D&B now main alternative

Design and build accounts for three times as much construction work as management contracting and construction management combined, and has become the main alternative to traditional forms, says a new study.

According to a 'contracts in use' survey of 1,000 quantity surveyors, handling œ2.8 billion of work, the value of CM has plummeted from 19% in 1991 to under 4% in 1993.

The findings come as efforts increase to further boost D&B through major research. And a group of top contractors and consultants, led by Roy Paramor of JT Design Build, has pledged support to the idea of a permanent forum to promote D&B.

The RICS biennial study confirmed a further decline in management contracting. Having already halved to around 8% by 1991, it dropped to just over 6% in 1993.

D&B, on the other hand, has soared in popularity, rising from just 15% in 1991 to 35%, by value.

The downfall of CM and MC has been their lack of cost certainty, according to RICS. A spokesman said: 'The marked decline of management contracting and construction management agreements is partly due to the surge in D&B, but more because neither provide any certainty over final price. D&B has become the principal alternative to traditional contract forms. And even where traditional contracts are being used, our figures indicate the client's preference for the contractors to be involved earlier in the design process.'

Last month directors and MDs from seven companies - JT, Amec Design and Management, Ove Arup, Hutchinson Partnership, John Laing, Kyle Stewart, and Shepherd - held their first meeting at London's Horseguards hotel last month. Further meetings with the RIBA and CIoB are planned and a lobbying grouping may emerge.