'Designer contractors' key to project delivery

Failures in the delivery of public sector projects are largely due to a lack of integration in the design process, according to the Special Engineering Contractors (SEC) Group.

Over much of public sector construction procurement, the design process remains fragmented and disjointed. The result is wastage, building defects and unnecessary costs, said SEC Group president John Harrower.

"Crucially, specialist engineering contractors and key manufacturers are not appointed as part of the design team to deliberate upon the appropriate options as well as making an input to value engineering exercises, sustainability, and whole-life issues," he said.

"Communication between designers on public sector contracts remains inhibited by hierarchical contractual structures involving sequential appointments reinforced by insurance arrangements that inhibit - or even prohibit - co-operation and collaboration."

The specialists' criticisms come in a formal response to the government-sponsored report entitled Improving Standards of Design in the Procurement of Public Buildings.

In a letter to Paul Boateng, chief secretary to the Treasury, the SEC Group chief endorsed the report's main conclusions but argues that insufficient emphasis is placed on an integrated design process.

He said the report tends to reinforce the view of a design process being the exclusive preserve of a traditional architect/ engineer/consultant. It does not sufficiently recognise the role of 'designer contractors' - such as specialist engineering firms.

"The design process should engage those who can add most value to the process irrespective of their titles or descriptions," declared Harrower.

He continued: "Substantial wastage is still incurred in the design process because of the traditional tendering mechanisms operated by the majority of public sector procurers.

"This involves handing down consultant design to contractors or subcontractors who have not been acquainted with the client's needs and do not understand the design solutions which have already been adopted.

"Consequently, design solutions have to be rethought. But, by this time, the resulting costs of redesign are far greater because the delays and disruption involved."

The SEC Group president claims that an integrated design team with a regular feedback from specialist engineering firms can bring "countless opportunities for significant cost reductions".