All project planning can be done thinking of Scope, Quality, and Cost. The Architect must retain the right to determine the project’s level of quality in order to assure the successful completion within the established budget.

Under no circumstance should all three of the items be fixed. One or two must always be variable and the client should understand this. When thinking about increasing the size (scope) of a project and increasing the quality, the cost will inevitably go up along with these increases. The relationship between these three should always be considered as it is a reality of construction.

Example

If the owner wants to use brick paving and that makes the project exceed the cost. The architect must insist that the quantity be reduced, quality be reduced, or budget for paving be increased. One of these variables must change to accommodate the others.

Ways to control cost relating to site design

1. Locate buildings on gently sloping terrain.
2. Locate buildings where positive natural drainage exists
3. Arrange vehicular circulation systems on the site to follow contours rather than to oppose them.
4. Locate paved parking lots on relatively level ground, rather than sloping ground.
5. Locate buildings so they relate to new and existing utility systems.
6. Locate site improvements to utilize existing vegetation
7. Avoid locating improvements over rock, organic soil, or areas of high water table
8. Coordinate the location of new with existing facilities including buildings, roads, walks, and other improvements
9. Select appropriate finish materials for site improvements, including paving of roads, sidewalks, etc.
10. Select indigenous plants material for landscaping
11. Select site lighting systems in consideration of capital cost, energy cost, and replacement cost.