More and more local governments, developers and landscape architects are choosing a FORGE Design Scoping PackageTM to gain greater clarity on cost, approvals and buildability before risk becomes reality. Keep reading to find out why.
If you're still relying on traditional models for the design and delivery of pedestrian bridges, community boardwalks, custom play structures, shade structures and public artwork, chances are you're carrying significantly more budget and programme risk than you want. Or need.
At FORGE we believe great projects are enabled by great methodology. After all, even the most experienced design and delivery teams can't protect a project in the absence of robust processes.
That's why the Design Scoping Package, or DSP, sits at the heart of the FORGE Methodology.
1. WHAT is a Design Scoping Package?
A Design Scoping Package is a structured, early-stage design and development service that FORGE provides that gives councils, developers and procurement teams the clarity they need before committing to a full construction contract.
Rather than moving straight into detailed design and locking in decisions prematurely, a DSP allows you to sit down with key specialists at FORGE who represent every stage of your project.
Together you can map the full scope of your project and explore the design intent, site constraints, material options, structural requirements and cost parameters in a controlled, low-risk environment where key changes can be made without incurring major costs or delays.
It's the smartest first step you can make to ensure your vision, budget and delivery processes are all completely aligned from the outset.
Above: FORGE collaborating with the client to refine the design for buildability.
2. HOW does a DSP benefit your project?
Traditional project delivery models treat design and construction as separate functions. The results are constant redesigns, variations and budget overruns that could have been avoided.
The FORGE Methodology integrates design, engineering, materiality and construction expertise from day one, and a DSP is where that integration begins.
Here's what that means in practice:
- Early risk identification
- Cost certainty
- Design flexibility without commitment
- A single accountable partner
Above: FORGE reviewing materials and design details together with the client.
3. WHEN should you consider a DSP?
When the stakes are high or your project scope is complex, a FORGE Design Scoping Package is always the smartest place to start. Experience shows that it can be particularly valuable when:
- Your project involves bespoke or technically complex structures
- You're in the early stages of budget setting or grant funding applications and need credible cost evidence
- Your site features topographical and/or regulatory constraints
- You Want to make more informed decisions before committing to a major capital spend
Above: Projects like the M12 eucalypt leaf canopies (Badgerys Creek, NSW) benefit from early design and buildability input .
4. HOW MUCH does a DSP cost?
Every project is different and so is every DSP. The scope and investment required will depend on the complexity of your project, the number of structures involved and the level of design development needed.
That said, you can be certain the cost will be a fraction of what is typically lost to variations, redesigns and delays experienced through more traditional delivery models.
A DSP is not an additional project cost, but an investment in project certainty.
Above: A FORGE DSP™ helped validate materials and technical requirements for the Dawson Mall Arbour (Mount Druitt, NSW).
Every year FORGE helps clients across Australia enjoy greater design, budget and delivery certainty by beginning their project journey with a DSP.
If you'd like to explore what a Design Scoping Package could look like for your upcoming project, please get in touch today.
