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Dale Sinclair

Dale Sinclair is an architect, director of Dyer, and chairman if the RIBA Large Practice Group. As well as leading teams on various award-winning projects, Dale has been instrumental in the development of Dyer's Integrated Management System with associated design management procedures and techniques within the firm, an on-going exercise that has led to the practice being named as AJ100 'Business Achiever of the Year'. His previous experience includes working as associate director at BDP, visiting lecturer at Aberdeen University and the Macintosh School of Architecture, and he is currently a member if the RIBA Practice Committee.

Geoff Wilkinson, columnist for Architects Journal

While there are many books devoted to architectural design and practice management, there are very few that focus on the management of the process of architectural design. This new book by Dale Sinclair sets out to address that issue and give Architects the confidence that they have the skills necessary to manage projects successfully.

The lead consultant role was traditionally performed by the Architect, but new procurement routes, increased numbers of consultants, and shorter project timescales have seen the Architect lose out on this role (and the fees it can generate) to a new breed of 'project managers'.

The book starts out by addressing the various roles of the parties, team structures and risk management. These chapters are well arranged and key terms are clearly highlighted and explained within the text. For example the author goes to some length to explain the difference between co-ordinate and co-ordination, and how this can be achieved at each of the key RIBA design stages. The book gives a useful (and realistic) guide to collaborative working, the obstacles and potential solutions such as BIM.

Overall the book achieves what it sets out to, in a short, concise and easy to read format that should appeal to everyone from a part 3 student to a seasoned Architect . Those looking for a weighty research tome will be disappointed, but those who want to pick up hints and tips that they can easily apply to improve their design management skills won’t be.    8/10

Geoff Wilkinson, Managing Director of Wilkinson Construction Consultants and columnist for Architects Journal