Purpose Through a mixed-method approach, this paper aims to analyse the causal relationships between critical risk factors impacting the design management process, to identify the more consequential risks affecting high-rise residential construction projects. Design/methodology/approach A structured literature review identified the prevalent risks impacting construction projects. Through expert guidance, 32 risks pertaining to the project design outcomes were shortlisted and incorporated into a targeted questionnaire survey. Subsequently, the survey was distributed to key stakeholders in the construction industry to map their criticality perception towards each risk. Based on 175 responses, the data was analysed using both Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and interpretive structural modelling (ISM) to determine critical risk factors with greater influence. Findings The findings classify the more consequential design-stage-related risk factors based on their criticality and influence. Latent but more dominant risks, if not managed effectively in the early stages, can generate secondary risk factors at successive stages, impacting the project. The more high-impact risks pertain to design management function areas related to establishing a shared project definition and in-building project quality. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to high-rise residential projects within the National Capital Region (NCR) of India. Practical implications The research outcomes will assist stakeholders in high-rise residential projects to formulate better risk management strategies towards their planning and delivery. Originality/value This study augments existing knowledge on risks related to design management which impact qualitative objectives, especially relevant to complex project typologies like high-rise residential with multi-stakeholder expectations.
Chacko et al. (2026) studied this question.