{"id":35780,"date":"2017-05-23T13:36:37","date_gmt":"2017-05-23T17:36:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/?p=35780"},"modified":"2017-05-29T11:25:00","modified_gmt":"2017-05-29T15:25:00","slug":"ensuring-success-in-design-discussions-part-two","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/ensuring-success-in-design-discussions-part-two\/","title":{"rendered":"Ensuring success in design discussions: Part two"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Howard Jancy, CSI, CDT<\/strong><\/p>\n

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When project discussions commence, understanding the roles and responsibilities of the design team is important.<\/span>
Photo \u00a9 BigStockPhoto<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Timing the office visit, telephone call, or e-mail to an architectural firm according to a project\u2019s development stage is crucial, but providing the most relevant information for the stage and design professional involved is equally important. The schematic design and design development phases generally require the most detailed information from the contractor and its suppliers or manufacturers. While members of the project design team may have overlapping needs and involvement during project delivery, a basic understanding of their roles and responsibilities is critical.<\/p>\n

This article, the last in a two-part series<\/a>, outlines the best approach to an effective discussion with an architectural firm.<\/p>\n

Project manager<\/em><\/p>\n

The project manager is involved at all stages. He or she requires information on general cost estimates and product information, project references of similar scope or difficulty, and scheduling impacts.<\/p>\n

Project architect<\/em><\/p>\n

Project architects take part in the design development and construction documents stages, and require knowledge about refined cost estimates, project references, specific products\u2019 or manufacturers\u2019 information, and scheduling impacts.<\/p>\n

Project designer<\/em><\/p>\n

Involved at the design development and construction documents phases, the project designer requires color charts, a pattern selection guide, cast samples, color chips, and installed costs.<\/p>\n

Specifier or independent specification consultant<\/em><\/p>\n

Specifiers take part at the construction documents stage and sometimes also contribute to design development, requiring product technical data, guide specifications, and installation requirements.<\/p>\n

As a project\u2019s development progresses, the informational requirements of the design team members become more differentiated and precise. For example, the project designer tends to need comprehensive aesthetic information, while the specifier often requires more detailed technical information. When meeting with the design team, it is important to ask questions and take notes.<\/p>\n

A contractor can:<\/p>\n