Design Council Cabe has called for a new code of practice for design procurement in the built environment.

Giving evidence to the All Party Group for Excellence in the Built Environment, design council trustee, Rab Bennetts, called for a new code of practice to replace the current ‘tick-box’ methodology with one that ensures the most appropriate designers are selected for public buildings of all kinds.



The Council says that the current procurement process of construction projects is complex, time consuming and wasteful, leading to significant consequences for the UK economy.



Speaking after addressing the group in the House of Commons on Monday 20th February Rab Bennetts said:  

"Gone are the days when an act of enlightened patronage could determine the quality of our town halls, schools, libraries, galleries or colleges. Individual leaders with the vision to create fine civic buildings or public spaces are now the exception rather than the rule.  

"The advent of mandatory procurement processes over the last twenty years has been accompanied by dramatic changes in the way that architects and other members of the design team are chosen having a detrimental impact on the final outcome and the UK’s economy. 

"The proposed code of practice is intended to provide appropriate guidance and encourage a change of culture that would be of enormous benefit to both the industry and the economy." 


The Design Council says that it is working closely with the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills on delivering its Innovation and Growth Strategy, a key part of which is to ensure that the UK Government is a world leader in the procurement of good design.   

The key features of the new proposed code of practice include combined evaluation of fees, resources and personnel, and mandatory feedback for bidders.