Sustainable Design Approach
David Murray Associates have an increasing reputation for low energy,
environmentally responsible design and we areeager to apply this approach in all
projects providing building users with healthy, enjoyable and productive
buidings to live or work in.
The Practice always prioritises environmentally friendly design within the bounds of
practicality and an attitude, which promotes a sustainable approach to the use of the
earth's finite resources. This philosophy has allowed us to build up an understanding
of the computerised modelling techniques that are available for assessing design
options and knowledge of grant funding availability from various sources, which can
often be brought to bear on innovative projects.
These priciples are confirmed inour Environmental Policy, a copy of which
is available on request.
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Cost Control Policy
One of the greatest and most common causes of dissatisfaction amongst client bodies
involved in commissioning buildings relates to poor cost control. David Murray Associates can
demonstrate an understanding of the techniques involved in cost control and are
absolutely committed to its achievement without detriment to the standard of design,
level of specification, quality of construction or procurement programme.
Our approach to design is based on the premise that good design should be economic
and must not be compromised by poor management of the financial aspects of a project.
As architects, strict cost control has now become one of our primary objectives,s
since we wish to deliver value for money and the very best building the budget can offer.
The key to successful cost control is the establishment of a proper Cost Plan to which
all members the design team must subscribe. The Practice's Quality Manual includes a
series of design and management procedures which control all aspects of a project
from inception through to completion. These procedures call for ongoing design review and a
fundamental part of this review process is ongoing option cost appraisals using the
Cost Plan as the basis of comparison and reporting.
As Architects, strict cost control has now become one of our primary objectives, since
we wish to deliver value for money and the very best building the budget can offer.
For the majority of projects we recommend that the client appoints an independent
Cost Consultant, and we offer to aid in their selection. We recommend that the
Architect should be design team leader and therefore ultimately responsible for cost
control. The Cost Consultant would however be responsible for the rigorous
implementation of tried and tested cost control systems.
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Quality Management
The practice has developed and is in the process of implementing a Quality
Management System in accordance with BS EN ISO 9001: 1994. (It is anticipated that
we will seek certification for this system only if necessary to suit any particular
client requirements).
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