Design and manage procurement route
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
The design and manage procurement route shares several characteristics of management contracting.
Under this arrangement, the works are constructed by a number of different works contractors who report to a management contractor who is selected early in the process. The management contractor assumes responsibility for the other contractors and the design team. This procurement approach is suitable for large, complex projects or fast track projects.
It may also be a preferred method when the client wishes to have one point of contact who is responsible for everything. A single point of contact is also the case with the design and build procurement route, although some clients feel this route is only appropriate for simple projects where design quality is not the first priority.
[edit] Variations
There are two common variations of the design and manage procurement route:
- The organisation is paid to design and manage the work and delivers the project by hiring subcontractors to design and construct the project.
- The organisation is paid as a consultant to act as the agent of the client to design and manage the work by obtaining subcontract tenders from works contractors who then each enter into a direct contract with the client.
[edit] Advantages and disadvantages
Potential benefits to the design and manage procurement route include:
- A collaborative relationship between the design and manage contractor and the client.
- Fewer delays caused by a lack of information or miscommunication.
- Clearer delineation of overall financial responsibilities for the default of sub-contractors.
Possible negative aspects of the design and manage procurement process include:
- The duplication of resources between trade contractors and the design and manage contractor, resulting in a higher prices.
- A lack of an established contract sum, resulting in an estimate created by the quantity surveyor and then endorsed by the design and manage contractor; it is then confirmed along the way as tendering progresses and the works proceed.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.