ABSTRACT
Specifying is essentially a task undertaken by individuals within an organizational framework, and however small or large the project there is a need to manage the specification process. This aspect of design management is concerned with the general management of the design office and the management of individual projects within the system. The general management of the office is concerned with providing a creative and supportive environment in which all members are able to operate effectively and efficiently. This includes providing easy access to reliable and current information and the use of office standards and masters. The management of individual projects is concerned with the accurate estimation of design effort and appropriate resourcing of projects to ensure that projects are delivered on time to an agreed quality standard. This includes the use of standard protocols to ensure a consistent level of service across the project portfolio, as well as encouragement and support from the design manager. Combined, these different levels of management should help specifiers to produce consistent standards of work.
