Overall Aaron Davis is passionate about taking projects from concept to completion. He has served as project manager for a variety of project types. As such, he has been responsible for coordinating the services of many professionals whose interaction contributes immensely to a successful project. His approach to strategic master planning applies to various types of projects from resort to residential, but is most applicable when dealing with larger developments within existing towns and cities. Outlined below is the seven-stage process.

 

Stage One: Preliminary Programme Definition

 

Once the planning team has been selected and agreements executed, the initial step of the planning process is to prepare a description of the programme elements to be included in the Strategic Master Plan. The programme will synthesise: (a) development goals; (b) regional and market data; and (c) physical analysis of the area. The programme aids in the preparation of a schedule, which establishes the anticipated timing of the planning phases, however this might need to be continually refined and adjusted during the project.

 

Stage Two: Sustainable Development Analysis

 

The specific work elements of the analysis phase are divided into economic, physical and environmental analysis. The economic analysis will cover land uses and forecast future market support over a period of time. Normally a work scope specific to each proposed land use is required. This is used to help define target markets for the various elements of a project and forecast indicators for product type, densities and phasing. A draft report will be prepared which summarises the finding of the analysis for market support.

 

Aaron and a consultant team will also look at the physical make up of the area and development capabilities of the project - looking at transportation, access and existing land uses is a key starting point. Heritage also plays an important role in developing contextually sensitive projects. Therefore an analysis of historic town growth and understanding historic architectural types is critical prior to starting work. Survey work might also be needed to understand if any archaeological conservation will be needed on the scheme.

 

Lastly, an analysis of the environmental opportunities and constraints will be carried out. This includes technical work into understanding the topography and slopes, hydrology, geology, vegetation, climate and soil conditions. The finding will be analysed and mapped into a diagram and will help identify further data required or specialist consultants required for the more detailed stages to follow. At the end of the analysis work, we would expect a clear project boundary to be defined, as well as a final development programme.

 

Stage Three: Conceptual Design

 

Alternative development scenarios and programme concepts will be tested using the site and market data analysis findings from Stage 2. We will also work with the client to interpret and refine the programme identified in Stage 1. This will allow our team to produce alternatives looking at land-use suitability and capacity studies for gross areas available for development. Additional diagrams might be needed to help illustrate special features of each concept. Preliminary phasing plans will also be created to understand how implementation might work for each option. At the end of this stage, our team will work closely with the client to determine which option is preferred, however it is typically a mix of multiple options.

 

Stage Four: Conceptual Master Plan

 

Based on the land use plans, market studies and facilities being proposed - we will provide a series of plans based upon the previous stages. At this stage, a detailed development programme will be considered for market, financial and site planning opportunities and constraints. This stage establishes a vision for the development and is often accomplished during a workshop where team members work together in a focused and collaborative environment. The workshop will conclude with a client feedback presentation.

 

Stage Five: Illustrative Master Plan

 

The project continues to evolve with a greater emphasis on the specifics necessary to create an overall business strategy. This stage details the location and characteristics of proposed land uses - as well as circulation and utility requirements. Our team will detail land use types - including densities, character images and architectural themes. Phasing plans, scale models and plan enlargements will also be prepared. The development programme and financial projects will be finalised and various alternatives for development will be considered. During this stage the main output will be a Master Plan Report, including a high-quality Illustrative Master Plan to help with agency approvals during the final stages.

 

Stage Six: Agency Approvals and Funding

 

Once the Master Plan Report has been compiled, our team will assemble and prepare the various applications required for government agency approvals. Typically agency staff has already reviewed the project through interaction during the development of the plan and are aware of most of the decisions that have taken place. From our experience this stage of work can vary in length depending on the local council or governing bodies. Once entitlement submittals have been approved, the detailed stages can commence.

 

Stage Seven: Detailed Design

 

Following agency approvals, our team will prepare final drawings to illustrate how the initial phases will be built. The end product of this stage is a design package that allows the client to evaluate not only the overall project solution, but also detailed design solutions that affect project costs and quantity. This level of detail also provides for accurate quantity take-offs of materials from which to base cost estimates. To support local implementing agencies, we use this package to help the client procure local engineers and architects to carry the work through to construction documentation and eventually project implementation. Aaron and a consultant team will however look to continue playing an advisory role during construction.