BUILDING A BETTER DESIGN

It is often said construction is the only industry where design is actually separated from production. The two have become separate processes, placed in different hands. But too often the goals, egos and exigencies of the parties to which they are entrusted are misaligned or in outright opposition. Bringing the two closer together will undoubtedly bring tangible gains. Conservative estimates put the potential saving at 10%. Specialist services contractors believe better collaboration over design could shave as much as a fifth from total project costs.

But be warned, design gains will not come easily. A major shake-up of the design process will be needed, with conventional practices amended as all parties put their shoulder to the wheel.

And rest assured, participation by everyone involved in the chain is called for. Anything less and the 10% potential saving will remain a dream rather than become a reality.

Latham himself said change must start with the client. Merely signing cheques, even if it is with a smile, isn't enough. A positive vetting policy would identify those contractors who have already thought out a policy designed to achieve Latham-sized cost savings.

The belief that even best designs can be made better by techniques such as value engineering must become more widely accepted.

Ways of getting contractors' clever ideas on board early in the design process need to be thought out, while buildability has to be given top priority right from the word go.

Co-ordinated Project Information, a must in Sir Michael's view, needs to become a universal practice - though to be fair, CPI is already up and running in numerous construction and design firms.

But the first thing to be faced is a conundrum. Brighter clients know they can achieve savings by getting a contractor on board early in the design stage. Take advantage of the contractor's 'clever ideas' and watch those building costs tumble. Great.

Ah yes, but these bright boys and girls, particularly those in the public sector, also want genuine competition. They know that the free-market, competitive bidding process brings considerable costs savings. But how can a client toy with this juicy carrot if his hands are already tied?

Design savings - or the lack of them - are set to be a high-profile subject during the coming six months as Latham sub-committee reports pour forth in profusion.

Amec chairman, Sir Alan Cockshaw, has already put design top of the agenda with his comment that the interface between design and construction offers by far the greatest scope for dramatic gains.

And not many would argue with that as there are still too many awkward designs about which cause exasperation among contractors, and add costs to clients when the building process gets under way.