main contractors who are interested in innovation and exploring the benefits of alternative construction systems or DfMA conversions; and looking to de-risk certain packages, eg facades.
We call this method ‘Design to Value ’.It focuses on the objectives of our clients and all stakeholders, and combines their expertise in their products or service, with our expertise in design, engineering, modern methods of construction, manufacturing and digital construction technology We use this combined expertise to drive value into the design process..
Although this might sound obvious, it’s a long way from what actually happens in a lot of situations, which aren’t Design to Value led.Typically, clients spend a lot of time thinking about what they want out of a building.They try to formulate the solution as precisely as possible and then appoint a design consultant to turn that into a good design.
Stakeholders are consulted along the way and experts review the design at certain points, but have little control over a concept that is put forward by the lead designer and is not always based on a full understanding of all relevant aspects.Changes in the design are discouraged because that only leads to delay..
This is understandable, but it’s a missed opportunity.
It’s wrong to think of designers as glorified technicians who turn project briefs into drawings and specifications that can be handed over to a contractor.This iteration is a part of ensuring the design is and remains integrated.
Although different parties become engaged with design and delivery, it is the integration of the design which leads to the required outcomes.There is little value in ten high-quality design packages if they do not interface and deliver efficiency in construction and effectiveness in operation.
The integrated team need to be much more proactive and collaborative than design-coordination, which is a lagging process, detecting and correcting clashes.Instead we need a design integration approach which progressively and iteratively develops the design philosophy that will deliver the value in construction and operations..