Design Co-ordination
At UMC, we believe the role of the architect is key to the co-ordination of the design, whether the project is a simple shell-build, or a highly-complex development. We frequently undertake the role of Lead Designer, where we pull together the other consultants and co-ordinate the design development, liaising with the client and/or project manager.
We encourage design collaboration on all of our projects, involving principal design team members and sub-contractors where appropriate. In our experience, a ‘hands on’ approach, with regular workshops, focussing on particular design challenges, brings the best results and reduces the project risks.
With the use of BIM on our projects, we are able to manage the design effectively, utilising three-dimensional assembly to generate a fully co-ordinated solution.
Our ideals:
- Optimising the envelope, structure and building services through collaborative design.
- Maintaining programme by closely monitoring progress against milestones.
- Design solutions which remove risks to health and safety, both in construction and onward use.
- Achieving best value through design, avoiding the need for value engineering when it’s too late.
- Effective interfaces between components, materials and trades, with the use of BIM where possible.
- Integration of energy-reduction measures to achieve target ratings of BREEAM or EPCs.