Handling Changes
Change is the only constant in life.. they say!
Well for Architects the changes could be more dreadful. There is a way to handle the same. This is called change management.
First let us understand what causes changes. Some main reasons:
1. Deficient design
2. Incorrect design
3. Non coordinated design
4. Design not done as per site context.
5. Unfeasable design not as per tender or clients requirements.
6. Site issues during construction.
7. Preferential changes needed by client at later stage.
8. Unforeseen influences by Authorities on construction.
9. Mistakes made by contractor
10. Modifications by other stakeholders.
If the change falls in 1 to 5 above it is due to consultants neglect.
Changes falling in 6 to 10 are beyond control of consultant.
What we just established above is the reason or triggers for changes. Thats the first thing to record for change management.
Then comes who and why? Fixing responsibility of triggering the change and necessity to carry out the same.
Impact assessment comes next which include costs, time and abortive works analysis to carry out the change.
Lastly the focus shall be on action taken plan and mitigation measures to reduce impacts.
Changes handled in right way with proper planning and approach means more money to consultants unless the original design was deficient.