio.co.uk or give us a call on 020 3947 5886

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