Our second Blog looks at the design benefits of Construction Management (CM) procurement.

Design Benefits of Construction Management

CM is perfect for complex, bespoke projects requiring design innovation and customisation.

Earlier Trade Contractor involvement allows projects to capitalise on their input and expertise. Trade Contractors can advise on the best design solutions for their specific packages (structure, façade, MEP, partitions, etc.). This can improve buildability, quality and efficiency of the design, while mitigating risk and reducing cost.

Customers achieve better design outcomes through direct collaboration with specialists Trade Contractors. The Construction Manager ensures coordination of interfaces to provide a holistic design solution. This all allows the Design Team to reach optimal performance, functionality, and aesthetics.

Early involvement of Trade Contractors ensures greater compliance with the Building Safety Act. For Higher-Risk Buildings, the Act requires designs to be suitably developed and defined before start on site, with limited requirements for change. CM, and its benefits, align to the principles of the Building Safety Act 2022 and the design Gateway 2.

Customers enjoy greater flexibility for modifying project designs or scope with CM. With no Main Contractor in place, only direct affected Trade Contractors require variation. The Construction Manager assesses the change impacts, mitigating risks and maximising opportunities. So due to the open-book supply chain, the Customer realises change without profiteering.

Contractual transparency under CM, means that design decisions can be quicker. Customers see the true cost and time implication of potential change. Communication lines are more direct and it adopts a more collaborative approach.

The Customer retains full control over the design under CM. They have full control over the selection and specification of all fit out elements. Unlike Design & Build where the Main Contractor can dictate certain performance specified elements.

As per our previous Blog, CM can allow procurement and start on site before the design is complete. Trade Contracts can be let on a piecemeal basis meaning that works can start earlier. This can reduce the programme, allowing tight deadlines and fast tracked schemes.

Summary

Construction Management can provide better design outcomes. The benefits include:

Early involvement by specialist Trade Contractors improves buildability, quality and efficiency
Compliance with Building Safety Act principles
Customers have increased design flexibility
Transparency of the cost and time impact of change and a collaborative approach
The Customer retains control over all specifications
Potential earlier procurement and commencement on site, whilst the design is developing