Design Project Manager

Design Project Manager

Immediate and key position within leading cost, project, asset and design consultancy in central London.

Due to working closely with Client Design Teams, this well reputed business have recently developed a specialist Design Project Management service specifically tailored to suit the needs of Architects.

This role will be responsible for managing the design process to ensure that deliverables are issued on time and client objectives are met.

They will become a proactive member of the Design Team, sympathising with the issues of the Design Team members and assisting them in the production of their deliverables on time -  protecting the interests of the Architect and minimising risk to the Client.

You will typically be appointed by Architects from ‘within’ the Design Team but we look upon each appointment on a project-by-project basis. Design Project Management can be either part of the overall project management service or a separate role provided by the design team. Duties likewise can be agreed on a project-by-project basis dependant on factors such as geographical location and size.

Design Project Management services commence typically once the Architect starts to design but can begin earlier with bid preparation and interviews. Services normally cease following issue of tender and contract documentation.

Typical duties include:

• Negotiate contract and fees on behalf of Design Team with Client/ Project Manager, including face to face meetings.

·         Sub-consultant management including sub-contract preparation.

• Establish procedures necessary for managing the Design Team relating to communication, deliverables and teamwork.

·         Organise, manage and chair design team meetings and follow-up actions.

·         Advise Architect, Client/ Project Manager and design team on contractual and procurement issues.

• Prepare progress reports and design programme including design audits and health checks.
• Financial management and reporting.

How Does It Differ to Project Management?

Project management relates to the services on behalf of the Client stretching across the full life cycle of the project from feasibility to handover typically under the appointment of the Client. Design Project Management is the service relating to one phase of the project i.e. the design on behalf of the Architect and the Design Team rather than the complete project life cycle.

The Design Project Manager will play an integral part of the Specialist Service Group within this company, and this is non-sector specific.

They are currently working hard to establish relations with a wider group of new Architects for projects both in the UK and overseas. Their Client list has recently expanded based upon sound delivery on previous projects, good relationships and personal recommendations. They have proven to be particularly successful on projects that follow one or more of the following criteria, although over the past year their project profile has covered a wide range of differing scenarios:

• A ‘small’ architectural practise that has won a major competition.
• Architects working in the UK for the first time.
• Architects working overseas.
• Architects with a responsibility for ‘one stop shop’ i.e. management of sub-consultants.

Experience Required:

It is essential that applicants have previous experience in both design and project management. This role will probably not suit an architect, but more a project manager who has particular emphasis working closely with architects and design teams on the design phase of a project.

To apply please send your details to e.drake@stratusrecruitment.com