Development/Project Briefs

Question 1

What is a brief?

Answer 1

• It is a formal document used to outline the clients requirements for the project.
• Usually evolved from an initial statement of need, into a strategic brief, then into a project brief.

Question 2

For your Brandon Fire Station project, how did you go about preparing the brief?

Answer 2

• I started by reviewing the existing business case or statement of need.
• I then reviewed any existing information such as past surveys and desktop research.
• I then engaged with key stakeholders through site surveys and meetings to obtain the final information needed.

Question 3

What information did you include in the brief for Brandon Fire Station?

Answer 3

• I ensured the brief reflected the clients key drivers – cost, time and quality. Which for this project was largely time.
• Due to this key driver being time I ensured the brief addressed the project programme and key milestones.
• I also included other important information such as budget, scope requirements, key risks, and any statutory requirements such as building control and planning.

Question 4

What is the difference between a development brief and a project brief?

Answer 4

• They are formed at different stages
  o Development brief is formed at strategic brief (RIBA Stage 0-2)
  o Project brief developed at stage 3.

Question 5

What is a project execution plan?

Answer 5

• A report setting the strategy for managing a project, describing roles and responsibilities and defining policies, procedures and priorities that will be adopted.

Question 6

What are KPIs?

Answer 6

• Key Performance Indicators.
• Used to;
  o Track progress
  o Compare performance across projects
  o Assess sustainability/safety/waste management criteria
  o Monitor cots
  o Assess client satisfaction

Question 7

Are you aware of any key guidance notes relevant to this competency (development/project briefs)?

Answer 7

Management of Risk – 1st Ed.

Question 8

And are you able to tell us of your understanding of this guidance note?

Answer 8

• Provides guidance on the management of risk in projects such as;
  o Response strategies including risk transfer, risk avoidance, and risk reduction
  o Risk quantification methods such as the projection of risk registers

Question 9

In your project at Leiston Children’s Centre, what key risks did you highlight in your risk register?

Answer 9

• Due to the nature of the works involving the breaking up of the existing floor slab I highlighted the following risks:
  o Structural instability through breaking of the slab
  o Discovery of unknown asbestos
  o Discovery of hidden services.

Question 10

And how did you advise your client that the risks highlighted in the risk register at Leiston Childens Centre could be mitigated ?

Answer 10

• I recommended a full review of the as-built drawings to determine the build up of the concrete slab, and to identify any walls being supported by the slab.
• A full R&D survey be undertaken to expose any potential hidden asbestos as best as practically possible.
• A full review of any utility plans to try and identify any services prior to works commencing.