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01224 630163 info@ianmcgregorarchitects.co.uk

Workplace Design

Traditional Procurement or Design & Build

From new build offices to office alterations and space planning, Ian McGregor Architects are experienced in delivering Workplace Design projects, working closely with clients to maximise the potential of their project.

Whether you are looking to go down the Traditional Procurement or Design and Build route, Ian McGregor Architects can guide you through the process and advise on the optimal route of procurement for your project.

Whichever route is selected, Ian McGregor Architects work closely with trusted local contractors and consultants to deliver your project.

As Architects, we provide impartial advise, ensuring you chose the best method of procurment for your project, and we have outlined the advantages and disadvantages of each method, below.


Traditional Procurement

  • Process: Client appoints Architect to carry out concept designs. Once the design is complete, and approvals obtained, the project goes out to Tender, with several building contractors invited to provide the best fixed price contract.
  • Control: The client maintains greater control over the design and receives impartial advice from their design team.
  • Cost: Initial budget costs can be provided by Quantity Surveyor.
  • Timeline: Projects generally have longer timelines due to the sequential, non-overlapping nature of design and construction.

Advantages

  • The client has a direct relationship with the Architect, allowing them to have input and control over the project.
  • Architect will advise on the appointment of design team consultants and contractors.
  • A traditional Tender process allows the client to appoint their preferred contractor based on price, quality and availability.
  • The Tender package will be more detailed, allowing the contractors to return fixed price tenders.

Disadvantages

  • Client may have less certainty about cost.
  • Waiting until planning/building warrant permissions have been obtained before carrying out the Tender process can delay the project starting on site.

Design & Build

  • Process: Architect can advise on appointing a single contractor, who would be responsible for both the design and construction of the project.
  • Control: The client hands over more control of the design to the single contractor.
  • Cost: Offers a fixed construction cost from the outset, providing greater cost certainty.
  • Timeline: Projects are typically faster, as design and construction phases can overlap.

Advantages

  • One company responsible for delivering your project.
  • Provides greater cost certainty, as you are able to alter the design and budget at the same time.
  • The contractor can plan the build at the same time as the design process allowing the project to start on-site as soon as planning permission and building regulations approval are granted.
  • By appointing a contractor at the design stage, 'buildability' can be worked into the proposed design.

Disadvantages

  • Client has less control over the design & execution of the project.
  • Design & Build contractor may prioritise profit over quality of design.
  • By appointing a Design & Build contractor from the outset, the client has no control over the design team or sub-contractors working on the project.

Get in touch

If you have a Commerical project you would like to discuss, please contact our team via the form below and we will arrange to meet you to discuss your project as part of a Free Consultation.