Procurement Strategy
The Client’s prioritisation of their specific requirements (Client’s Requirements) and cost, and control of the same, will be a main driver in their choice of Procurement Strategy. In turn, it will influence the amount of design that the Client’s Architect does and how much is passed on to the chosen builder (Client Design versus Contractor Design), and therefore it will also influence the skill set and experience of builders who are chosen to tender. It will also influence the choice of standard form of contract (one of the JCT family of standard forms for example) and the type and complexity of Pricing Document bound into the Tender Documents; the Pricing Document being a critical factor in Cost Control and Dispute Avoidance.
This is also the time to clarify expectations and establish a commercial strategy for their delivery; including identifying risks to the Client’s priorities and determining actions for their avoidance or mitigation. When appointed to your Design Team at this early stage we will contribute to decision making on these critical matters from a commercial perspective, informed by previous experience working for Clients, contractors and subcontractors.
The Architect is the most important Design Team Member and usually will be the Contract Administrator too, a critical role in the JCT family of standard forms of contract. Other important members are the Structural Engineer and the Principal Designer, the latter to comply with Health and Safety legislation. There may also be a need for a Mechanical and Electrical Engineer, where the building services are complex, a Party Wall Surveyor and Landscape Architect.
