Design review

Design Review is an independent, expert assessment of development proposals by a multidisciplinary panel of experienced professionals. It provides constructive advice to help clients, designers and decision-makers improve the quality of projects and create better places for people in Wales. The review involves submission of material, presentation, discussion and feedback followed by a report.

Design Review is intended to provide constructive, independent feedback that helps project teams achieve the best possible outcomes. Whilst rigorous and honest, reviews are not examinations. The aim is to identify opportunities, support better decision-making and add value to projects through informed discussion with experienced multidisciplinary professionals.

Design Review is open to developers, clients, designers, planning authorities, public bodies, community groups and other stakeholders who wish to seek independent expert advice. While projects are often brought forward by developers and design teams, a wide range of organisations and individuals can benefit from the service. If you are unsure whether your project is suitable, please get in touch to discuss it with us.

We review a wide range of projects across Wales, from strategic masterplans and housing developments through to individual buildings, public realm schemes and infrastructure projects. The key consideration is whether Design Review can help improve the quality of the project and the place it creates.

Design Review is most valuable at the early concept stage, once initial analysis has been undertaken and feasibility studies or emerging proposals are beginning to take shape. This allows key aspects of the project to be tested while there is flexibility to respond to feedback and explore alternatives. Early engagement can help strengthen proposals and reduce the need for significant redesign later in the process. Many projects benefit from engaging with Design Review more than once, with further reviews undertaken at key stages as the design develops.

Design Review should not be viewed as an additional hurdle or delay. Early engagement can help identify opportunities, test ideas and explore aspects of a project where further consideration could strengthen the proposals before significant time and resources have been invested. This can reduce risk, support more informed decision-making and help avoid costly redesign or delays later in the process. We schedule Design Review sessions each month and will work with project teams to accommodate programme requirements wherever possible, provided sufficient notice is given.

We are funded by the Welsh Government and supported by independent Design Review panel members who volunteer their time, enabling us to provide the Design Review service free of charge to users. The only costs to consider are the time of your project team and any expenses associated with preparing for and attending the review.

Design Review is a national service for Wales. While many reviews are held in our offices in Cardiff Bay, we can also hold reviews elsewhere in Wales or online where appropriate. We will work with the project team to identify the most suitable format and location for the review.