VALiD (Value in Design) comprises the main findings of a three-year joint industry and academic research study called “Managing Value Delivery in Design.” The work, which was funded by UK Government and Industry, sought to increase customer satisfaction through a better, shared understanding of appropriate value systems (for the project process, the product and its performance) and standardised mechanisms that map and measure the flow and delivery of value within the design solution.

The research objectives were:

to develop a common value culture and language for clients, users and designers;
to provide standard mechanisms that capture and communicate an evolving set of project values;
to relate design tasks to project values, justifying their outcomes and monitoring overall project
effectiveness regarding value delivery and hence user satisfaction upon occupation; and
to recommend implementation strategies to encourage uptake and provide appropriate training.


The research team represented a broad spectrum of views in the development of new principles for value delivery:

Loughborough University. The work built on preceding research by the Department of Civil and Building Engineering Construction Management Group. This group, which achieved a 5* rating in the 2001 RAE exercise, has an established international reputation. It focuses on traditional areas of construction management (e.g. safety, quantity surveying and productivity) and also emerging areas incorporating the study of design management, business processes, innovative working practices, and emerging business relationships. This work, encompassing technological, organisational and human issues, has been predominantly undertaken collaboratively with industry. link...

AMEC clients range from household names, with large annual construction budgets, to clients for whom the construction of a new building is a once in a lifetime operation. They are active in many business areas; including pharmaceutical research and manufacturing, airports, leisure, electronics, commercial and office facilities. link...

Arup is a firm of designers in the broadest sense. From automobiles to infrastructure, structural engineering to communications consultancy, financial, and socially led engineering; its constantly evolving skill base reflects the diversity and dynamism of both its clients and its staff. With offices around the globe, Arup has worked in over 160 countries. link...

BAA Plc spends £1.5m each day on construction industry output, making it one of the industry's largest clients. BAA seek to continually revolutionise the way they spend and are willing to adopt sweeping changes in the way they handle major projects to ensure value for money. BAA have an established reputation for participating in key construction industry research initiatives, developed both internally and in collaboration with academia. link...

Broadgate Estates Limited is a building and estate management organisation that recognises that 'buildings are for people'. They manage buildings both as assets for their owners and as a service to those who work in them and aim to ensure a safe, secure and stimulating environment in which businesses can operate. Their high quality on-site management, technical expertise, regular dialogue and hands-on financial control and have a proven record of success. Given this remit, they are improving understanding of how buildings embody user values. link...

Collaborating for the Built Environment, known as Be, is the largest independent construction supply chain body in the UK. The 100 member firms are clients, contractors, consultants and specialists & manufacturers all committed to collaborating for sustainable improvement in the built environment through the research and delivery of change within firms. link...

The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) exists to promote high quality design and architecture and to raise the standard of the built environment. It is a proactive, nationally-based champion for architecture including urban design, education, community involvement and the development of a regional dimension in the promotion of good architecture. CABE understand the role of design quality in improving societal perceptions of value in the built environment, with a view to improving the quality of life. link...

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) disseminated findings and contributed significant knowledge of mapping client requirements onto technical solutions. link...

Davis Langdon LLP is an independent firm of construction cost consultants with an established, international reputation for innovating working practices to benefit their clients. They are the UK component of the worldwide partnership of Davis Langdon & Seah International. Having recently received the "Building Awards 2000 for Surveying Practice of the Year", Davis Langdon LLP bring expertise in construction project administration, including the client interfaces throughout project progression. link...

Sheppard Robson are a London-based international architectural, planning, urban and interior design practice with a reputation for excellence in design and professional service. In March 2000, they headed the Architects' Journal league of the top 100 UK architectural practices. The practice has a strong belief that the quality of the built environment is an essential part of the economic and cultural fabric of society. link...

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a Chartered professional body, with approximately 27,000 architect members. Their Charter focuses on the 'advancement of architecture' and 'the arts and sciences connected therewith'. They bring a strong architectural perspective, as well as the current RIBA debate of design quality and value to the team. link...

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) align the research with specific industry needs, in particular those of professionals concerned with project administration. link...

Government funding was received from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The EPSRC contribution was made through the Innovative Manufacturing and Construction Research Centre at Loughborough University, UK. Both government funders contribute equally to the project cash costs. All cash costs were matched by in-kind contributions (mainly in the form of time and resources) from each industrial partner.