The initial project brief sets out the project objectives agreed following discussions with the client, together with the client’s business case and, where relevant, the findings of a site feasibility study.
It is produced at the start of a project, during RIBA Stage 1, and typically covers the client’s requirements for accommodation, quality, sustainability, budget and programme. The brief is then developed during Stage 2 alongside the concept design to become the final project brief. For the QS, the initial project brief is the starting point for the order of cost estimate and for setting the cost limit, so the budget and scope in the brief must be realistic and consistent with each other. Ambiguities at this stage often turn into cost growth later.
- Check that the budget is stated clearly, including what it does and does not cover.
- Record assumptions about the specification and the amount of accommodation.
Related terms: Final Project Brief, Feasibility Study, Order of Cost Estimate, Cost Limit.
