Design and Build Contracts whereby a contractor takes on the responsibility for both design and construction of a project at an agreed price is called into question by the newly elected president of the Royal Institute of British Architects. Over the last 15 years, the popularity of design and build contracts has increased steadily, and according to a 2015 industry survey are now the most likely form of contract for builders.
However, calling for Architects to take back power, Ben Derbyshire argues for reform of design and build contracts, without which he says the robustness of buildings is threatened.
Architects must reclaim leadership of house building after decades of being sidelined through complex contracts such as the one used on Grenfell Tower, the profession’s new leader has warned.
