Initiating Projects: Front-end management - experience of clients and architects

Paper in proceeding, 2013

The early stages, which occur both before and as a part of the planning of a construction or civil engineering project, are often decisive in determining the success of a project. In many cases, the prerequisites for a project are decided before the project is fully formulated. Very early stages require both a creative and a systematic product-definition and design process. This study examines how these initial phases are planned and implemented, who is involved, and what ways actors participate. Drawing on a comprehensive interview study (including interviews of clients and others stakeholders such as planners, architects, consultants and contractors), this paper scrutinizes vital questions about how to manage front-end activities. A reference group has also contributed their opinions and reflections on the results. The research project aims both to develop deeper understanding about these early stages and to develop work methods and know-how about client and architect cooperation during conceptual stages. The project has been carried out in collaboration with the National Construction Clients Forum and the National Association of Architects and has been made possible by a grant by the Board of Housing, Building, and Planning.