Consultation in the built environment
The term 'consultation' refers to the process of seeking or obtaining advice, information, feedback or guidance. There are a number of different types of consultation in the construction industry.
A public consultation is a process in which the general public’s views and opinions are sought, for example, on planning applications, or major infrastructure projects that will have significant impact upon an area. For more information see: Consultation process.
Private consultation is a process in which professional consultants are appointed by a client to perform expert tasks on a project, such as the appointment of an architect, engineer, quantity surveyor and so on. For more information, see Consultant team.
The term ‘consultation’ can also refer to a consultation paper, which is a policy document published by the government (or other bodies) and intended for public comment and feedback on its contents and the issues it raises.
Designing Buildings Wiki has a range of articles relating to consultation, including:
Featured articles and news
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.