Stage 2: Concept & Viability

This stage translates the approved brief into an initial spatial and formal concept. Test feasibility against zoning, coverage, Floor Area Ratio (FAR), height, building lines. Assess regulatory, environmental and heritage constraints. Establish a preliminary construction system and cost order of magnitude. Confirm project viability before proceeding to detailed design.

Professional Outputs; Concept design report and drawings issued to clients.

PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT

Report and error.
Troubleshooting.
Request additional files.
Wish list.

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DOCUMENTS

Useful documents and templates to download.

Concept design report	Council pre-submission cover letter template
Concept stage cost estimate template

CHECKLISTS

Useful checklists to help you keep track of the chaos.

Zoning compliance checklist	Access and universal design provisions
Specialist appointment trigger Lists	SANS 10400 applicable parts
Fire department preliminary requirements	Access and universal design provisions
Title deed restriction review checklist	National Building Regulations

TOOLS

Useful tools for architects

Automated zoning summary generator	Overlay risk indicator (heritage, floodline, servitudes)
Concept compliance dashboard	Occupancy classification reference tool

PORTALS

Useful non-affiliated portals that every architect needs to use.

National Geo-spatial Information	National Geo-spatial Information
OpenStreetMap	Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
The Heritage Portal	Construction Industry Development Board
Quantity Surveyor (QS) benchmark reports	Eskom connection guidance
Municipal water

LEGISLATIVE REFERENCES

Useful links to legislative archives.

SANS 10400	Municipal Town Planning Scheme
SACAP	SAIA

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ARTICLES

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Users are responsible for obtaining current official standards and verifying all regulatory requirements with the relevant authorities. Archinet and Independent Architectural Services (IAS) accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this content. Use of the platform does not create a professional-client relationship. Compliance responsibility remains with the appointed professional and project team.