How a project runs
The six stages of a building project.
South African architectural projects are commonly organised into six work stages set out by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP). They give a project manager a framework for planning and reporting.
| Stage | Name | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inception | The client’s needs, budget and programme are established and the project is defined. |
| 2 | Concept and viability | Concept options are prepared and tested against the site, the budget and the brief. |
| 3 | Design development | The chosen concept is developed and coordinated with the other disciplines. |
| 4 | Documentation and procurement | Construction documents are prepared and the contractor is procured. |
| 5 | Construction | The contractor builds. The works are administered, inspected and certified. |
| 6 | Close-out | Completion, defects, handover and the final account. |
The project manager’s role at each stage
The project manager keeps the scope, programme and budget aligned across the stages, reports to the client and records decisions.
Sources
- South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP), identification of work stages.