Guide to Using the RIBA Plan of Work 2013 - Other - Page 50
Guide to Using the RIBA Plan of Work 2013
How do client entities vary?
The client might be:
• an individual who is undertaking their first, and perhaps only, project
• a party with in-house design professionals, well-versed in the processes
• an organisation that outsources most aspects of the management to a
design team
• an entity that undertakes all of the aspects of a project, including design,
construction and operation.
This diversity of client types and the varying degree of experience that can be
encountered creates complications in the early stages of a project as the type of
advice and skills that a particular client requires will vary. In certain situations the
client may use the services of a RIBA Client Adviser to assist them with developing
the Strategic Brief or assembling the project team. Some clients may need a lot
of advice regarding the design, construction and in-use stages and associated
processes. Others will not require any advice and will prepare detailed tender
documents, incorporating their own stringent processes, before procuring the
services of the design team and the contractor. Many clients have staff or advisers
who will consider the maintenance and operational aspects of a project during the
design process. On certain projects, funders or other stakeholders and advisers
may also be part of a client’s decision-making process.
In summary, the type of client has a fundamental effect on how the project team is
assembled.
How has the role of the contractor altered?
The role of the contractor has also evolved since the inception of the RIBA
Plan of Work. The contractor is now frequently involved earlier in the design
process and is often responsible for some or even all aspects of the design.
Both of these factors have required contractors to acquire new skill sets and
to develop processes that enable them to have a better understanding of the
risks associated with a particular design as it develops. This changing role also
requires a closer interface with the design team. The contractor’s role will vary
depending on the client’s particular views on this subject and therefore deciding
the timing for involving the contractor and determining what design aspects the
contractor may be responsible for are core project decisions.
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