Creating sustainable, community-focused developments that integrate contextual sensitivity, resilience, and social value.
Unpacking & Exploring
Feasibility & Masterplanning
90% of masterplans remain on the drawing board and are never realised. That’s why UMC Architects’ bold, large-scale early interventions are so crucial and impactful in determining a project’s feasibility.
Identify Key Constraints
In order to understand the site, we prioritise the production of a constraints plan to identify the limitations and opportunities of a new site. A site visit is not always possible, therefore we will often undertake a desktop analysis to establish key features such as topography, context, flood risk, access, utilities, easements, rights of way, landscape and heritage. The constraints plan remains an evolving drawing throughout the design process but initially will inform the early stage masterplanning.
Extensive Masterplanning Experience
Our architects have masterplanned over 110,000 acres of land across the UK, mainland Europe, and the Middle East, covering a range of industrial, commercial, and mixed land uses. We offer a highly proactive service, working closely with our clients to ensure their aspirations are reflected in the final adopted plan.
Masterplanning Across Multiple Sectors
Masterplanning for Connectivity and Sustainable Growth.
Masterplanning is a key component across all of our sectors, frequently involving large sites. While we may be tasked with considering a single development requirement, we must also account for the residual land balance. In many cases, this includes integrating rail-head connections or other multi-modal transport links to address accessibility and connectivity needs.
Our Staged Approach
We offer a staged approach depending on the required output. Often, a simple sketch can provide a client with a quick understanding of a site’s potential, helping determine whether it can efficiently accommodate a specific requirement. This early stage keeps the plan fluid, allowing for the exploration of various options and the incorporation of sustainable solutions.
Once the preferred plan is identified, it can be developed into a presentation drawing to support bids or be used for other purposes, such as early planning engagement and consultation. We use contemporary software, incorporating full-colour and 3D technologies whenever possible, to generate high-quality outputs that effectively communicate the project’s potential.
Other Services
Architecture
We blend design, sustainability, and quality to create inspiring, functional spaces. Through close collaboration, we deliver innovative solutions that meet client needs and expectations.
Learn MoreOur process
We help you turn your ideas into a clear plan to create a space that is uniquely yours.