Has a site ever existed where the construction manager, at some stage or other, has not cursed the architect? As Cliff Watts, one of our more mature readers, tells us in his letter on page 12, site agents were ranting about the poor quality of architects’ designs back in 1965.

But it does seem that things are getting worse. Even smaller firms, who prided themselves on partnering before the term had ever been invented, report that they are struggling with incomplete or incorrect designs which sometimes don’t surface until the moment of truth arrives on site.

So who is to blame? It’s easy to say the architects but there are many factors at play as our article, 'It looks good on paper..' explains.

The client has an unrealistic budget, the architect had to bid for the job and can’t afford to give it the required resources, the contractor wants the drawings yesterday. And they’re all working on some amended form of contract where no one’s really clear who’s responsible for what. Who advised the client on the budget and procurement route? The cost consultant of course.

Nearly 10 years ago John Egan said in his Rethinking Construction report that collaborative working was the answer. But even when the client – and their adviser – are far-sighted enough to realise that this option can provide better value for money, this route requires that the different professions understand each other.

Some mourn the passing of the old Institute of Builders. But we will never return to the good (or bad?) old days when the architect was God and everyone knew their place. The CIOB today is home to a broad range of professionals which is surely one of its strengths. Its goal now should be to foster interdisciplinary understanding and learning among its members.

Source

Construction Manager