The evolution of design-and-build procurement illustrates how much the UK construction industry has transformed in the past decade or more. Originally intended for simple buildings, design and build is now routinely used to deliver complex, high-quality projects, sometimes designed by signature architects.

The latest figures from the RICS’ Contracts In Use survey confirmed the widespread use of design and build, which accounts for 43% of contracts by value and 13% by number.

The growth of the employer’s agent (EA) role – part project manager, part contract administrator and part cost manager – means an increasing workload for cost and project managers, but also higher risk and responsibility.The role of the EA is not one that should be taken on by a novice.