Making the case for design management services on complex hospitality design projects, and an overview of design management services provided by HARRIS Architecture + Design Management.

1. + hospitality design management

2. Design entices and it sells, but
the complex team needed to
create today’s luxury hotel, spa
or senior living project is large,
expensive, and fragmented –
with multiple design authorities
working toward independent,
often conflicting goals.
The results for the client are
wasted resources, diminished
design team performance, and
diluted design value.
The result for the project is
unrealized design potential.

3. At one time, the Architect was the Master Builder,
and he did everything.
What happened?
As the science of building evolved, areas of technical
expertise (structural, mechanical, etc.) were removed
from the Architect’s scope, creating a ‘design team’
managed by the architect.
As projects became more complex, project
management was removed from the architect’s scope,
often performed by the owner or a third-party project
manager.
As the expectations for design quality increased, areas
of aesthetic specialization also became separated from
the architect’s scope, including landscape design,
lighting design, graphic design, and interior design.
On many project types, including all high-end hospitality
projects, the architecture of the building interior was
also removed from the architect’s scope, resulting in the
creation of the ‘interior architectural’ design practice.
“In a way, architects gave away the
interiors of their own buildings.”
Michael Graves, architect
When this fundamental change occurred, the
active management of the primary design consultants
was not replaced.
Fig. 1: Original project team

4. Fig. 2: Today’s complex project team (idealized) Fig. 3: Today’s complex project team (reality)

5. It doesn’t have to be that way.
 The design team’s contracts can be coordinated.
 Evaluation of the design consultants can go deeper
than “who will be on my team?” Their scope—and
their documentation—can be tailored to their
capabilities, and to how they actually work.
 The design team can be actively monitored, and their
efforts can be intelligently synchronized.
 Issues can be framed to facilitate efficient review and
approval by ownership and the design team.
 Time wasting conflict and inefficiencies can be
anticipated, and can be avoided.
 Critical issues can be “walked-through” the approval
process.
 Design direction and decisions can be documented.
 Design team meetings can be objectively moderated,
and they can be more productive.
 Procedures for concurrent production of CAD
drawings can be resolved.
 Design continues during construction, and managing
the design team can as well.
 The collective design effort can be improved.
Fig. 4: Complex project team with Design Manager

6. Why Design Management?
Improved Design Team Performance
 Better design. By coordinating scope, minimizing conflicts, and actively monitoring
progress, the design team spends more time on design.
 Better documentation. Coordinated and comprehensive, with less duplication, fewer
gaps, and a consistent attention to design detail.
 Designs within budget. Designing to the budget is not only the design team’s
responsibility, but it is also the best way to ensure time is spent on design – not redesign.
 Deadlines met. Realistic planning, clear communication and active management mean
presentations, drawings, and submittal reviews are on time.
Improved Project Team Performance
 Efficiency. The singular focus of active design management brings multiple design efforts
into alignment, and offers a single point of contact for design communication, direction
and approval.
 Communication. Active, involved communication facilitates the successful design team,
and regular, succinct communication regarding their efforts keeps the client and the
project team properly informed.
 Consistency. Design consultants are likely to change from project to project. Design
management offers a consistent interface even when the design team changes.
Improved Projects
 The quality of a project is always under pressure – even with the most talented
consultants. It takes constant attention to keep the design effort moving forward
efficiently. Creative, productive, and efficient.
 What is designed is built. Quality drawings and active monitoring assures that the design
is not diminished during the construction process – an all too frequent occurrence.

7. Design Management Services:
Design Contract Coordination
The realistic evaluation of the design consultants’ capabilities and a coordinated delineation
of their scope form a foundation for the hospitality design team’s work. As such, their
individual contracts are more than legal agreements – they are guiding documents for their
collaborative efforts and a fundamental component of their success as a team. Services
include project analysis, consultant team evaluation, and detailed scope assignment to avoid
many typical conflicts before they start.
Design Management
Active and objective design management of the Architect, Interior Designer, and other
primary design consultants is required to meet the measurable goals of budget and schedule
without compromising the equally important design expectations for the project. In addition
to the Contract Coordination services mentioned above, Design Management services
include confirming schedule and staffing, review of design and documentation planning, and
active monitoring of the design effort from Concept Design through Construction – with
proactive intervention as required.
Design Administration
All project teams are different, and in some cases the addition of organized support for a
strong owner, operator or project manager may sufficiently complement an existing design
team to assure maximum design value is achieved. Design Administration services include
active monitoring of design related communication and tasks, and regular communication to
the Client and Project Manager regarding the progress of the design effort.

8. + s e e i n g q u a l i t y t h ro u g h
harris architecture + design management
5005 greenville ave. #147a
dallas, texas 75206
www.harris-adm.com
Phone: 214.265.7670
Fax: 214.361.8944
Email: info@harris-adm.com