DLC™ - What it means for Cost Consultants


Design Led Construction™ implies a very different role for the Cost Consultant - one which is less exposed and less likely to involve uncomfortable relations with other disciplines.

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Traditionally, the QS has worked in two very different capacities during the life of a project. In the Feasibility and Design development stages - broadly, up to planning, the QS is a member of the Design Team, working with the design disciplines of the team to advise on broad strategic approaches and choice of construction technique etc. at the same time, the QS' responsibility has been to ensure that the implications of the Design Team's work on cost is communicated to the Client, so that the Client can have confidence in the project budget. After planning, the role changes significantly, with a potentially uncomfortable gear change during the tender stage, as the QS moves toward being a financial watchdog over the progress of the contract.


The cost checking role before contract seems to us to be highly problematic, and is often the source if tension within the Design Team, and dissatisfaction from clients. It is a 


DLC™proposes that the Cost Consultant's role become much clearer, with less potential for divided loyalties or, more often, the perception of divided loyalties. Under DLC™, the Cost Consultant is not a member of the Design Team, but sits alongside the Client throughout the job. During the Feasibility and Design development phases, the QS helps the client assemble an overall project budget (perhaps with a wider view than the Design Team), and assesses the Design Team's proposals on the Client's behalf in terms of thoroughness and value-for-money. There is no expectation that the Cost Consultant arrive at best guesses as to what a Contractor will provide as a tender return.


During the Construction Phase, the Cost Consultant is in pole position to take on the role of Employer's Agent - DLC™ envisages no changes to this role. 

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