RIBA Plan of Work 

Stage 0-3 Support

The opportunity to make key sustainable and beneficial decisions at the early stages of concept design are often overlooked. Mesh recommends that this is where you and your client should start the conversation.

Clients often hold off spending money on consultancy fees until after planning. The problem with this is that as the design phases progress, options and design choices reduce and costs increase rapidly. At worst, lack of sustainable design considerations before going for planning permission can lead to a resubmission or, indeed, fundamental building design elements that are not compatible to reach the desired energy efficiency goals of the client.



Mesh can help you and your client to navigate this early-stage design. We help to keep costs under control, whilst also giving appropriate design analysis and consideration before submitting the building for approval.

For the most successful low-energy and progressive projects, we find the following services offer benefits to both the homeowner and wider design team:

Initial overheating analysis

gives peace of mind that the building design is within comfortable limits and is thermally stable year round. Any issues can be flagged and the design modified appropriately without compromising the aesthetics. 

Building fabric optimisation

allows you to intelligently spend the project budget precisely where it will have the biggest impact on energy bill savings and thermal comfort. Ideal if you have a fixed budget for insulation work or an optimal design point you are trying to uncover.

Renewable energy feasibility

enables you to holistically review renewable technology options for the building, understand capital and running costs, available government subsidies and the best way to proceed. The optimised whole-site strategy will give your design team clarity for moving the project into the next stage. 

Embodied Carbon Analysis

can be supported at the very earliest stages of your project for even concept designs to better inform design evolution. Be sure you’re on the right track and designing progressive and beautiful, lower carbon buildings with confidence. 

By taking a measured approach at this early stage, we take the guesswork out of low-energy building design. 

Embodied Carbon Calculator

Our FREE Embodied Carbon Calculator gives a valuable insight at the very early stages of the design process allowing you to discover how the embodied carbon of your designs is affected by material choice and also how your building compares to the RIBA 2030 targets.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EC CALCULATOR
Embodied carbon calculator

At whichever stage of your project you are, drop us a line and we will be glad to support you



Relevant Articles

Our Christmas Message

by Doug Johnson • 9 December 2025
As the year draws to a close, the Mesh team has been out in the community helping to spread some much-needed festive cheer. From fundraising in Santa suits, food donations for local families and donating warm clothing for those who need it most, the team has embraced the spirit of giving in the run-up to Christmas. Running for a Cause: The Guildford Santa Fun Run Despite the wet weather, members of the Mesh team braved the elements for the Guildford Santa Fun Run, raising money for the children’s charity, Challengers. Joined by Jacqueline Smith from our client TALO, Mesh’s Founder and Director Doug Johnson, along with Maria Fiore and Ilianna Filippopoulou, completed the festive run in full Santa attire. The team also reached their fundraising target, helping Challengers continue its exceptional work in supporting disabled children and young people in the community. Supporting Local Families in Need through the Lions Christmas Food Parcel Appeal For another year, Mesh proudly supported the Lions’ Christmas Food Parcel Appeal, helping to provide food parcels to individuals and families in need over the festive period. Thanks to the generosity of the Mesh team and many local businesses and residents, a huge selection of donated goods is now being sorted and delivered by the incredible volunteers at Lions Farnham. This annual initiative continues to be a meaningful way for us to support vulnerable members of our local community during what can be a really challenging time of year. The Coats for All Initiative Mesh has also taken part in the Coats for All initiative, a brilliant scheme that distributes warm, good-quality coats to anyone who needs one. Through the generosity of colleagues, friends, and partners who donated pre-loved coats in excellent condition, we are helping to ensure that more people can stay warm this winter. Many local libraries are acting as collection points, making this a simple but impactful way for people to support others in the colder months — and we are proud to play our part. According to Mesh Founder and Director, Doug Johnson: “Community sits at the heart of Mesh, and it’s been inspiring to see our team give their time, energy and generosity to support such worthwhile causes - not just this Christmas but throughout the year. Whether running through the rain, collecting food, or fundraising for local charities, everyone has contributed to making a real difference — and I couldn’t be prouder.” At Mesh, we believe that small acts of kindness create meaningful impact. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated, participated, or volunteered this year. We look forward to continuing our community support into 2026 and beyond."

Bringing Some Festive Cheer to Our Community This Christmas

9 December 2025
As the year draws to a close, the Mesh team has been out in the community helping to spread some much-needed festive cheer. From fundraising in Santa suits, food donations for local families and donating warm clothing for those who need it most, the team has embraced the spirit of giving in the run-up to Christmas. Running for a Cause: The Guildford Santa Fun Run Despite the wet weather, members of the Mesh team braved the elements for the Guildford Santa Fun Run, raising money for the children’s charity, Challengers. Joined by Jacqueline Smith from our client TALO, Mesh’s Founder and Director Doug Johnson, along with Maria Fiore and Ilianna Filippopoulou, completed the festive run in full Santa attire. The team also reached their fundraising target, helping Challengers continue its exceptional work in supporting disabled children and young people in the community. Supporting Local Families in Need through the Lions Christmas Food Parcel Appeal For another year, Mesh proudly supported the Lions’ Christmas Food Parcel Appeal, helping to provide food parcels to individuals and families in need over the festive period. Thanks to the generosity of the Mesh team and many local businesses and residents, a huge selection of donated goods is now being sorted and delivered by the incredible volunteers at Lions Farnham. This annual initiative continues to be a meaningful way for us to support vulnerable members of our local community during what can be a challenging time of year. The Coats for All Initiative Mesh has also taken part in the Coats for All initiative, a brilliant scheme that distributes warm, good-quality coats to anyone who needs one. Through the generosity of colleagues, friends, and partners who donated pre-loved coats in excellent condition, we are helping ensure that more people can stay warm this winter. Many local libraries are acting as collection points, making this a simple but impactful way for people to support others in the colder months — and we are proud to play our part. According to Mesh Founder and Director, Doug Johnson: “Community sits at the heart of Mesh, and it’s been inspiring to see our team give their time, energy and generosity to support such worthwhile causes - not just this Christmas but throughout the year. Whether running through the rain, collecting food, or fundraising for local charities, everyone has contributed to making a real difference — and I couldn’t be prouder.” At Mesh, we believe that small acts of kindness create meaningful impact. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated, participated, or volunteered this year. We look forward to continuing our community support into 2026 and beyond."