The Ministry of Education’s Design Review Panel (DRP) was established in 2014 to provide independent quality assurance on the technical design aspects of major redevelopments and new school projects.

Design Review PanelFACTSHEET

DRP reviews are undertaken at the completion of the early design stages of a project (master planning, preliminary design and developed design) where the greatest benefit can be realised. The reviews are intended to target new schools and the redevelopment of existing schools that have a capital value of $3 million or more. Reviews can also occur for more risky or complex projects regardless of value.

The DRP consultantsAt each project review the DRP will consist of at least 1 architect, 1 engineer, a chairperson (facilitator) from the Ministry, and access to a quantity surveyor. The make up of each DRP will depend on the design stage and complexity of the project.

Project reviews typically take 2-3 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the proposed works. A follow up report is usually made available to the design team through the Ministry’s project lead, within 1-2 weeks of the review.

All DRP consultants are required to sign a conflict of interest declaration and confidentiality agreement before undertaking a project review.

PurposeThe design review process supports a consistent approach to design. The DRP helps ensure that the education property portfolio is supporting the needs of learners, teachers, and the education system.

The DRP helps promote buildings that provide flexibility for future modes of education delivery, and supports design teams to deliver value for money solutions that take into account capital cost, future maintenance, operating cost, and anticipated repair expectations.

How does it work?During design reviews, DRP members use their experience to raise questions and make suggestions based on the available information. As reviews are high level, discussions focus on ‘big ticket’ items that impact most (eg site organisation, general concepts and strategies).

Typical agendas will cover:

• Geotechnical issues.

• Site / project constraints and opportunities.

• Architecture and site planning.

• Structure.

• Building services.

• Civil and infrastructure.

• Estimated cost compared to the project budget.

The DRP also assists with:

• Assessing whether project designs align with theMinistry’s general objectives and published designstandards and requirements.

• Assigning an evaluation rating to each project review,confirming endorsement to proceed or the need forrevisions and resubmission.

• Capturing lessons learned to help the Ministry in thedevelopment of future technical standards.

The DRP bases its feedback on selected information provided before a review meeting, and does not include a site visit.

APRIL 2016

BenefitsThe DRP has now undertaken more than 100 school project reviews across New Zealand. Significant cost savings and better design outcomes have been achieved. Of equal importance are the lessons learned from the interaction with design teams and through the assessment of various design approaches.

Next stepsThe next important phase is in sharing lessons from the design review process with schools, boards of trustees and design teams. This process is currently underway, with an update of the Ministry’s design standards and guidelines to ensure design teams receive the best possible briefing before starting new projects.

The current version of the following documents for school design are available on the Ministry’s property pages, and the application of these are now mandatory:

• Designing Schools in New Zealand - Requirements and Guidelines (DSNZ)

• Designing Schools in New Zealand - Structural and Geotechnical Guidelines (SGG)

• Project Brief template

• Project and Site Constraints Table (PSCT)

• Design Compliance Checklist (DCC)

N

Y

Y

Y

N

N

MOE Group Manager (GM)considers whether Project Team

has adequately responded to DRP comments

Project Team addresses issues / responds to DRP comments

Moderate issues for improvement / complianceNo

issuesFew minor issues for improvement /

compliance

Project Team addresses issues / responds to DRP

comments

Next design stage DRP review (if required)

Project Manager provides

response to DRP

Re-submit to DRP if GM considers it necessary

ORANGE(Proceed with conditions)

GREEN(Proceed)

DRP REVIEW

RED(Re-submit)

Project Team responds to DRP comments and revises design

proposal

MOE Group Manager considers whether Project Team has

adequately responded to DRP comments

DRP Chair considers whether Project Team has adequately responded to DRP comments

Re-submit for DRP reviewProject Proceeds

Next design stage DRP review (if required)

Key factors of design that are considered include access and arrival, spatial organisation, materials, safety, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability for flexible learning spaces. DRP consultants are not responsible for the design of projects. In situations where design amendments, revisions or corrective actions are recommended, these will be directed by the Ministry’s project lead.

For more informationIf you require more information, please visit the Ministry’s property pages or contact the Ministry at: Property.Help@education.govt.nz

Process before the review meeting

Y

N

Manager / Project team seeks tentative DRP calendar booking, well in advance using the DRP Booking

Request Form

Project team provides the review information package, eg 1 page factsheet, geotech and structural reports,

drawings, costings, programme / schedule etc

DRP Chair checks whether adequate information has been provided for DRP review

DRP Chair confirms meeting date and required DRP members (for reviewing meeting and/or remote review)

Project information circulated to DRP members (at least 5 working days before the meeting date)

DRP meeting held

DRP summary report issued (within 1-2 weeks of the review meeting)