Guidance on design assist vs. delegated design released

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) have released a paper that provides guidance on design collaboration on construction projects.

"Design Collaboration on Construction Projects. Delegated Design, Design Assist, and Informal Involvement – What Does it all Mean?" describes the roles and responsibilities of project participants in design collaboration scenarios, and offers definitions and guidelines that design professionals and the construction industry can adopt.

The terms “design assist” and “delegated design,” are commonly used in the industry, but often mean different things to different people. These differences often result in differing expectations among project participants.

“This document will help everyone understand and distinguish informal involvement, design assist involvement, and delegation of design work,” said Babette Freund, executive vice president of Dave Steel Company, Inc., and member of the AISC Code of Standard Practice committee, in a news release.