The most important element of any construction project is its design. the quality of the construction design is the single most important factor in determining a project's life-cycle cost -the initial cost of construction, plus the ongoing cost for operations and maintenance.

Design is the first step in the construction process, it dictates everything that follows: the size and layout of the facility; type of construction materials; capacity of mechanical and electrical systems; energy efficiency; and other factors. Its unfortunate, but true , that now even the best contractor using the finest construction materials, cannot overcome the effects of or design.

Design services represent only a small percentage of the construction budget, and far smaller percentage of life-cycle cost, (the Federal Government estimates 1% or less). It makes sound economic sense to ensure your architect and /or consulting engineer have the experience and qualifications needed to deliver a high- quality design.

Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) is a process that enables the project owner to obtain the services of a highly qualified engineering professional at a fair and reasonable cost, and investment in quality that will save money over the life of the project.