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Stage 3 received.
What’s missing?

An M&E design handover checklist for the gap between winning the project and developing the technical design.

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ENGIN / FIELD NOTES 00103 → 04
01 / INHERITED PACKAGEDrawings
≠ all the answers.
Evidence.
Responsibilities.
Next issue.
A clearer brief starts with the gaps.

Use this before appointing design support. Record the information you have, flag the gaps and identify the next decisions. Expand a check to add a reference or action. A recorded document still needs the appropriate technical review.

01 / Review areaThe inherited package

Start with the information your team actually has.

01

Current drawings and specifications

A document register identifying the latest revisions, issue status and superseded information.

Evidence and next step

If information is missing: Agree which information forms the starting point and request the missing documents.

02

A recorded design basis

Room uses, occupancy, environmental criteria and the assumptions behind the proposed systems.

Evidence and next step

If information is missing: Identify assumptions that need confirmation before the affected design develops.

03

Calculations behind the selections

Available load calculations, equipment schedules and the basis of plant duties.

Evidence and next step

If information is missing: List missing calculations and agree who will check or develop them.

02 / Review areaWhat is already on site

Make retained systems and site constraints visible.

04

Evidence for retained plant

Relevant surveys, operating information and test records for equipment the new design relies on.

Evidence and next step

If information is missing: Scope the validation needed to establish arrangement, condition and relevant performance.

05

Controls and system interfaces

Available control descriptions, landlord connections and the intended operating sequence.

Evidence and next step

If information is missing: Identify missing interface information and the person responsible for resolving it.

06

Access and installation constraints

Known routes, service space, access restrictions and maintenance or replacement requirements.

Evidence and next step

If information is missing: Arrange the necessary site checks and coordinate constraints with the project team.

03 / Review areaPeople and interfaces

Agree who develops, coordinates and reviews each part.

07

Design responsibilities

An agreed allocation of design activities, including contractor and specialist design packages.

Evidence and next step

If information is missing: Resolve unassigned activities and interfaces in the appointment and responsibility schedule.

08

Coordination inputs

The architectural, structural and other services information needed for coordinated technical design.

Evidence and next step

If information is missing: Record outstanding inputs, coordination decisions and the dates they are needed.

09

Review and approval route

Named reviewers, submission requirements and the checks or specialist reviews relevant to this scope.

Evidence and next step

If information is missing: Agree the review route and record outstanding decisions before dependent information is issued.

04 / Review areaThe next issue

Connect the design programme to procurement and construction.

10

A defined list of outputs

The drawings, calculations, schedules and technical submissions included in the appointment.

Evidence and next step

If information is missing: Agree outputs, scope boundaries and the information required from others.

11

Procurement and issue dates

A programme showing required design inputs, review periods and procurement or installation milestones.

Evidence and next step

If information is missing: Identify the next dependent decision and agree a realistic information issue sequence.

12

Site queries and design changes

An agreed route for technical queries, substitutions, revised information and construction-stage support.

Evidence and next step

If information is missing: Define how changes are checked, recorded and communicated to the people using the information.

The stage label is a starting point

Agree the work.
Then develop it.

RIBA Stage 3 concerns spatial coordination; Stage 4 develops the technical design needed for manufacture and construction. These stages can overlap with the construction programme. The project appointment defines the actual responsibilities and outputs.

This is Engin’s original scoping checklist, not a reproduction of a RIBA or BSRIA form. Adapt it with the appointed project team; it is not an exhaustive design or compliance review.

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Free to use on your projects.

Share the public page or download the spreadsheet. You can adapt the checklist for your own project review. Please retain the source and version so colleagues can find the current guidance.

Sources and version

Engin Services · Version 1.0 · 3 October 2026. Prepared with AI assistance and source checks; not an institutional endorsement.

Our editorial approach. Send corrections or feedback to Ben.

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