“You don’t sell design, you create design.” - Anonymous
“Any building is as good as its detailing” - Stephen Emmit.
In the previous blog, we discussed about first 30 tips on design management. Now, in this blog, we will cover the next set of best practices.
Design Alternatives
 |
| Image Courtesy: Ar. Bansri Pandey |
31.Based
on ongoing discussions with the client and the concerned consultant, modify and
refine the previous proposal.
32.Estimate
costs and draw general specifications for material and finishes.
33.Prepare
study models and 3D drawings, etc. to walk-through and facilitate easy
understanding of the proposed design.
34.Use
BIM software for designing and drafting to save time for modifications and
revisions.
35.For
public buildings, don’t ignore the children, seniors and physically disabled in
your design. “Design for all” should be the objective.
36.Don’t
compromise on accessibility, circulation and parking needs in the building.
These are crucial parameters to be considered in the design.
37.Don’t
ignore or overlook the prevailing building codes, future urban policy,
environmental impact and neighbourhood.
38.Don’t
prepare alternatives that you don’t believe in though they may fulfil clients'
assumptions.
Analysis of Design Alternatives
 |
| Image Courtesy: Ar. Bansri Pandey |
41.Check
the design for its efficiency and uniqueness.
42.Prepare
acceptable proposal based on firm’s goals and criteria.
43.Don’t
confuse the client with too many styles and variety. One great idea can do the
magic!
44.Don’t
evaluate the design without the help of other team members including client.
45.Don’t
reach to conclusions without comparing economic consequences to benefits. It
plays a major role in the final decision.
46.Don’t
ignore the life–cycle cost, operational cost and maintenance cost.
Finalizing the Design
 |
| Image Courtesy: Ar. Bansri Pandey |
47.Prepare
a contractual document and build ability by discussing drawings and bill of
quantities with all consultants and building technologists.
48.Prepare
an original set of standard details based on your experience and knowledge to
save on production cost. Make this an ongoing process.
49.Stay
up-to-date with the latest Architectural trends, fashion and building codes.
50.Stay
up-to-date with the latest Material information. Selection of materials is
complex and there are thousands of material and manufacturers.
51.Obtain
client approval on the final design, specifications and cost of the project. It
is necessary to explain the details in a simple language to the client to avoid
ambiguity or lack of clarity resulting in misunderstanding at later stages.
52.Pay
more attention to technical aspects of your Design - this is the stage where
you are sending your designs from the studio to the site.
53.Don’t
fail to revise all drawings and specifications instantly after changes are
proposed.
54.Don’t
issue the drawings to consultants and technical department without checking for
accuracy.
55.Don’t
forget to copyright all your drawings, images and related important information
before issuing to the client and the concerned team.
56.Don’t
commence construction with insufficient drawings. Confusion and errors are
strictly unacceptable during construction.
Preparing Construction documents
 |
| Image Courtesy: Ar. Bansri Pandey |
60.Ensure
specifications are very clear and if needed get it prepared by an expert. Even
minor mistakes would cost you big, later.
61.In
buildings like Airport, healthcare facilities, etc. you would require more than
50 consultants. There are several methods and several types of contracts which
I will discuss in my upcoming blogs on Construction Management.
62.Don’t
proceed with the Design without referring to all consultants. They are
responsible for several important aspects like, HVAC, electrical, structure,
etc... of the building.
63.Don’t
hide your ignorance; don’t proceed unless you have clearly understood the
issues.
64.Don’t
appoint a contractor with whom you don’t enjoy working.
65.Don’t
forget the risk involved in the project and your strategy to deal with it. No
risk, no Business!
No comments:
Post a Comment