More builders need design champions
Builders - 20/09/2006 10:32:19
A new report has revealed that builders across the county are "failing on quality" because they have not invested in a design champion.
Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) said that only six out of eleven builders opt for design champions, who work alongside builders to provide advice and help them communicate effectively with design professionals.
A design champions' key role is to evaluate the project and to generate enthusiasm and commitment to design quality from everyone working on it.
CABE chief executive Richard Simmons said: "Our schools and housing audits show how much poor design still gets planning permission - evidence that the design champion is not being listened to."
Just six per cent of new housing qualifies as good or very good, according to the report and only 19 per cent of secondary school schemes have reached good or excellent standards.
Around 70 per cent of public bodies now have a design champion programme but in some cases they are not encouraged or even used.
If you need work doing on your home, you can find builders who are aware of the importance of good design on our online listings.