Book description
Currently in its third edition, the NEC suite has become one of the
UK's leading families of standard forms of contract for major
construction and civil engineering projects. Part of the NEC suite, the
Professional Services Contract (PSC) was drafted with the same
process-based approach and objectives, offering a standard contract for
the appointment of consultants providing professional services in an
engineering or construction project. Embodying best practice in terms of
project management, the basic philosophy of the PSC differs from the
principles and approach of other standard contracts used to appoint consultants.
This book is a practical guide to the application of the PSC.
Starting with a brief discussion of the background and philosophy
behind the PSC, it identifies the roles and responsibilities of each
of the named functions within the contract, explains the approaches
required to achieve a successful working relationship between all
parties, and examines all the procedures in the PSC. The book explains
the links between the various sections of the contract to assist the
reader with cross referencing, and covers all the variations created
by the Main and Secondary Options. As a very practical guide it will
aid users in the transition from their use and understanding of the
other standard contracts to the collaborative project management-based
approach of the PSC.
Written for anyone working in the construction and related industries
using the PSC to procure or provide consultancy services in relation
to a construction project, it will be of interest to the complete
construction supply chain, particularly architects, structural
engineers, services (M&E) engineers, civil engineers, quantity
surveyors and interior designers, together with Contractors and
Sub-Contractors who have a design liability and employ consultants to
assist them. It will also be of interest to consultants and lawyers
advising any of these parties, either in the preparation of contract
documentation or the resolution of problem situations which may arise.
Michael Rowlinson
MSc, DipArb, MRICS, FCIOB, FCIArb, FCICES, is a Director of Alway
Associates (London) Ltd. He is an experienced construction professional,
having qualified initially as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and later as
a Chartered Builder. After over 20 years with private practice and
contractors Michael joined Alway Associates in 1998, specialising in
Construction Contracts and Law. As part of his work Michael has lectured
extensively for the Construction Study Centre and direct for his own
clients, predominantly on the NEC suite of Contracts. He has written a
number of articles on this suite of contracts which have been published
in the Civil Engineering Surveyor and the NEC User Group's Newsletter,
as well as on the Alway Associates website. This is his second book
about a contract from the NEC3 suite.
