|

Why do I need an RIBA Client Design Advisor?

The short answer is, because you need direct, independent advice that will help you to run your construction project efficiently and to achieve best value and high quality. 

A Client Design Advisor, or CDA, is generally an architect - but not the one designing your building. Under many newer methods of buying buildings, such as the Private Finance Initiative (PFI), Public Private Partnership (PPP) and Design-Build routes, there is no direct relationship between you, the client, and the design team. In these cases, both the Office for Government Commerce (OGC) and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) recommend using a CDA.

The CDA works directly with you, providing vital independent advice on your requirements and the procurement method that offers the best value. A CDA acts as a proactive interpreter of your ideas and a guide through an often complex procurement process, making sure that your aspirations for the building achieved by the design team.
 
The RIBA can help you find the right CDA for your project. We run the CDA Register, a database of chartered architects and others accredited to act as CDAs.

 

What will the RIBA Client Design Advisor do?

Safeguarding quality and value on a construction project is a major job - one that, as a client, you may not feel you have the time or experience to carry out. However, there are professionals on hand to do it, able to apply their own extensive experience of delivering similar scale projects elsewhere.
 
A CDA assists you from the earliest stages of a project; in strategic decision-making, stakeholder consultation, design brief development, budget-setting, feasibility studies, procurement procedures and appraisals of design proposals. The CDA acts as the hands-on champion for design quality on the project, ensuring a consistent standard from initial sketches through to final details.
 
The tasks a CDA is qualified to undertake include:

• helping to define an agreed set of project outcomes
• working with you and other stakeholders to identify key design issues and project requirements
• carrying out feasibility studies and option appraisals
• inputting into financial planning, whole life costs and value for money assessments
• advising on procurement methods
• assisting with the preparation of a project programme, including allowing sufficient design development time
• assisting with the evaluation of bids, the construction and design teams
• checking budgets, design proposals, construction details and contract documentation

The CDA can continue to act as your representative once the project has been put in the suppliers' hands. This role can vary greatly depending on the procurement route taken, on tasks such as:

• monitoring detailed design and construction, and compliance with the terms of the contract
• advising on the performance of facilities management and maintenance regimes
• evaluating the performance of the building in use
• advising on future modifications
• advising on future disposal

Who are RIBA Client Design Advisors?

RIBA Client Design Advisors are experienced architects and other construction professionals who have achieved accreditation from the RIBA.
 
Their backgrounds vary but, as a minimum, they will have a five to ten year record of delivering construction projects, often leading a team of others within a larger practice. They will be familiar with the complex process of commissioning buildings and, as part of the RIBA accreditation process, will have undergone evaluation, training courses and regular up-dating and briefing sessions.
 
Your CDA is eminently qualified to assist you in dealing with the requirements of a complex procurement process and to help optimise the value on your project.
 

How much will it cost?

CDAs' input varies widely from project to project and there are no standard fees or rates for their work, so costs need to be negotiated with individual advisors.
 
Bear in mind that CDAs are experienced senior consultants and charge accordingly. Working with a CDA, though, could be one of the best investments you make, helping your project to deliver best value and high quality over an entire lifetime.
 

How do I find an RIBA Client Design Advisor?

The RIBA Client Services team maintains a register of accredited CDAs across the UK and helps you find the right advisor for your project and needs.
 
Contact them by phone on 020 7307 3700 or by email at cs@inst.riba.org|  or you can search the online CDA Register|.