Management of design

This presentation deals with the management of the design process related to works within the construction industry. To many construction professionals, the traditional view of the design process has been concerned with the out turn of design deliverables and little else, in fact the process of design is a complex project management procedure requiring a compiled set of skills which are focused upon the planning, organisation and control of a range of activities in order to deliver a constructed product to a prescribed client brief whilst maintaining appropriate levels of quality, time and cost. There are a multitude of tools available to the design manager to assist in achieving his goal. This paper discusses each of the key elements necessary to achieve a satisfactory conclusion. The key elements are identified as: basis of design; division of responsibilities; design planning; change management; co-ordination; design team communication; and who should lead the team?