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
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.