analysis


technical requirements and more accurate feasibility studies, all of which reduces ambiguity, future abortive work, retrospective alterations and ultimately additional costs. The reward is a building which is not only fit for purpose but fulfils the vision of the client/project sponsor. Introducing an independent interpreter


at the earliest possible stage in the process to guide the end-user through the initiation stages provides more certainty for getting the foundations of the project right at the beginning. The interpreter has


End users/ Stakeholders Interpret Estates Department


the ability to bridge the divide between the estates office, which is ultimately responsible for the construction elements of the project but can be unaware of the specific technical requirements of specialist facilities, and the academic staff, who have a clear vision of what is ultimately required, but have limited experience briefing the construction industry. Through the early stages the interpreter’s


Design Team/ Contractors


Fig 1. Project delivery triangle


role is to “hand hold” the end-user through the required exchange of information. This has been proved to be extremely beneficial on science projects I have been involved with. Having the requisite time for interrogation of the needs for all three corners of the Project Delivery Triangle gives a sense of security and comfort knowing that they are giving/receiving the requisite information in a timely manner and the opportunity to challenge the different parties as appropriate. A good briefing document is the


foundation of the project in terms of end product, budget and programme. Get it wrong and much time and effort is required to bring the project back on line. The interpreter can safeguard the brief,


alerting the academic of scope creep and the consequential changes. This is one of the most important interventions to effectively and efficiently “get it right first time” and is thus beneficial to project control for the estates team. Good communication and engagement


at the front end of the project sets the tone for the rest of the programme. It creates an environment which is underpinned by trust and mutual respect for everyone’s expertise. It affords a framework of consensus and allows all elements to be challenged in a constructive, non-adversarial manner. Having a dedicated independent


interpreter assists in managing the expectations of all, gives an accurate view of requirements, ensures that the project and end-users adhere to the brief, establishes their needs and translates these into the language understood by the design team and estates, and vice- versa. This combination of knowledge and skill can enhance the progress and quality of the project and aids interdisciplinary communication. It is also plain common sense.


highereducationestates 9


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