Interface risk in construction
Interfaces are points of interaction between two or more aspects of a project:
- Physical interfaces occur where different contractors are engaged on the same project, particularly where their respective works interact or connect in some way.
- Relationship interfaces occur between different stakeholders on a project, such as; contractors, local community groups, regulatory bodies, the client, and so on.
Interface risk, and the failure to manage it effectively, is a common cause for problems on construction projects, giving rise to:
- Delays in completion.
- Claims for damages.
- Stakeholder complaints.
- Loss of profit.
- Industrial action.
- Regulatory infringements.
- Reputational damage.
Managing interface risks between the contracting parties typically involves contractual provisions which might include collaboration and co-operation clauses, clear and complete design documents and specifications, fit for purpose clauses, insurances and warranties, variation clauses and so on.
Interfaces between parties without a contractual relationship can be less straight-forward, but may involve:
- Alliancing and partnering agreements to encourage stakeholders to tackle interfaces early on, and promote a no-blame culture.
- Regular meetings between stakeholders to identify and manage new interfaces.
- Stakeholder mapping and stakeholder management strategies to predict how the project will affect stakeholders and how they can affect the project.
- Identifying and assessing third party dependencies.
It is important that responsibility for managing interfaces is allocated to a specific individual or organisation, as they can often fall between responsibilities or contracts. This is particularly important on large or complex projects where there may be a very large number of interfacing organisations, contracts and packages of work.
New technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) can help identify both soft and hard interface risks, as well as encouraging effective collaboration between stakeholders on a project. Clash avoidance and clash detection should be carried out as an integral part of the design and construction process, from defining standard methods and procedures and establishing a BIM volume strategy, through to specialist design and the creation of a virtual construction model and should continue during the construction phase itself as models are updated with as-constructed information.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- A solution to handle large and complex construction projects: Interface Management.
- Code of practice for project management.
- Conflict of interest.
- Design management.
- Method statement.
- Programme.
- Project manager.
- Receptor.
- Risk assessment.
- Risk in building design and construction.
- Risk management.
- Stakeholders.
Featured articles and news
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
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.
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.