Raisbeck, P and Aibinu, A A (2010) Early stage cost estimation and the relationship of architects to quantity surveyors. In: Egbu, C (ed.) Proceedings of 26th Annual ARCOM Conference, 6-8 September 2010, Leeds, UK.
Abstract
Understanding the dynamics between cost estimation and design in the project delivery process is essential if accuracy of early stage estimates must be improved. In Australia architects are the primary designers of buildings. Yet, in the Australian context very little work has examined how architects view cost estimation in order to understand cost dynamics. A first step in ascertaining the key issues in relation to cost estimation and design is when architects engage a Quantity Surveyor. The aim is to examine the costing of the conceptual design of projects rather than focusing on professional roles between architect and QS. The point at which a QS is appointed in the design process is identified. The types of issues that arise in relation to costing and design are recognized. To do this, 1132 architects were approached and 85 surveys were received. Each respondent was asked to answer questions related to the highest value project completed by their office. The types of design issues that were acknowledged were related to finishes, construction methods and materials. Of concern was the ability of the QS to cost accurately in situations that required expert knowledge related to a location or particular building type. The results are a first step in formulating further research investigating the ongoing cost messages and costing iterations that take place during the project delivery process. Understanding this dynamic in the first instance will aid research into value management, project benchmarking studies, bidding and tendering as well as stakeholder management studies.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | architecture; communication; costs; design; estimating; quantity surveying |
| Index terms: | value management, architect, finishes, dynamics, project delivery, estimating, benchmarking, bidding, estimate, conceptual design, costing, stakeholder management, design process, surveying, cost estimating, quantity surveying, construction method, Australia, survey, accuracy, designer |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, profession, design methods, building materials, project delivery, financial and cost management, health monitoring assessment and metrics, participation process, bidding, accounting and finance, design practice, management, performance measurement, professional development, Geography, building construction, systems engineering |
| Topics: | Information Management, Engineering Principles, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Health and Safety, Cost Management, Procurement, Roles and Professions, Stakeholder Management, Value Management, Quality Management, Design Practice, Site Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCE |
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