In conceptual design /preliminary engineering you analyze alternative design concepts and select the preferred design configuration for the required project deliverables. It is at the conclusion of preliminary engineering prior to beginning final design that you should establish the scope baseline, sometimes called the technical baseline, for the project. Configuration management provides the project control process to identify, assess, and track the impact on the scope baseline of changes to the project requirements. Changes in project requirements may be due to changes in owner requirements, unforeseen project conditions, changes in governing regulations, value engineering proposals, etc.
The design consultant will develop graphic plans based on functional requirements and safety as identified for the preferred alternative. In addition, they will analyze the project site(s) to determine the initial “look and feel” of the project once completed. The result of the conceptual design is a set of architectural plans, elevations, landscaping plan, site boundary, and topographic surveys. Depending on the site complexity, the design may include other drawings such as grading, utility, and drainage plans.
Conceptual Design main items
- Code Analysis
- Zoning Analysis
- Topographical
- Survey
- Boundary Survey
- Existing Utility
- Survey
- Geotechnical Survey
- Environmental
- Survey
- Space Programming
- Alternative Layouts
- Alternative Cost
- Analyses
- Community
- Outreach
- Traffic Impacts
- Noise Abatement
Prior to preliminary engineering phase completion, the project manager will budget and baseline each task. However, at the conclusion of preliminary engineering the control baseline for the scope should be established and supported by the technical studies, conceptual designs, and preliminary engineering drawings and specifications. As the final design and construction phases progress, configuration management requires that any changes to project requirements are identified, their impact on the project scope assessed, and the configuration of the affected drawings and specifications amended. It is important that you make certain that project changes do not result in compromising the intended project deliverables in terms of required performance and/or quality and take the necessary management action to ensure the current configuration delivers the required standard of performance and quality as defined by the control scope baseline.