4.1 Effective management of the design process is crucial for the success of the project. It should involve:
1. A lead manager.
2. The co-ordination of the consultants, including an interlocking matrix of their appointment documents which should also have a clear relationship with the construction contract.
3. A detailed check list of the design requirements in the appointment documents of consultants. This should also be set out in the main contract documentation.
4. Ensuring the client fully understands the design proposals.
5. Particular care over the integration of building services design, and the avoidance of "fuzzy edges" between consultants and specialist engineering contractors.
6. The use of Co-ordinated Project Information.
7. Signing off of the various stages of design when they have been achieved, but with sufficient flexibility to accommodate the commercial wishes of clients.
4.2 The position of the lead manager or Project Manager is discussed in Chapter 6. The chosen procurement route will affect the design strategy and the employment of consultants. But it does not alter the need for all design to be co-ordinated.