The design team is the group of architects, engineers and other technical specialists responsible for the conceptual design of a building or facility and for developing it into the drawings, specifications and instructions needed to construct it. The design team forms part of the wider project team.
On a typical UK project the design team includes the architect, structural and civil engineers, and mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) engineers, with specialists such as landscape, acoustic or fire engineers added as needed. The QS or cost manager works alongside the design team, testing design proposals against the cost plan and advising on value for money. Under design and build procurement, the client’s design team is often novated to the contractor after tender, so it is important to be clear who is responsible for which parts of the design at each stage.
Related terms: Project Team, Novation, Contractor’s Design Portion, RIBA Plan of Work.
