Design
Translate the owner requirements into coordinated, testable design documents.
Design is where the owner’s requirements are translated into a coordinated, testable specification. The commissioning provider reviews the developing design against the OPR, not for aesthetics or code compliance, but to confirm the intent remains achievable and verifiable.
Commissioning requirements are embedded into the contract documents in this phase, so that contractors price the testing they will later be asked to perform. Sequences of operation, control strategies and acceptance criteria are documented while they can still be changed cheaply.
Key focus
- Document Preparation
- Training Strategy
- Systems Manual Definition
- Verification Tools & Checklists
- Embed Cx in Design
- Design Phase Acceptance
Roles
Owner / RepresentativeDefines project outcomes, approves requirements, and holds the team accountable for delivery.Project ManagerCoordinates commissioning scope, schedule, decisions, and communication across the project team.Commissioning ProviderPlans, leads, documents, and verifies the commissioning process from pre-design through occupancy.MEP DesignerDevelops the basis of design and incorporates testable commissioning requirements into the documents.Building OperatorBrings operational knowledge to reviews, training, acceptance, and long-term building performance.
Steps in this phase
1. Update the Cx team and confirm roles for the Design StageLearn how to update your Commissioning (Cx) Team and confirm member roles before Design Stage commissioning begins. Aligned with ASHRAE Guideline 0-2019 and Standard 202-2024, this guide covers verifying binding decision authority, briefing replacement FM and O&M staff on the accepted OPR, integrating early ECI contractors, and reissuing the approved Cx Organisation Chart prior to the Stage 2 Kick-off Meeting.2. Verify Cx obligations are in effect from the design consultant’s executed appointmenttbc3. Conduct the Design Kick-off Commissioning Meetingtbc4. Continue with commissioning meetings and progress reporting through the Design Stagetbc5. Track and manage issues and deviations through the Design StageA practical commissioning workflow for track and manage issues and deviations through the design stage.6. Develop and review the Basis of Design [BOD] – Schematic Designtbc7. Conduct commissioning design review – Schematic Designtbc8. Obtain formal Owner acceptance of the Schematic Design BOD and any updates to the OPRtbc9. Develop and review the Basis of Design [BOD] – Design Developmenttbc10. Conduct commissioning design review – Design Developmenttbc11. Obtain formal Owner acceptance of the Design Development BOD and any updates to the OPRA practical commissioning workflow for obtain formal owner acceptance of the design development bod and any updates to the opr.12. Develop and review the Basis of Design [BOD] – Construction Documentstbc13. Update and issue the Commissioning SpecificationA practical commissioning workflow for update and issue the commissioning specification.14. Develop Construction Checkliststbc15. Conduct commissioning design review – Construction Documenttbc16. Obtain formal Owner acceptance of the Construction Documents BOD and any updates to the OPRtbc17. Update the scope and budget for project specific Commissioning activitiestbc18. Integrate commissioning activities into the project scheduletbc19. Identify training requirements and develop the training programmetbc20. Develop construction phase and occupancy phase test requirementstbc21. Update the Systems Manual scope and confirm documentation responsibilitiestbc22. Update the Commissioning Plan for Phase 3tbc23. Support RFP preparation for Construction Servicestbc24. Conduct the design stage commissioning reviewtbc25. Issue the design stage closeout report and obtain owner acceptancetbc