Background
The Design for Productivity workstream was established as part of the UK Construction Productivity Taskforce with a clear focus on improving productivity outcomes by integrating design decisions into the broader strategy for construction efficiency. The construction industry, traditionally slow to innovate, often faces significant challenges around cost overruns, schedule delays, and inefficiencies on-site, many of which stem from the design phase. Optimizing the design process to prioritise productivity can lead to considerable improvements in project outcomes, both in terms of time and cost.
As the Taskforce seeks to produce measurable, evidence-based improvements to construction productivity, it recognises the critical role that early-stage design decisions play in shaping the success of a project. While traditional design approaches have typically focused on planning approval, aesthetics, functionality, and compliance, design choices, from layout to material selection, have a direct and often under-appreciated impact on construction productivity.
Purpose
The Design for Productivity Workstream brings together leaders from design, construction and engineering to explore how design decisions can improve construction productivity from the earliest stages of a project.
Key Objectives
Develop practical Design for Productivity principles for industry.
Test approaches through live projects and data, measuring impacts on cost, programme, labour, waste and carbon.
Embed productivity thinking into the design process, working with architects, engineers and contractors.
Share practical tools, learning and evidence to support wider industry adoption.
The workstream works closely with the CPT’s other workstreams, particularly Data & Pilots, Playbook and Tech Adoption ensuring that recommendations are practical, measurable and capable of being adopted across industry.
Designing for Productivity: 10-Paper Series
The workstream is developing a series of 10 focused papers, bringing together leading industry organisations to examine the decisions, behaviours and approaches needed to improve productivity through design.
Workstream
Co-Chairs: Phil Obyada (SOM) and Alan Bunting (British Land)
Membership: Industry representatives from design, construction, engineering and the CPT membership.