Assembling A Collaborative Team - Other - Page 37
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Chapter overview
Chapter 1 set out the reasons why the early project stages are crucial. Chapter 2
considered the generic types of project team and how these might impact on a
project. Before considering how to assemble a collaborative project team (Chapter
4) in response to the observations made in the earlier chapters, this chapter
considers the importance of the ‘kick-starting’ process and the means of selecting
the initial members of the project team. This process is crucial as these initial
parties will be responsible for assembling the collaborative project team and
ensuring that the best possible brief is put in place.
The commencement of a project is crucial because the decisions made by the
client at that point in time, and resultant initial appointments that are made, have
a fundamental impact on how the project team will subsequently be assembled.
The initial appointments are also likely to influence who will prepare the Concept
Design, the quality of the design that is produced and how project and design
management issues, and therefore risk, will be dealt with, as well as determining
how the three procurement mantras of time, cost and quality will be considered,
presented to the client and agreed.
In other words, the initial appointments required to ‘kick-start’ the RIBA Plan of Work
process are crucial decisions.
The ‘kick-starting’ process
(the practice or project approach)
While the type of project and its size and complexity will have a degree of
influence on the initial appointments, it is more likely that the decisions will be
driven by the client’s experience, knowledge and expectations. These, and the
initial connections to members of the project team, are likely to vary significantly.
For example, one residential client may have read many design magazines,
watched a number of TV programmes and may be well versed in the subject,
having the confidence to approach a number of architects whose work they
admire. Another may have had no specific aspirations to commission a project
and have been convinced to extend a property following a casual meeting at
a social event.
Regardless of the extent of a client’s experience, those undertaking a project
for the first time will rely on, and trust, the early advice they receive. Whether
a new school, university, hospital or house is proposed, the project team
appointed at the early stages will shape the client’s views and opinions, no
matter how objective they attempt to be. These early decisions are therefore
extremely important.
Experienced clients are more familiar with the ‘kick-starting’ process and,
therefore, making the initial appointments will be more straightforward.
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