Communication in the Design Process

The Design and Construction industry is in a state of attempted change. Improvement is a key word for Employer, Consultant and Contractor. Real steps forward are slow, and most damning is the continuous repetition of the same mistakes. Communication in the Design Process considers the gap that can exist between Client expectation and realisation in building projects. It focuses on the communication interface between the Employer and the Consultant design team, and specifically on the areas of function, finance, timescale and aesthetics. This book includes an extensive review of current thinking and guidance of this and other related subjects. New data is obtained from a survey using questionnaires and personal semi-structured interviews. Data is presented graphically, analysed and compared with practice as defined in current literature. Extensive dissatisfaction, in the areas of finance, timescale and function, is identified. An analysis of perceived reasons and profiles of respondents provide a pattern of weaknesses in current practice. The book concludes with six proposals for possible improvement. Communication in the Design Process aims to inform or remind readers of current thinking and practice as well as opening up discussion on a range of impinging issues that are often ignored. These include issues related to team structure, communication, culture, knowledge management, IT and briefing.