A project manager is trusted to control your budget and therefore their activities must be as transparent as possible to ensure you are getting the best value for your dollar in your project. Remember, a professional designer will create something unique just for you, not a manufactured product, but a service you buy. This is not like buying a car where there is a price that should be bargained down. One wouldn't bargain with a doctor on his rate for a necessary operation. So too with trained, qualified design professionals, you will get what you pay for.

Design Development is the phase where the designer will develop details, color schemes and will specify the precise materials to be used. Again a professional knows how to achieve innovative yet cost effective solu-

Once the design is finalized construction or contract documents will be prepared. The more detailed these technical drawings and specifications are the more accurate pricing will come back from tendering (bidding) the project to the builder or general contractor. The project manager and designer can recommend a short list of qualified and reputable contractors and evaluate the bidder's submitted Bill of Quantities, based on their unit rates, with a recommendation for appointment. Once you decide the contractor to use the design