ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the lead designer role, which is an important role on any project. During that stage the lead designer must integrate any specialist subcontractor design work into the coordinated design while also marshalling and reviewing any further information produced by the design team for construction. The lead designer’s role is becoming more complex. Design information that was hitherto produced solely for construction purposes is increasingly being used for a greater number of operational and/or asset management purposes. The lead designer therefore has a vested interest in understanding the important new stages. The lead designer’s role is crucial if the diversity of these design stages is to be successfully managed and the design management skills, tools and experience required at each stage will vary from project to project. On smaller or less complex projects it is acknowledged that the architect will also be acting as the project lead, lead designer and contract administrator.
