Managing the quality of building systems design is a fundamental responsibility of the consultant, ensuring that the architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical designs meet the specified performance requirements, comply with applicable codes and standards, and fulfill client and stakeholder expectations. Quality management in design consultancy is guided by the principles of the PMBOK® Guide’s Quality Management knowledge area, which encompasses quality planning, quality assurance, and quality control.
The consultant begins by establishing a Quality Management Plan that defines design standards, applicable regulations (such as IEC, NEC, ASHRAE, and local codes), design review procedures, and approval workflows. Quality objectives are integrated into each design phase, from concept through construction documents, ensuring that deliverables are technically accurate, coordinated across disciplines, and suitable for authority submission and construction tendering.
Quality assurance is maintained through peer reviews, interdisciplinary coordination sessions, design checklists, and adherence to BIM or CAD protocols. Quality control activities include internal audits, compliance verification, clash detection, and consistency checks across drawings, calculations, and specifications.
By implementing structured quality processes, consultants prevent errors, reduce rework, and enhance the reliability of design outputs—ultimately ensuring that the building systems are safe, efficient, and fully aligned with project goals and regulatory requirements.