Architecture procurement is a key stage in any construction project, with decisions made during this stage impacting the success and efficiency of the entire process.
In recent years, the construction industry has seen a huge shift towards more collaborative and streamlined procurement routes. More and more clients are looking to maximise value, reduce risks and promote innovation – all whilst ensuring they are complaint with industry regulations.
In this article, we will explain the key benefits of architecture procurement routes, from streamlining the process to boosting social value.
Understanding Procurement Routes
Before looking into the benefits of the Procure Partnerships Framework, let’s explore the concept of procurement routes within the architecture and construction industry.
Procurement routes refer to the various procurement methods through which architectural services and construction contracts are procured by clients.
Traditional procurement routes, such as design-bid-build, often involve sequential steps and limited collaboration between stakeholders, leading to inefficiencies, delays, and cost overruns.
In contrast, modern procurement routes allow for collaboration, early engagement, and innovation to deliver better outcomes for all parties involved.
These routes include frameworks like design and build, and construction management, each offering unique advantages tailored to specific project requirements.
A RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) survey suggested that the most popular procurement route was ‘traditional contract’. Here are the most popular routes, in order:
- Traditional contract
- Single-stage design and build
- Two-stage design and build
- Management contract
- PFI
One of the reasons why traditional procurement may be more popular is because it has been established for much longer. This means more people are familiar with this and the traditional contract process.
Key Benefits of Architecture Procurement Routes
The Procure Partnerships Framework offers a range of benefits for public sector clients seeking architectural services for their construction projects. Here are some of the key advantages that make the framework an attractive option for procurement:
Streamlined Procurement Process
One of the primary benefits of the Procure Partnerships Framework is its streamlined procurement process. Our framework allows you to pre-qualify architectural firms through a strong selection process, eliminating the need for long-winded and complex tendering.
This can save you valuable time and resources, allowing you to initiate projects more efficiently and effectively.
Access to a Diverse Pool of Suppliers
The Procure Partnerships Framework provides you with access to a diverse pool of architectural suppliers, ranging from large firms to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
This diversity ensures that you can select suppliers that best match your project:
- Requirements
- Budget constraints
- Strategic objectives
This framework promotes fair competition among suppliers, boosting innovation and quality in architectural service delivery.
Flexible Procurement Options:
Procure Partnerships Framework gives flexibility in procurement options. Our framework offers multiple procurement routes such as single-stage, two-stage, or direct award, each tailored to your project, including scopes, complexities, and delivery timelines.
Whether you require architectural services for new build projects, refurbishments, or extensions, the framework provides procurement routes that align with your specific needs. This means you can choose the most suitable approach for your projects, ensuring optimal outcomes and value for money.
Cost Efficiency and Value for Money
Cost efficiency is a key consideration in any procurement process – but especially when it comes to public sector clients who need to manage taxpayer funds responsibly.
The Procure Partnerships Framework can help you to achieve cost efficiency and value for money by promoting:
- Competitive pricing
- Transparent pricing mechanisms
- Cost-effective delivery models
- Total compliance
When you utilise Procure Partnerships Framework, you can secure architectural services at competitive rates without compromising quality or standards.
Risk Mitigation and Compliance
Procurement in the public sector often involves working your way through complex regulatory frameworks, compliance requirements, and risk management protocols. The good news is that we can assist you in reducing risk and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards throughout the procurement process.
We can help you partner with accredited architectural suppliers vetted for their expertise, experience, and adherence to best practices. This, in turn, means you can minimise the legal, financial, and reputational risks associated with architectural procurement.
Collaborative Working Relationships:
Successful construction projects rely on strong relationships between clients, architects, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Our framework allows for collaborative working relationships – it can help to promote early engagement, clear communication channels, and mutual trust between clients and architectural suppliers.
This collaborative approach has many benefits throughout the project lifecycle – for example, it encourages:
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- Innovation
- Problem-solving
- Knowledge sharing
This can ultimately lead to better outcomes and happier stakeholders.
Sustainability and Social Value
More and more businesses are focusing on sustainability and social value – and you should too. The Procure Partnerships Framework can help you to priorotise environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and community engagement in architectural procurement.
The framework encourages suppliers to adopt sustainable design principles, energy-efficient technologies, and inclusive practices that minimise environmental impacts and deliver tangible social benefits to local communities. Across each project, framework partners guarantee to deliver a minimum of 12% social value add.
This means you can contribute to the long-term resilience and well-being of society while achieving your project objectives.
Procure Partnerships Framework
At Procure Partnerships Framework, we offer public sector clients a comprehensive and efficient approach to architecture procurement. We can streamline the process while maintaining 100% compliance, giving you peace of mind throughout.
From streamlining the procurement process in architectural procurement routes to accessing a wide range of suppliers to promoting cost efficiency, risk mitigation, and collaborative working relationships, we can help you to achieve your architectural objectives with confidence and clarity.
Ultimately, we can help you to deliver high-quality architectural solutions, and create lasting value for your communities and constituents.
Utilise our streamlined and efficient approach to architecture procurement. If this is what you are looking for, we can provide you with access to a diverse pool of pre-qualified architectural suppliers.
Through the framework, you can save time and resources, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Whether it’s cost efficiency, collaborative working relationships, or sustainable design principles, we provide the tools and support necessary for successful project delivery. Contact us to get in touch, or download our user guide today.
Lauren Oxland, the dedicated Key Account Manager for the West at Procure Partnerships Framework, brings seven years of industry expertise to her pivotal role. Lauren’s primary responsibility is to provide unwavering support to Public Sector framework users, facilitating the seamless appointment of main contractors and consultants for capital projects and ensuring smooth project lifecycle management.
