Timing is everything, but impractical

Unfortunately, however, the majority of the time the client/developer will push the architect to produce a tender package as quickly as possible following planning approval, restricting the architect’s chances of producing a comprehensive set of detail drawings. The architect will also be wary of producing a full package prior to pricing, as the value engineering post tender return will inevitably result in detail and specification changes. This would result in the need for a major redraw and rethink of a detail design package, which would prove costly for a practice, especially a small one where resources or manpower are minimal.

In the past I have attempted to produce full detailed packages for smaller job tenders, and more general, generic detail packages for larger projects. The latter being a ‘detail design intent’ where the key points are provided as sketch details and studies. These have proved invaluable, however in reality, it still comes down to the extent that a contractor will examine the tender documents. They are often under pressure to return their price as quickly as possible, which can result in items being overlooked, and sections of the document being skimmed over.

This naturally should not be the case, and the solution is definitely to allow for time in the contractual process for a more detailed breakdown of a building at tender stage.

Architect, name withheld