The design and construction of building projects is a complex and demanding process. It involves a variety of disciplines, including architecture, quantity surveying, engineering and construction management. The common objective is to deliver, on behalf of clients commissioning construction work, buildings of the right quality at the right price and within the right time-scale.

This introductory textbook explains the development, application and pivotal role of design cost management from inception through to completion of a project, and considers its context and relevance within current construction procurement arrangements, including design and build. The text discusses the need for improvements in communication between all those involved in the process, and outlines how to achieve better information management, underpinned by information technology, to help overcome the criticisms of the industry for too often delivering projects late, over budget and of poor quality.

Building Design Cost Management will benefit all those involved in the design and construction of buildings - in particular students of architecture, quantity surveying and construction management, as it:

• takes an innovative approach to explain the process of design cost management, using a practical case study to demonstrate its application, supported by a dedicated website (www.bdcm.co.uk)
• includes on the website selective information from the nationally available Building Cost Information Service, to give students a dynamic modelling tool to examine and carry out design cost management