Selecting service providers for building work - an analysis od determinants in New South Wales (Australia)

Abstract

This paper identifies determinants of and explores client attitudes to the selection of service providers for building works in New South Wales (Australia). Drawing on data derived from a survey conducted by Crawford et.al in 1995, the aims of the paper are twofold: (I) to offer a critique of the original survey techniques and (2) to provide an analysis of the range of responses gathered to determine extant connections with the building industry and identify choice mechanisms in relation to the selection of service providers. Identifying the three most commonly cited providers of such services as architects, building designers and draftspersons, the authors investigate public perceptions and understanding of the differences in services expected of and provided by each, and the relative likelihood of selection of each provider under given conditions. The paper concludes that drafting services and the work of draftspersons was most clearly defined, whereas building design services were least clearly defined. The role of the architect within this context is explained.