Client Design Advisory
Navigant provides RIBA Registered Client Design Advisers (CDAs) to clients. Many clients in both public and private sectors require independent advice on business strategy, investment appraisal and aspects related to the law, technology, design and value. Whilst the role of the independent client advisor was devised by The Office of Government Commerce, The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) went on to create the formality of the RIBA Registered Client Design Adviser (CDA).
For the public sector, dealing with varied procurement methods and the need for good design and best value has brought about the need for independent advice provided by CDAs to work alongside the senior responsible project owner.
For the private sector, Navigant CDAs are advising a range of clients on projects and commercial bids in specialist areas including offices and courthouses.
Navigant RIBA Client Design Advisors are skilled and knowledgeable building design professionals, generally architects, with particular aptitudes and skills across twelve key areas:
- Ability to champion and assess design
- Lead and facilitate clients and stakeholders
- Business case making, project initiation and change management
- Brief writing, output specification and contract documentation
- Project budget, value and risk management
- Ability to select and commission project teams
- Strategic and feasibility studies and appraisals
- Procurement and construction management including partnering
- Knowledge of planning consents and health and safety procedures
- Funding and development processes
- Programme preparation and evaluation
- Post-completion services
In these topics, Navigant CDAs provide advice, structure, process, critique, direction, strategies and judgement. Navigant CDAs are experienced professionals assessed and registered by the RIBA, conforming to stringent codes of practice, insurance conditions and continuous professional development requirements. We ensure the most appropriate professionals are engaged to produce the best contributions at the optimum time. We also collaborate with other Navigant experts including project and programme managers and financial advisors.
