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My big idea: Erland Rendall on the launch of a construction knowledge platform
Launching on Earth Day one of the goals is to enable clients to make informed sustainability choices around their projects
This week underlines how the climate crisis has become a central concern for governments and businesses alike, with Boris Johnson setting out more ambitious carbon cutting targets for the UK while president Joe Biden hosts a climate summit that coincides with today’s Earth Day, an environmental event that is attracting more attention than previous years.
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The challenges facing local councils commissioning built-environment projects have recently been laid bare by the Grenfell inquiry. In their evidence, project and cost management consultants Artelia UK described being surprised by the number of inappropriate design queries received from the client, Kensington & Chelsea TMO. The inference was that the appointment of a client design adviser at relatively modest cost to give independent support to the client on design matters could have improved the robustness of client decision making.
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RIBA’s contract generating service creates independent contracts to guide each stage of your project
When you’re embarking on a project, whether a new-build or a renovation, it’s key to have some sort of contract between you and the decorators or builders you’re working with. It minimises risk involved in the project and sets out the legal requirements both parties are agreeing to. Finding an independent service to generate this contract can be tricky so it can often fall by the wayside; however, with RIBA’s contract generating service, all the hard work is done for you and you’ll be the proud owner of a shiny new contract in no time at all.
The online service can produce contracts for anything from domestic builds to more specific projects where architects are needed for commercial projects. The contracts are simple and clear, setting out the agreement between client and workman, and will protect you if anything should go wrong. They can be purchased online, with prices starting at a very reasonable £30 and the most expensive, for architectural services, being £48. RIBA have also recently launched new professional services contracts which cover the world of interior design, conservation and client adviser services (in addition to updating their current services).
The contract for client advisers is particularly useful, as it outlines the services a client adviser offers, provides guidance on appointing an adviser and explains how their services are different from that of an architect. RIBA suggests getting a client adviser involved at a very early stage - even before appointing an architect or design team - which will help you make informed decisions before embarking on a project. They will then work with you throughout the project, helping develop the brief, setting sustainability goals, selecting the right team and supporting you through the process. RIBA will set you up with a client adviser - highly-trained, experienced professionals - and in no time at all, you’ll have a completed project, safely executed with the help of one of their contracts.
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