We all know there is a lot that takes place between the initial concept meeting with a client and the actual build out of any space.
However, the most important factor in success during this process is communication. The saying, ‘the devil is in the details’ is very true and without sufficient communication the final product could be less than optimum, which makes the case for having a project manager to oversee the entire process.
During my time as Historic Buildings Officer at a local authority, people would submit plans to alter historic listed buildings with architectural drawings included. However, these drawings were theoretical at best because with most older buildings you do not know what you will find until you are on-site and start work. Sometimes this created a tension between what the owner wanted and what could actually be achieved. It would sometimes fall to me to provide that project manager role as many owners only had the builder onboard. (The same may be true of more modern buildings as well, but it can be more of a surprise with older, traditionally built buildings.)
One particular case involved the conversion of a barn and due to less than accurate drawings, the location and size of some of the windows had to be altered. Unfortunately, this was not fully understood until the builders were already doing the work and discussions had to take place about amendments to the approved plans- hence the need for good communication and flexibility.
We have all seen examples of when this goes wrong! As a detail-oriented person whose eyes go straight to these kind of details, it really frustrates me. I would rather someone take the time to amend the drawings and avoid awkward corners or details. So is the reason things go awry due to money?
Perhaps this is a lesson in ‘you get what you pay for’. If you take the time and get details drawn out, as well as an accurate survey of the existing (if required) then you are less likely to have to make this kind of compromise. I realise that you can't avoid things in every case...
Here are several examples that could have easily been avoided. The first is where the door frame had to be cut due to the boxing in adjacent. The second is where the hood over the hop is located too close to the cabinet door preventing it from opening fully.
To some people these things may be minor and not even noticed, but to me they compromise the quality of the work and indicate a lack of understanding, attention to detail, etc.
Do we care about the end result? Does it really matter? I believe it does. To me, they look more like an afterthought and reduces the quality of the work.
If the builders had spoken to the project manager in advance and were able to discuss options, then these examples could have been completely avoidable. Some issues may have been overcome even before work began, especially if they went to the effort of doing detailed drawings to ensure measurements worked out. Perhaps that is the sacrifice in design-build projects.
In my opinion, these issues are avoidable and unfortunate. I seek to champion quality design, excellent customer service and communication and specialist project management to achieve the standard of results I would personal want in my own space. Designing better only gets you to the drawing table, but seeing it through to ensure the vision is realised is key.
The devil is in the details.
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