For many SME the conversation around design development is an ongoing debate with a cloud of uncertainty over what you are signing up to. As an industry, it is all too common that the particulars of contractual requirements are lost on the many and only understood by the few. As a result of this, well-intended systems and procedures are often misunderstood and misused.
When researching the topic before writing this blog, it was clear there is no one defined meaning. This in itself highlights why there is uncertainty and why variations often get disguised under the term “design development”.
To me, design development is a fundamental component within the role of a specialist roofing and cladding contractor and when used correctly and introduced at the right time, is invaluable to the success of any project. The key element is understanding this timing and not confuse development and change.
For MCS and most building envelope or specialists in general, I would imagine the crossover of responsibility from the Lead Design Team (LDT) is rarely clearly defined. In a perfect world, the LDT would have completed their portion of the design in full before handover, with sufficiently detailed design allowing the specialist to proceed with their design.
Unfortunately, we all live in the real world where typically this is not the case. The design intent is still under development and the LDT often needs the knowledge of the specialist to assist in getting their finalized design over the line.
To me, this provides a great opportunity for collaboration, especially if the specialist is engaged in the process early enough. The opportunity to improve the design, reduce risk and increase efficiency is remarkable, but is that design development or consultancy?
At the point that the specialist starts to develop their design, if the LDT is still making fundamental changes and issuing drawings impacting on the specialist’s design, would you consider that to be a development or a variation?
As design manager at MCS, I have implemented the understanding that the term Design Development describes the process in which MCS, as the specialist roofing and cladding contractor takes the intent as outlined by the LDT, along with the standard principles and tested methods of the systems specified and develops them into a workable solution.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not suggesting that specialist contractors shouldn’t be brought in before the completion of the LDT finalized design, quite the contrary. As a business, MCS are keen advocate of the opposite and as a result has set up a specialist pre-con team for exactly that purpose, with representatives from operations, procurement and design, our team can work alongside the LDT, main contractor or end user to deliver the textbook project.
Projects where we have had the opportunity to implement the pre-con team have consistently shown the below benefits.
Improved efficiency within the design process with reduced programs
A reduction in clashes between contractors or amendments on site
Early understanding of the technical and real-world limitations of products
Support with technical and engineering packages
Assistance with procurement options and product specification
Improved relationships
Early input on programming and installation strategies
Improved prices due to a clearer understanding of the project
fewer variations (cost saving)
Would you bring the MCS pre-con team on to your next project? If so, why not contact us today to find out how we can help you.