When embarking on a fit-out or facelift project, ensuring that you have an effective design and build team of professional consultants is the first step towards guaranteeing a successful as well as seamless project execution. With the wide array of knowledge and specialized skills they bring to the table, the design and build teams effortlessly carry the project from concept to handover, all while sparing you the headache that comes with micromanaging the renovation process. That said, the professional consultants that make up an effective design and build team include:
Interior Architects together with their counterpart Architects and Engineers embody the design component of the design and build team. They are tasked with assessing the site, understanding and interpreting the brief, and finally coming up with a concept that meets and surpasses the client(s) needs. The design need not only be aesthetically appealing but functionally and economically viable as well. Their work however, does not end here, throughout the execution of the project, they take up the role of design lead, overseeing the implementation of the designs in addition to representing the client’s needs plus best interests and ensuring all the deliverables are met.
#2 Quantity Surveyors
Next comes the Quantity Surveyors who ensure the numbers add up. They come in towards the tail end of the design process, once the designs have been firmed up and specifications set then raise a bill of quantities (BQ) against the same. It is at this point that most scope adjustments are made to ensure the cost implications associated with executing the project tally with the budget set aside for it. Material specs may change, grade be altered and some details be omitted altogether until the ideal budget is arrived at. Thereafter contractual firms as well as subcontractors for specialized works are encouraged to bid on the project with the award going to the firm(s) that best fit the bill, literally and metaphorically. The Quantity Surveyors then stay on throughout the execution of the project, monitoring the numbers and ensuring any cost variations are justifiable and can be comfortably accommodated.
#3 Interior Contractors
With Interior Contractors, once the contract is awarded to the successful firm(s), on site works can officially commence as it is at this point that the actual build works begin. Here the Contractors acquires the development permits from the relevant bodies and authorities, applies for workforce insurance commonly known as WIBA and the site is officially handed over to them for the agreed duration of the fit-out and facelift project. Depending on the contract terms, the Contractors may have a full contract where they source all the materials and fixtures and fit all the works or a partial, sometimes referred to as labour, contract where they only take up the labour component. Hybrid contracts also exist where the Contractors and Clients come to an agreement that they’re both comfortable with, or some of the more specialized works are subcontracted to different contractual firms while the main contractor carries out the rest of the works. Throughout the project execution, regular site status and inspection meetings are held to make sure everything is on course as well as address any challenges that might have come up.
#4 Project Managers
Last but definitely not least comes the Project Managers who ensure the project is not only on track but running smoothly. In their capacity as project head, they lead and manage the project while overseeing its execution, anticipate what’s needed ahead of time, make sure all procurement is done keep track of how materials are utilized and monitor the pace and workmanship in which the works are being carried out. With their watchful eye on the renovation process, budget overruns are mitigated (unless variations arise in which case a viable threshold is established beforehand), project scope and timelines are adhered to and quality workmanship is guaranteed. Together with their Clerk of Works on site, the Project Managers assure the client(s) and design lead of an efficiently run and seamless project execution.
As you can clearly see, the secret to a successfully executed design and build project lies in the powerhouse that comes with having the right team of professional consultants working on your project. So next time, before getting your hands dirty, take the time to assemble this team and thank us later. Or better yet and in an effort to maintain your peace of mind, feel free to engage us and we’ll handle all the project details end-to-end; after all, turnkey design and build solutions is our forte.
Till next time…Baraka Tele
