Cost and Quality Management

Cost and quality are inseparable issues on any project. The generally perceived notion that “quality” has a direct bearing on “cost” to the owner is generally valid assuming all procedures are well managed and executed by all parties. However, there are many areas in bringing a project from conception to completion where lack of quality can escalate cost unless the owner, design professional, and contractor clearly understand the pitfalls to avoid. Areas that can typically contribute to cost escalation are: property acquisition and relocation, planning and engineering, cost of financing, utility relocation and services, construction, and maintenance and operation. Depending on the design professional's scope of work, he can have a significant effect on any of these areas. A good quality‐management program that includes all aspects of the design professional's involvement in the project is the most effective way to achieve the desired results. The presentation will discuss some of the considerations and approaches that can be used by design professionals to manage both cost and quality in the execution of their responsibilities.