Project relationships and archaeology

06 Apr 22

Working closely with client and design team, specialist archaeological consultants can help to identify risks early and shape the process of site preparation and groundworks to avoid unwelcome surprises in a busy on-site programme.

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Delivering a development relies on relationships. Just think of the array of people involved; clients, funders, planners, architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, specialist consultants, principal contractors, trade sub-contractors, local authority officers and specialist advisors…not to mention immediate neighbours and the wider local community.

A breakdown in any one of these relationships can affect the project in a big way. Information flow and cooperation can reduce, and a chain reaction of animosity might be sparked. Finger pointing and the blame game can spread between teams to try and account for costly delays. This isn’t an uncommon situation.

Archaeology might not be at the top of a developers list of concerns at the start of project, viewed as just another financial burden, but failure to address matters can cause delays.

Working closely with client and design team, specialist archaeological consultants can help to identify risks early and shape the process of site preparation and groundworks to avoid unwelcome surprises in a busy on-site programme.

Archaeology may be necessary at both pre and post-planning stages of a development with inputs ranging from desk based assessment reports, design advice, site surveys and investigation, excavation and public engagement.

As consultants we have the ability to skilfully integrate these works whilst getting the best archaeological results possible and sharing the results by putting public benefits at the heart of the delivery process.

Client care is of paramount importance to us, and we know how essential excellent, effective relationships are with our clients, the consultant team, stakeholders and the wider public. Watch our video to see how we approach archaeology and the development process, and to hear from some of our clients and project partners click here