Construction Design Management

The occupation covered by this standard is that of Construction Design Management. Typical job titles can include: Assistant Construction Design Manager, Design and Build Manager, Design Co-ordinator, or Design Integrator. They are associated with the management of the design process in building and infrastructure projects and act as the link between architects and construction teams. They are based on sites or in offices.

The main duties and tasks of an Assistant Construction Design Manager are:

To develop design proposals which meet the requirements of the client’s brief
To contribute to the management of the design process for complex construction projects
To manage the design information and translate it to construction teams on site
To ensure that safety has been taken into account in all designs and that Health and Safety Regulations have been adhered to
To ensure that the project is completed to the specification outlined in the design, within the stated parameters
To manage the adherence to statutory consents
To ensure that the site has minimal impact on the environment and the local community and that sustainability objectives are realised
To manage interfaces between the various stakeholders associated with the design process
To manage the Building Information Modelling process for the project
To be involved in contract administration and compliance for the project
To assist in the management of project handover and completion
To seek feedback from stakeholders and implement best practice in future projects

Skills

Be able to identify and assess client and user requirements and conduct feasibility studies so that the design reflects client needs.
Be able to identify and evaluate sustainable solutions to client requirements and minimise environmental impact of project over entire building lifecycle.
Be able to identify hazards and risks at design stage and reduce risks through the design process so that the construction process is safe and risk-free.
Be able to select and form a design team and agree responsibilities and processes and monitor design team’s working methods during construction.
Be able to assess and advise on regulatory requirements and legal constraints that affect the design. Be able to confirm statutory consents and requirements.
Be able to prepare, present and agree proposals for design briefs, make recommendations, develop programmes and develop detailed designs.
Be able to identify and prepare detailed designs and manage design information, including integrating, evaluating and recommending changes.
Be able to select and evaluate tenders, choose and agree appropriate specialist contractors and control contractual compliance during construction.
Be able to manage project handover and completion and create Operations and Maintenance Manuals for the building’s end users.
Be able to work with design teams and supply chain to enhance value and/or reduce costs and still meet the client’s needs.
Be able to identify, manage and mitigate threats and optimise opportunities

Knowledge

Know how to identify, assess and challenge client requirements and user factors, evaluate resources and assess environmental impact.
Know how to identify hazards and risks and incorporate Health and Safety considerations into design at an early stage and ensure compliance with associated regulations.
Know how to assess and advise on regulatory and legal requirements and constraints, including Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations and Building Regulations.
Know how to prepare, present and agree proposals for client briefs and develop design programmes to meet the requirements of the brief.
Understand the importance of design information management and the control of documentation associated with design. Translate design documentation to site teams.
Know how to evaluate and select materials, components and systems and be able to analyse and select design solutions and plan associated construction activities.
Understand various procurement methods and contracts and their relative merits. Be able to prepare a bid for work and understand the project control process.
Know how to select and form a design team and agree responsibilities and processes prior to construction and monitor design team’s working methods during construction.
Understand the importance of working in teams and how to lead others towards common goals. Know how to develop and maintain relationships with other stakeholders.
Understand and be a practitioner of Value Management including Value Engineering so that the project’s value for money is maximised.
Understand the nature of risk and its effect on the management of a project

Behaviours

Be able to work within own level of competence and know when to seek advice from others and when to be able to advise clients.
Work within the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technology’s Code of Conduct and demonstrate integrity and professionalism in all activities.
Identify own development needs and take appropriate action to meet those needs. Use own knowledge and expertise for the benefit of others.
Demonstrate knowledge and ability to manage expectations and identify improvements
Be able to work with others towards common goals and understand different techniques for communication and negotiation

Entry Requirements

Individual employers will set their own selection criteria for this apprenticeship. As it requires achievement to Level 6 the typical entry requirements for this Apprenticeship will be the Level 4 Construction Technician Standard; TCIAT (Architectural Technician) status; HNC in Construction or equivalent qualifications and commensurate experience.

Duration

The typical duration for this apprenticeship is three to four years but this will depend on the previous experience of the apprentice and access to opportunities to gain the full range of competence.

Professional Qualifications / Recognition

The following qualifications will be gained:

BSc(Hons) Architectural Technology or equivalent Level 6 Architectural Technology Diploma, mapped to Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists Professional Standards Framework
Industry certificates in Site Safety Plus Site Managers’ Safety Training Scheme and Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme which are required for safe operations in the workplace
English and Maths will be required to be demonstrated at Level 3 ?

Originally published on Gov.uk, this information has been re-used under the terms of the Open Government Licence.