We have always complained about inequities in the design and construction process, as victims, but we can help our clients and ourselves by providing strong leadership where it's needed. We can shape our clients' expectations about quality, cost, and risks present in projects of any type and scale.
Beginning in 2013, I had the privilege of leading the Managing Uncertainty study for AIA, the AIA Large Firm Roundtable, AGC, DBIA, Lean Construction Institute, and other industry sponsors. Our research report was published by McGraw Hill Construction in 2014. One key finding was that most owners acknowledged the reality of imperfection in the process but had no meaningful way of anticipating those risks in project budgets. In 2018, we published the attached Project Planning Guide for Owners and Project Teams based on the results of this research. The guide includes a "contingency calculator" with which architects and clients can anticipate a project's cost risks in terms of seven major uncertainty factors – and develop a budget reserve that's appropriate to cover them.
As architects, we can take the lead in having "adult conversations" with our clients and construction partners about uncertainty factors and responsive project budgets. When we do that, we gain more respect and control – rather than being victims yet again.
Clark S. Davis, FAIA, LEED AP | Partner and Principal Consultant
CAMERON MACALLISTER GROUP
davis@cameronmacallister.com
636.448.9227