Improving Construction Client Satisfaction through Functional Briefing

The functional briefing (FB) process has a fundamental impact on the design, construction and whole life performance (WLP) of a constructed facility, yet it is widely believed to have limitations that can inhibit the success of a project. Clients are becoming more aware of the need to consider the WLP of buildings - that is, the through life costs and future performance of constructed facilities. There is also a growing realisation that the development of an integrated FB process is of primary importance in obtaining a successful project outcome. This is because FB is when the fundamental decisions regarding purpose, functionality, quality of design, materials and construction, budgets, procurement methods and constraints are made. Poor decisions in respect of any of these elements can have a negative impact on the WLP of the constructed asset. This paper argues that effective FB is vital for ensuring client satisfaction. It presents the results of an industry survey into the extent to which WLP issues are integrated into the functional brief. Details of the respondents and their views on the briefing process, as well as their understanding of the core elements of FB and WLP, are presented. The paper concludes that there is considerable scope for the WLP of constructed facilities to be improved by the development of a FB methodology that can facilitate the precise definition, analysis and translation of client requirements into a format that enhances their integration into the project process. The approach being adopted in a project that seeks to address this is also presented.