Building Design and Construction Handbook - Merritt - Ventech!

THE BUILDING TEAM—MANAGING THE BUILDING PROCESS 2.11
Design Development. After client approval of the schematic design, the architect
and the specialty consultants prepare design development documents to define further
the size and character of the project. Included are applicable architectural, civil,
structural, mechanical, and electrical systems, materials, specialty systems, interior
development, and other such project components that can be used as a basis for
working drawing development.
Construction Documents. After approval of the design development documents,
the architectural-engineering team, together with the applicable specialty consultants,
prepares construction documents, consisting of working drawings and technical
specifications for the project components. These include architectural, structural,
mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and civil work, together with general and
supplementary conditions of the construction contract for use in preparing a final
detailed estimate of construction costs and for bidding purposes.
Construction Phase Services. Diligent construction phase services are essential
to translate design into a finished project. The A/E team continues with the development
process by issuing clarifications of the bid documents and assisting in
contractor selection (Art. 2.20). Also, during the construction period, the team reviews
shop drawings, contractor payment requests, change-order requests, and visits
the construction site to observe the overall progress and quality of the work. Architect
and engineer personnel involved in the design of the project should be
available during construction to provide continuity in the design thought process
until project completion and occupancy.
Postconstruction Services. Follow-up with the client after construction completion
is essential to good client relations. Periodic visits to the project by the architect
through the contractor’s warranty period is considered good business.
2.8 SCHEDULING AND PERSONNEL
ASSIGNMENTS
The effective coordination of any project relies on management’s ability to organize
the project into a series of discreet efforts, with deadlines and milestones identified
in advance. The interdependence of these milestones should be clearly understood
by the client and the project team so that the project can be structured yet still be
flexible to respond to changes and unforeseen delays without suffering in overall
coordination and completion.
Experience is the basis on which architects and engineers establish major project
milestones that form the framework for project development. The critical path
method (CPM) of scheduling can be used to confirm intermediate milestones corresponding
to necessary review and approvals, program and budget reconciliation,
and interdisciplinary coordination. CPM consultants can also assist contractors in
establishing overall shop drawings and fabrication and installation schedules for
efficient phasing and coordination of construction. Schedules can be maintained in
a project management computer database. They should be updated on a regular
basis for the duration of the project, since critical path items change from time to
time depending on actual progress of construction. See also Art. 2.9.