ABSTRACT
The latest version of public private partnerships is PF2, where the government retains a share of the equity and therefore more control over the project, as well as a share in the returns. Even in the best-planned projects, variations or changes in design will be required and it is unrealistic to attempt to ban them. The initial focus should be on developing the brief so that the design team knows exactly what is required and is not left to guess a requirement whose correction will come late and at great cost. The members of a design team possess myriad skills and the client, like a conductor, will have to draw out what is needed at the right time. The same office requirement placed in a business park may require additional parking to make up for the lack of public transport and possibly on-site catering facilities – which will add to costs.
