20. Development / Project Briefs Flashcards
What is a project brief?
A project brief should be a concise summary of the clients requirements for the project. Key points are:
1) Background of site and client
2) Design and scope
3) Budget information
4) Programme
5) Existing information
6) Any legal issues (such as party wall awards, licenses, right of light, planning permission, listed building consent, building control etc.)
7) Health and Safety issues (asbestos, occupied height, COSHH, fire safety)
8) Procurement route
9) General risks and constraints
10) Sustainability requirements
Why are project briefs important?
Project briefs are a way to deliver a summary and outline the objectives of the project, its scope, the main deliverables, milestones and the timeline.
What is the impact of a project brief that does not accurately reflect the clients outcomes?
Failure to capture the clients objectives in a project brief can impact the overall project. It can lead to dissatisfaction from the client, cost increase and programme increase. It is important to relay the the project brief and outcomes to the client and have these agreed before proceeding to the next stage.
What RIBA stage does project briefs follow?
RIBA Stage 0 - Strategic Definition
- Defining the business case and clients requirements.
- Understanding what the project budget is
What are the key considerations when outlining a project brief?
1) Establishing the client-side project team - To draw on the knowledge and experience from its members to ensure that the project remains faithful to its original intent and vision
2) Aligning brief and budget -
3) Communication - Establishing clear communication links to discuss and progress the project brief with the client and other members of the client project team.
4) Clarifying impact of changes - By establishing a clear change control process, the client will be aware that deviations from the brief beyond certain stages can have a significant impact on programme a cost
Explain the cost, time and scope triangle
The project management triangle is made up of three variables that determine quality of the project; scope, cost and time.
If one of the variables is changed, the other two must be adjusted in order to keep the triangle connected.
The triangle can break if one point is moved without adjusting one or both of the other points. This will intern impact the quality of the project.
What is scope in the project management triangle?
Scope is the size of the project in terms of quality, detail and magnitude of the project deliverables. As the size of the project increases, it will naturally require more time and money to complete.
Examples of scope:
- Project complexity
- Level of detail
- Quantity of finishes products
What is cost in the project management triangle?
Cost is referred to as resources. This includes all the tools, equipment and support required to complete the project.
Examples of cost might include:
- Financial budget
- Number of team members
- Equipment and facilities
What is time in the project management triangle?
Time can be reflected in several ways.
Examples of time might include:
- Overall project timeline
- Hours worked on the project
- Time allotted for planning and strategy
Why is the project management triangle important?
Once the limits and priorities for the project have been set, it is important to communicate these clearly to your client and stakeholders in the project to prevent unmet expectations and unhappy owners.
- Set clear expectations
- Update frequently
Essex Fire Service - What was the clients main requirements?
The clients main requirements included reviewing the external features of the fire stations, providing a condition survey with summary of findings, produce a budget cost estimate to rectify and make good, a risk register outlining the key risks and a programme of works.
Essex Fire Service - What were the key restraints associated with the project brief?
Time. The client wanted the works completed before the financial year to tie in with their accounts. A late instruction from the client made this very difficult
Essex Fire Service - What information did you gather and analyse? How did this assist with your project brief?
The client provided:
1) Background information of the sites and details of the watchman.
2) Scope and extent of the works
3) Budget information
4) Timeline of proposed works
5) Existing information on fire stations
6) A copy of their asbestos management register
7) General risks and constraints
This information was used to provide the client with a project outline plan. This included a description of the works, budget cost estimate, risk register and programme.
Essex Fire Service - How did you ensure you met the clients brief?
1) Regular liaison between the client and wider team.
2) Regular review of the clients objectives to ensure these were being met.
