Managing design evolution in complex, interdisciplinary project environments.

Integrated design and construction is a complex undertaking for many reasons; none more notable than the difference in processes undertaken in the discrete phases of design and construction. Starting with construction, which is typically the way the project process is planned: the primary currency is materials, with these flowing onto and around the site as the enabler for undertaking work. Brick on brick is a linear process, if materials and resource are not available the work cannot be completed. When work is underway, progress is visible and thus, tangible. Thus, taking a measure of progress is simple; the assessment is objective and the maturity of the project is visible.

Now consider the design phase (again, typically considered after the construction phase when planning the project process): Design is iterative with the primary currency being information to enable decision-making. Design requires information to be shared to enable options to be generated and tested prior to agreeing a chosen solution. Design is not fixed holistically at a single point; instead, multi-disciplinary interfaces are coordinated and frozen at different points throughout the design phase. Not having the right information at the right time doesn’t stop designers undertaking work. Gaps in information can be addressed via the introduction of an assumption and as such, work can continue at pace as long as resources have time available. Taking a measure of progress is difficult; the assessment of progress in producing information is subjective and level of design maturity at any point is generally unclear and always debatable.

Given these obvious differences, why does the industry persist in implementing common approaches to defining and optimising these discrete project phases? This session will present these differences and elaborate on why they make management and control of the design / engineering phase so difficult. It will also describe tools and techniques that have been designed to address these differences, as well as discuss a number of universal principles and practices that can be implemented to drive productivity across the entire project lifecycle. The presentation will be of interest to those that plan, manage, control and participate in integrated design and construction projects.

For further information and to book your place please visit the APM website