Glossary

Client Brief

An architect's Client Brief is a document that outlines the client's requirements, goals, and expectations for a building or renovation project. Put simply, it’s a description of what the spaces do.

The Client Brief serves as a foundational guide for the architect and design team, ensuring that the final design aligns with the client’s vision, needs, and constraints. The brief helps translate the client's ideas into a practical design solution and is a key tool for effective communication between the client and the architect.

Options Appraisal

A decision-making process used to evaluate and compare different potential solutions or approaches to a problem or project. It helps organisations assess the pros and cons of various options, including financial, operational, and strategic factors, to identify the most suitable choice.

This process ensures that decision-makers have a clear understanding of all available options and their potential outcomes before making a commitment. It’s a systematic way to ensure that resources are used efficiently and that the chosen solution aligns with the organisation's goals.

Vestry

For the purposes of charities law, the members of the Vestry are the Charity Trustees of the church.  Vestry members are responsible for the temporal affairs of the congregation, in particular, matters relating to HR, property, financial stewardship and resources.  The Vestry also assists the Rector in matters affecting the spiritual welfare of the congregation. 

In their role as Charity Trustees, the Vestry are responsible for the charity’s governance and strategy, and for making sure that the charity is administered effectively. They must account for its activities and outcomes.  The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) provides guidance setting out the duties and responsibilities of charity trustees.  

Steering Group

This is a small, decision-making body responsible for overseeing and guiding the direction of a project. The group typically includes key stakeholders, senior management, and subject matter experts who are invested in the success of the project. The Steering Group plays a crucial role in ensuring that the project aligns with organisational goals, stays on track, and achieves its intended outcomes.

Sanctuary

The sanctuary is often viewed as a sacred space where people come to encounter the presence of God. While architectural styles and features may vary depending on the denomination, the sanctuary remains the heart of a church's spiritual life, where most public worship takes place.

Green belt land

A green belt is designated open land which is around, beside or in an urban area and for which there is a presumption against development except for specified, mostly rural, uses.

Diocese

The Scottish Episcopal Church is known as a Province of the Anglican Communion.  Within the Province there are seven areas (known as Dioceses) which cover mainland Scotland and the Islands. Each Diocese is overseen by a Bishop.  The Dioceses are: Aberdeen & Orkney; Argyll & The Isles; Brechin; Edinburgh; Glasgow & Galloway; Moray, Ross & Caithness and St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane.