Abstract
This paper explores the Australian buildingindustry’s perceptions of the relationshipsbetween architects’ provision of designdocumentation and the constructability,programming and cost control of majorprojects. Previous recommendations aimed atimproving communications in the industry havenot achieved widespread endorsement andimplementation. Consequences of currentproblems are discussed, with additional coststo participants and lengthening of the projectprogram seen as common outcomes. Someinitiatives are proposed that aim to improve theprofessional understanding of these issuesthrough integration within the everydaypractices of architects and contractors andthrough a higher profile in tertiary educationprograms.
Highlights
There is a longstanding perception in the Australian building and construction industry that architectural design decisions and related documentation standards are “substandard or deficient due to incomplete, conflicting or erroneous information”
These impressions are supported by data on the principal causes of claims against architectural professionals recorded by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA), which are design errors, incomplete documentation, negligent inspections, and cost control (Poulton 2006)
The constructor would seek opportunities to secure compensating variations, as permitted by contract conditions. This trend is confirmed in Engineering Documentation Standards of Australia (2000), where an increase of submitted prices was recorded by 93% of constructors with an increase in time allowed for projects submitted by 75% of constructors
Summary
There is a longstanding perception in the Australian building and construction industry that architectural design decisions and related documentation standards are “substandard or deficient due to incomplete, conflicting or erroneous information” Design deficiencies account for almost half of all documented variation orders, rework, cost overruns, extensions of time, program delays, contractual disputes and requests for information (Tilley, McFallan and Tucker 2000). These impressions are supported by data on the principal causes of claims against architectural professionals recorded by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA), which are (in order) design errors, incomplete documentation, negligent inspections, and cost control (Poulton 2006). 8.2 Trade contractors make extra claims/ variations and extensions of time This equates to a reduction of project contingencies and margins available to the constructor. 9.4 Increase in risk allocation to constructor and trade contractors
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