Lead Designer's Handbook

CHAPTER 7 DESIGNING TO COST

Introduction

Designing to cost is the biggest challenge for the lead designer. Managing cost is central to the design process and although cost exercises may not influence coordination tasks, the lead designer’s efforts will have been in vain if the coordinated design exceeds the client’s Project Budget. The first task for the lead designer is therefore understanding the client’s views on cost and the cost goals for the project.

Every project must start with a Project Budget set by the client team, followed by a Cost Plan prepared by the cost consultant in the design team and end with a Contract Sum in the Building Contract agreed between the client and the construction team. The biggest hurdle to successfully managing ...