I recently graduated with a Masters degree in Design Management from the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland.

As part of my degree degree, I closely examined ways to ‘Improving the Design Process within the Built Environment - the Design Managers Role’.

Along this investigation I gained an insight into key influencing factors that impact every unique temporary endeavor within the AEC industry and how Design Managers can bridge the gap between design and construction via holistically considering an endeavor and its participants rather than as independent entities.

In today’s industry the list of project participants can be endless, making the built environment fragmented with lose end and shady areas. I explored the notion of investing more time and resources earlier on in a project to accommodate for better integration of project participants to enable the delivery of such undertakings in a more optimized manner.

Throughout my exploration and examination, contracts and procurements methods were assessed, project lifecycle frameworks were analyzed, Critical Success Factors (CSFs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) highlighted and Information Communication Technology (ICT) noted. Each aspect highlighted above and many others are vital to ensure project participants collaborate and all are driven by the same goals and objectives set out in the design brief.

By means of incorporating leaner systems projects in today’s ever fluctuating economy can be monitor more accurately adding value not just to the client or stakeholder but everyone involved at some stage in the delivery of a unique undertaking.

My dissertation looked at the ever changing built environment, and key features that have optimized the AEC industry to date. Furthermore criteria that influence the way we make our decisions was also assessed, along with team building, strategic design thinking, leadership, knowledge and resources and organizational qualities.

The Master’s was sponsored by Steps, which is part-financed by the EU – European Social Fund (ESF) under Operational Programme II – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013, ‘Empowering People for More Jobs and a Better Quality of Life’.

Michael Calleja