Employers Agent
An employer may appoint an architect to fully design the building before obtaining tenders from contractors for its construction. This is the traditional form of procurement. Alternatively, the employer may provide indicative design information and obtain tenders for the full design and construction from contractors. This is known as Design and Build.
If the contractor is employed on a design and build basis, standard contracts require an Employer's Agent to be appointed. The Employer's Agent role is similar to that of the Contract Administrator, but generally starts before tender documentation has been prepared.
The EA will prepare the Employer's Requirements documentation and review tenders. They will also administer the contract and monitor the work on a regular basis, certifying payments on the Employer's behalf. The Employers Agent has a significant role to play in guiding the Employer in the design and build process.
Design and Build is favoured by many funders. It places a greater degree of responsibility on the Contractor than is the case with traditional procurement. However, it requires the Employer to make decisions before construction starts. Any subsequent changes will result in an increase in cost and can be expensive.
