Design Audits and Peer Reviews – Why Bother?
Building services design might not be the most glamorous part of construction, but let’s face it, without good HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire safety systems, even the most Instagram-worthy buildings would be unlivable. Imagine a stunning skyscraper with a fire alarm system that doesn’t work properly or an office building where the air conditioning only blows hot air – suddenly, that fancy design doesn’t seem so great. And that’s why peer reviews (also known as design audits or design validation) are so important. Think of them as the superhero sidekicks to building services designers, swooping in to save the day (or at least save us all from sweating in meeting rooms).
A peer review is an independent evaluation of a building services design carried out by experienced professionals who haven’t been staring at the same plans for weeks on end, meaning they might actually notice that one duct that’s completely out of place. Today, we’ll look at why peer reviews matter, from keeping quality in check to making sure nobody violates regulations, all while giving the clients some much-needed reassurance
Not All Clients Are Experts, and That’s Okay
Not every client is an expert in building services design. In fact, many clients have no idea what MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) stands for. For some, MEP might as well be an abbreviation for “Most Expensive Problem.” That’s where peer reviews step in – not just to keep designers in check but also to give clients some peace of mind that their project is on track. For those clients dealing with overloaded project teams (or overloaded stress levels), peer reviews are like a comforting hug, showing them that someone is double-checking every detail, ensuring that what they need is what they’re getting.
Independent verification from a peer review is like getting a second opinion from a wise elder, except this elder has an engineering degree. It’s reassurance that the design won’t just meet requirements but will also actually work the way it’s supposed to. Even better, peer reviewers often provide summary reports that cut through all the technical mumbo jumbo, giving clients the highlights without the headache. In short: transparency and accountability.
Don't Get Hung Up on Mistakes – Peer Reviews Are Just Part of the Process
Given the complexity of building services projects, mistakes are almost inevitable. But instead of getting defensive, it’s important to understand that peer reviews are just another part of the process – a tool to make the final design better. They’re not about pointing fingers or making someone look bad; they’re about improving quality. Everyone makes mistakes, and that’s okay – peer reviews are simply there to catch those mistakes before they become costly problems.
By embracing peer reviews with an open mind, designers can see them for what they truly are: an opportunity to collaborate, learn, and deliver the best possible outcome. After all, no one has all the answers, and a second opinion is always worth its weight in gold.
"Second Pair of Eyes" – The Real MVP
Even the most brilliant designers can overlook minor details that could turn into major headaches. Imagine designing an HVAC system where the ducts are too small to carry enough air—sounds like an unpleasant game of “How Many People Can We Squeeze in the Sauna?” A peer review is the second pair of eyes that double-checks every single aspect of the design, making sure that nothing’s missed. They look for inconsistencies, errors, and opportunities to make things just a little bit better.
Because of this, peer reviews mean fewer revisions, fewer mistakes, and fewer people standing around on-site wondering how it all went wrong. And fewer mistakes? Well, that means fewer panicked phone calls, fewer sleepless nights, and fewer “we need to fix this ASAP” meetings. We’re talking about a win-win situation.
Holborn Viaduct, London
A Workplace for Everyone
We get it—nobody likes regulations. They’re the party pooper of the construction world, always there with a “no, you can’t do that” when things get interesting. But regulations are also what keep buildings safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly. And keeping up with all those rules, codes, and standards is no small feat – especially when you’re dealing with ever-changing laws and new technologies.
That’s where peer reviewers come in, armed with all the knowledge needed to make sure that your project won’t get hit with any costly fines or embarrassing non-compliance issues. Imagine it like a game show where regulations are the trivia questions, and peer reviewers are the experts who know all the answers. Their assessment can help spot gaps and ensure corrections are made before it’s too late.
The best part? Sometimes peer reviews even find ways to go above and beyond compliance, making buildings safer, more efficient, and better for the environment. If that doesn’t earn some bonus points with clients, what will?
Who doesn’t want to save on energy bills while saving the planet at the same time?
Risk? No Thanks
When it comes to building services, risks are everywhere—overloaded circuits, fire hazards, flooded basements – you name it. Getting these systems right isn’t just about saving money; it’s also about saving lives. Peer reviewers are like detectives, always on the lookout for things that could go wrong. They understand where things might fail and what needs extra care.
Picture this: You find out your proposed electrical system doesn’t have enough backup power for emergency lights and fire alarms – oops. A peer review catches that before it becomes an issue, and suddenly everyone is much safer, and you don’t end up on the front page of the local news. Risks mitigated; problems solved – everyone’s happy.
Keeping Clients Happy with Reports and Transparency
Clients like knowing what’s going on without being bombarded with technical jargon that might as well be a different language. The summary report from a peer review does exactly that. It’s the “spark notes” version of the design review that helps clients understand the good, the bad, and the “needs a bit of work” aspects. It keeps clients informed, involved, and most importantly, reassured that their building is going to work as intended – without anyone needing an engineering degree to get it.
Collaboration – Two Heads Are Better Than One
Peer reviews also mean collaboration. It’s not just about picking apart the design; it’s about improving it together. It’s about bringing new ideas to the table, sharing best practices, and coming up with solutions that nobody thought of at first. It’s the dream scenario where two design teams come together to create something even better.
That’s what peer reviews bring – a chance for different minds to meet and come up with ideas that make the whole project greater than the sum of its parts. Who doesn’t want a little extra innovation in their building services?
Saving Money, Not Just Spending It
Sure, peer reviews cost a bit upfront, but compared to what you’d spend fixing mistakes later, they’re a bargain. It’s way cheaper to fix a design flaw before construction starts than it is to rip out a ceiling and re-run all the ductwork. Plus, when peer reviews optimise the design for efficiency, they help save on operational costs for years to come.
Think of peer reviews as an investment: one that’ll save you money, stress, and time in the long run.
Peer reviews/Design Audits/Design Validations are like that trusty friend who always has your back. They check your work, point out mistakes before they become problems, and reassure everyone—clients, contractors, and project managers alike—that the building services design is as good as it can be. They make sure the building is compliant, efficient, safe, and cost-effective, all while cutting down on mistakes and keeping clients in the loop.
In a world where building errors can lead to sky-high costs and even higher stress levels, peer reviews are the unsung heroes of the construction industry. They’re the safeguard, the quality control, and the innovation driver all rolled into one. So why bother with peer reviews? Because they’re the difference between “good enough” and “great.”
The Author: Sara Steele, Executive Director
A graduate of MTU and UCC, over the past 25 years, Sara has gained in-depth experience as a Utility Engineer, M&E Services Project Manager and MEP Design Manager. Sara’s collaborative leadership style, vision and proven record of project management allow her to manage key project deliverables, problem-solving and project completion by working effectively with clients, stakeholders and external design teams to reach ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.