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In the early stages of the project (often as part of the architect's initial proposal to the prospective client), the architect should determine:
- which specialist consultants are likely to be required
- whether the client understands and is agreeable to each kind of specialist input
- at what point in the project they will need to be engaged (eg land surveyors and geotechnical consultants generally at the outset, while interior designers may not be required until later)
- what process will be adopted for the selection of specialist consultants
- who will engage and pay them (ie whether they will be a subconsultant or a secondary consultant)
- what will be their respective terms of engagement and fees
- a clear definition of which specialist consultant (or the primary consultant) will be responsible for each component of the services being provided, to ensure that there are no gaps or overlaps between services provided by different consultants, including the primary consultant.
Less experienced clients may be unclear as to whether a particular skill (such as cost consulting) rests with their architect or with a specialist consultant. Where an architect does not have the requisite knowledge and experience in a particular field, it should be recommended to the client that a suitably qualified specialist consultant be engaged to assist, otherwise the architect could be liable for misrepresenting their degree of competence in the field concerned. Any recommendations made must be confirmed in writing to ensure the information is provided to the client and confirm any decisions already made (refer to Acumen Guide letter 4).
Development application advice
Clients often seek to minimise project expenses by delaying consultant engagement before a development application (DA) or planning permit has been approved. However, having sufficient specialist consultant advice early in the design stage will ensure that sufficient special detail is included within the design. If this information is not obtained prior to submitting an application to authorities it is possible the design will change and require an amendment to the approved application. If the client is unwilling to engage specialist consultants to support the DA or planning permit design work then the architect must specifically communicate likely risks that may eventuate such as additional or abortive design works, delays due to additional approvals and longer documentation time frames.
BIM deliverables
BIM deliverables shall also be discussed prior to engagement and how coordination will be managed between different specialist consultants. A BIM Management Plan (BMP) alongside an Employer’s Information Requirements (EIR) will assist by ensuring the client's requirements are clearly understood and enable the appropriate negotiation of responsibilities of all parties.
Disclaimer
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