Design coordination
A considered design needs clear follow-through. Coordination keeps selections, questions, documents and responsibilities visible as a project moves from an idea towards installation.
Discuss your project
The useful starting point
Design coordination can include communication about selections, purchasing, drawings and implementation within an agreed scope. It should clearly distinguish the designer’s role from the contractor’s construction management, site safety, trade supervision and contractual duties.
Put responsibilities in writing
Decide who orders each item, checks dimensions, approves substitutions, receives deliveries and resolves defects. Include the people who need to make decisions and the point at which approval is required. A clear responsibility list is particularly useful when the owner purchases some items directly.
Keep decisions and changes visible
Track outstanding selections, information requests and revisions against the project schedule. Ask how changes are recorded and how their effect on price or timing is communicated. A short, current decision list is more useful than a long trail of contradictory messages.
Agree on site involvement
Discuss the purpose and frequency of any site visits, reporting and contractor meetings. Define what the designer is reviewing and which matters remain with the contractor or specialist consultant. Confirm additional-service rates if the project duration or scope changes.
What a scope can include
- A design responsibility and communication plan
- Selection and decision tracking
- Coordination of agreed purchasing information
- Design clarification within the contracted scope
- Site support and completion review where included
Bring these details to the conversation
- Project team and existing agreements
- Construction schedule if available
- Who will purchase materials and furnishings
- The level of coordination support you want
These are examples of useful project information and deliverables. Your written agreement defines what is included for your property, the applicable fees and each professional’s responsibilities.
Before you begin.
Does design coordination include managing every trade?
Not automatically. Trade supervision, site safety and construction management may sit with the contractor. Ask for a written description of the designer’s coordination responsibilities and any exclusions.
Can coordination be added after design work starts?
Discuss it with the studio before relying on the extra service. The proposed tasks, availability, fees and responsibility boundaries need to be confirmed as part of the engagement.