Construction

There is no typical construction project. Each is unique and every client has requirements - and will encounter obstacles - that are also unique. We take our knowledge of construction law and our experience of the current market and apply those skills to create building contracts and professional appointments that provide the optimum balance of risk for our clients.

If you are a developer in the very earliest stages of a project, we will advise on the appropriate procurement route, which contract to choose, building the project team, and formalising those contractual relationships. If you are a building owner looking to sell, we know what purchasers and their lenders will expect from a construction “package”. If the appropriate documents were not put in place during the original build, we can work with you to retrospectively negotiate and agree institutionally acceptable construction documents to facilitate a sale.

We are with our clients at each stage throughout the design and construction of any project, advising on payment and payless notices, dealing with contractual queries and guiding clients through any claims for extensions of time or loss and expense. And of course, if and when differences arise with a contractor or a member of the professional team, we work quickly to resolve them before they become intractable.

Our Expertise

• Developers: Acting for a variety of developers, including professional developers, landed estates and ultra-high net worth individuals, on commercial, residential and mixed use schemes, drafting and negotiating building contracts, professional appointments, insurance and security documents, and providing advice on the resolution of disputes.
• Building Safety Act (BSA): Our team are well versed in all BSA issues and regularly provide clients with updates and training as the legislation rapidly changes. Our team continue to advise a range of property owners on their exposure to the BSA and provide solutions to mitigate risk. We have experience of the Building Safety Fund and all associated documentation and procedures. We have advised on transitional arrangements for projects during the coming into force of the BSA as well as full detailed advice explaining the requirements on landlords and relevant building owners as a result of the new regimes in place. Our team also has extensive experience of handling leaseholder and landlord’s certificates.
• High value residential projects: We have particular expertise in supporting international clients entering the London residential property market. Advising on building contracts, professional appointments, collateral warranties and managing the interests of our clients during the design and construction phase. We also have extensive experience in producing full construction “packages” required by potential funders and purchasers of high value London properties.
• Professional Consultants: Advising consultants such as architects, engineers and project managers in relation to the drafting and negotiation of numerous professional appointments, providing advice in relation to claims, disputes and PI coverage.
• Dispute Resolution: Our team has significant experience in High Court litigation relating to construction projects, alternative dispute resolution including mediation and instigating and defending adjudications.
• Hotel projects: Advising on the refurbishment and development of hotels in Central London, around the UK, and overseas including a number of well-known brand names.
• Urban Estates: Advising a number of the most important urban estates in prime central London on a broad range of projects from high value office-to-residential conversions, build to rent, senior living, retail and public realm.
• Digital Construction: Advising a number of clients on the implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) into their projects. Drafting bespoke contracts and protocols for use with BIM enabled projects as well as relevant amendments to general construction contracts for its incorporation and correct use.
• Sporting projects: We have a wealth of experience of design and construction projects in the sporting and entertainment sector. From new sporting arenas and stadia expansion to training grounds and overlay contracts to implement international multi-sports events our team has a firm grasp of the nuances and requirements of high profile sports projects for professional clubs and organisations. Read more.