PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Project Management involves our organizational skills to ensure efficient procurement of the design and construction phases of a project. We can assist with the selection of appropriate consultants, and we liaise with all the relevant parties for approval processes e.g. Planning Permission, Listed Consents, Party Wall Awards, Building Regulation Approval, Landlord Approval etc.
We also prepare critical path programmes and procurement schedules, which are an important tool in the planning of a project, and also for monitoring the progress of the design development and build stages.
Good management is centered around teamwork and communication, and it is important to accurately track and record the information processes to ensure that items and tasks are promptly dealt with, because a construction project can involve thousands of elements which need carefully controlling.
EXECUTIVE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
Whilst AB Associates are not involved with ‘Creative Design’ we do work with a variety of Designers who produce concept and ‘design intent’ information for their clients and we can then take this information and produce a robust set of technical drawing and specification information, which can be used for Planning Permission and List Consent Applications, Building Control Approval, Landlord/Legal Approval, Procurement and Construction of the works.
PARTY WALL AWARDS
Where a construction project is in close proximity to other buildings and involves significant building/structural works, it may be necessary for a client to serve party wall notices to his neighbors in accordance with the Party Wall Act 1996. Where required AB Associates can act as Party Wall Surveyors for clients and please refer to the following web link for further information http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/partywall.
COST MANAGEMENT
With so many variables within a construction project, and the need for a finite decision making process, it is imperative to monitor the cost implications of the design process. At an early stage we start with generic cost data, which is then developed into a cost model/plan, and this allows benchmarking and value management to take place.
With our wide experience of construction techniques, materials, bespoke fixtures, finishes and building services, we can work with the designers and client to achieve good value solutions.
We look to ensure that the best possible market prices are obtained for a project given the controlling ‘trinity’ of factors i.e. time/quality/cost, which all ultimately effect the end result. Finally we closely monitor the project when it is at the construction phase, as this is when there can be multiple cost risks in play, which need careful review and evaluation, such that clients are well advised and can make informed decisions.
CDM COORDINATOR SERVICES
Many commercial building projects need to comply with the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2007, which essentially is a health & safety protocol within the UK. AB Associates can act as CDM Coordinators for clients as part of ensuring their compliance. Please refer to the web link for further information on client responsibilities http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/responsibilities.htm.
