Design Brief – A Project Management Tool

Giving Shape to the Design Brief

Revision and Management

While writing the brief, it is important to specify the main operational features of the building as early as possible. You should include a preliminary program and target deadlines. The brief should outline cost priorities and be explicit about whether costs outlined include design fees, VAT and landscaping. Elements of the brief which directly affect the future operation of the building will need to be highlighted for detailed review and should be translated into part of the maintenance manual.

You may still be uncertain about some of these issues, in which case your architect may be able to carry out some preliminary research or feasibility studies that will help you firm up your requirements.

Revision of the Design brief

When the first draft is completed you can review the content of the brief as a whole:

• Does is clearly state your aims for the project and set limits for cost and time?
• Does it clearly state your expectations for design quality?
• Does it ask the architect exploit the opportunities for making links to adjacent public space and the wider context?
• Have you considered future flexibility and changing needs?

The Brief as a Project Management Tool

Once the architect is appointed the brief will be developed and tested through drawings and detailed in the specification. The architect will make a thoughtful considered response to the brief at the outset of his appointment, exploring the opportunities, costs and constraints. He will begin to give shape to the brief and may propose altering or rearranging the content. At this stage you will be engaged in a creative and interactive process with your architect. Your aims stated in the brief will help to steer this process.

The project will need to be properly resourced and managed at your end as well as by your architect. Make sure that one person becomes the designated point of contact with your architect. He or she should carry authority as your representative at planning sessions and project meetings.

The costs defined in the feasibility study will give a baseline throughout the project. The architect will develop a cost plan and program in tandem with his design proposals.

Architect Daniel Trujillano
http://www.arquitectotrujillano.com/home.html
Architectural Services for Building Projects in Spain