Quoting for design - provisional design brief

[Wiseel]

Hi all,

I'm moving from a contractor to a design-only start-up. I appreciate the function and value of a design brief following contract award, but would like to ask designers whether anyone uses a provisional design brief when quoting for work?

Typically, i would receive an invitation to quote for some design works either verbally or most likely via email. Along with the invitation would be a description of requirements and a batch of preliminary design information (whatever might be available at the time).

I know some would just then provide a quote making reference to the invitation (in accordance with email from xxx, dated xxx, for example). I would like to ask whether anyone thinks it would be beneficial at the point of quotation to produce a provisional design brief, listing the information received and confirming the design requirements as interpreted by the designer producing the quote. For me, having this document going back to the potential client with the quote would minimise any risk of misinterpretation of requirements, provide a clear record of information received which could make managing and updating info following contract award easier, provide protection to the designer against scope change or slip, etc etc. I'm thinking this form could then be developed upon contract award to be the full design brief.


I don't want to create any more paperwork than is necessary, unless it's beneficial, and i think this could be a good way to operate. I just wondered if anyone else does anything similiar, or whether anyone thought this might overcomplicate a relatively straightforward process? Any and all views/opinions would be welcome and appreciated,

Cheers

 

[Pmtottawa]

I have a quote template as such I modify the client name, date as well as project adress etc.
Below that is a list of items that the quote includes.
Girders, floor beams, retaining wall, lateral analysis etc.
I also have a section that includes miscellaneianitems such shopp dwg review, remedial repairs and emergency site visits these have pricing attached to them.

Finally I have a paragraph of my insurance limitations and state that any legal action is limited to the policy limits.

This way it is clear what the client is getting and there wont be issues for items not included and viled separately.

P

 

[dauwerda]

Yes, this is absolutely beneficial for all parties.
On the bid review/award side, all other things being equal, I would select the bidder that took the time to actually create this list demonstrating their understanding of the project. I have seen low bids thrown out in the past because they did not produce anything like this, or ask any questions, leading us to believe they did not have a full understanding of the project. Showing competence and thoroughness on the quote side is a good indication of how the project will be handled on the project side.
Producing this document will also help highlight if there is any missing or easily misinterpreted information being provided by the party requesting the quote.

 

[glass99]

I have never done a provisional design brief but it could be useful if its on point. I have seen some really detailed design briefs from clients which really distorted my cost bc they wanted everything under the sun in an attempt to cover themselves.

High quality proposals are a thing of beauty.

 

[BUGGAR]

I agree on the value of this document. You don't necessarily have to share with client. This can also be expanded into a scope of services.

 

[Wiseel]

All very interesting views and opinions, thanks. Good point, dauwerda, about giving a good impression and possibly gaining an edge over competition at tender stage, hadn't thought of that at all.