Residential projects rarely go over budget because of construction. Most problems begin much earlier.
A practical webinar series for architects working on residential projects — covering early budgeting, briefing, procurement and cost control before projects become difficult to manage.
Why this series exists
Over the last few years we have seen increasing pressure on residential projects:
• Unclear client budgets
• Rising build costs
• Fees squeeze
• Procurement confusion
• And projects becoming financially strained far too early.
This series was created to help architects make better commercial decisions earlier in the process — before time and fees are wasted.
Who this series is suitable for
This series is suitable for:
• Architects working on residential projects
• Smaller residential practices
• Teams wanting better cost visibility earlier in design
This series is not aimed at large commercial developments, contractors, homeowners and clients, or generic CPD audiences.
June 2026 · Registration closed
02 June 09:30 · 11 June 16:00
From Brief to Budget: Setting a Project Up to Succeed
This session focuses on setting clear budgets, priorities and expectations early to prevent cost and scope issues before design begins.
Key takeaways
- Structure an effective client briefing process with clear priorities, expectations and constraints.
- Identify unrealistic budgets early and improve cost clarity before time and fees are lost.
- Reduce scope creep and redesign cycles through better alignment and decision-making from the start.
July 2026 · Registration closed
02 July 16:00 · 07 July 09:30
Concept design cost planning: Design decisions with cost clarity
This session focuses on improving early design-stage cost visibility to support better decisions, reduce redesign risk and keep projects aligned with budget.
Key takeaways
- Structure elemental cost plans to improve early stage decision-making and cost visibility.
- Align design ambition with realistic budgets before projects drift off course.
- Reduce redesign cycles through structured cost checkpoints during concept design.
September 2026 · Registration closed
10 Sept 09:30 · 15 Sept 16:00
Design development without budget drift
This session focuses on maintaining budget alignment during design development through structured decision-making and continuous cost awareness.
Key takeaways
- Identify where cost drift occurs and keep budgets aligned during design development.
- Use structured decision checkpoints to reduce redesign pressure and late-stage surprises.
- Improve collaboration between architect, client and cost consultant through continuous cost control.
October 2026
08 Oct 16:00 · 13 Oct 09:30
Procurement starts earlier than you think
This session focuses on structuring procurement early to improve contractor alignment, reduce pricing uncertainty and minimise downstream project risk.
Key takeaways
- Structure a clear procurement strategy with defined risks, priorities and contractor approach.
- Assess contractor suitability early to reduce risk and improve alignment.
- Improve tender timing and identify procurement risks before commercial issues arise.
November 2026
03 Nov 09:30 · 12 Nov 16:00
Tendering without the guesswork: Getting reliable prices from contractors
This session focuses on preparing clear, coordinated tender documentation that reduces pricing uncertainty and improves commercial alignment.
Key takeaways
- Structure clear tender packages with coordinated, easy-to-price information.
- Define Contractor Design Portions and pricing documents to reduce risk and uncertainty.
- Reduce defensive pricing and post-tender disputes through better commercial alignment.
December 2026
26 Nov 16:00 · 01 Dec 09:30
Maintaining Control During Construction
This session focuses on maintaining structure, clarity and commercial control during construction to prevent project drift and unmanaged change.
Key takeaways
- Define and manage the Contract Administrator role with clear responsibilities and accountability.
- Structure clear instructions and control variations before work proceeds on site.
- Maintain project control through disciplined payment certification, communication and record-keeping.
About the speaker
Hosted by Bart Kolosowski, Director of Multiproject SE Ltd, Quantity Surveyor and commercial advisor specialising in residential projects across London and the South East.
Bart works closely with architects and homeowners on early-stage budgeting, procurement and project delivery, with a particular focus on helping projects establish realistic scope and budgets before significant design fees and commitments are made.
He has contributed as an expert at the Grand Designs Live show and also hosts The Home Project podcast, where industry professionals discuss the practical realities of residential construction, budgeting and project planning.
