1
Independent
It is conducted by people who are separate from the scheme promoter and decision-maker, and it protects against conflicts of interest.
2
Accountable
It records and explains its advice and is transparent about potentialconflicts of interest.
3
Expert
It is conducted by suitably trained people who are experienced in design and know how to criticise constructively. Review is usually most respected where it is carried out by professional peers of the project designers, as their standing and expertise will be acknowledged.
4
Advisory
It does not make decisions. It acts as a source of impartial advice for decisionmakers
5
Accessible
Its findings are clearly expressed in terms that decision-makers can understand and use.
6
Proportionate
It is used on projects whose significance warrants the public investment of providing design review at national, regional and local level, as appropriate. Other methods of appraising design quality should be used for less significant projects.
7
Timely
It takes place as early as possible in the life of a design because this saves the most time and costs less to make changes. If a planning application has already been made, it happens within the timeframe for considering it, and it is repeated when a further opinion is required.
8
Objective
It appraises schemes in the round according to reasoned, objective criteria rather than the stylistic tastes of individual panel members.
9
Focussed on outcomes for people
It asks how a building or place can better meet the needs of the people using it, and of the public at large who are affected by it.
10
Focussed on improving quality
It constructively seeks to improve the quality of architecture, urban design, landscape, highway design and town planning.
