The Evolution Of Contracting

THE MARIS METHODOLOGY:

EARLY CONTRACTOR INVOLVEMENT

At Maris Interiors, we actively dismantle the adversarial culture of legacy contracting by championing early contractor involvement and two-stage integrated procurement. We operate on the principle of total ownership from day one.

This deep integration is the most powerful tool available to de-risk a major fit-out. By embedding our mechanical engineers and construction managers into the project during the conceptual design phase, we provide immediate feedback on buildability. We identify long-lead material constraints, resolve complex structural clashes and secure vital supply chain capacity long before physical works commence.

This methodology ensures the design information is highly detailed and comprehensively tested, virtually eliminating the likelihood of delays during the construction phase. By operating as a single unified entity, we maximise the benefits of design coordination, enhance the project’s overall efficiency and remove the incentivisation to cut corners. We transform the contractor from an external adversary into a deeply connected strategic partner.

THE LEGAL COUNSEL & CEO’S CORNER:

ERADICATING THE BLAME GAME

For the Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel, selecting a procurement route is no longer just an administrative purchasing exercise; it is a fundamental exercise in enterprise risk management. The traditional contracting model relies heavily on retrospective valuation and fragmented liability. When design and construction are separated, any errors or omissions in the consultants’ drawings become the client’s liability, resulting in expensive variations and hostile claims from the contractor.

By embracing an integrated procurement model, the CEO ensures that the project team is highly engaged and proactively seeking the best value for the business. This approach provides the executive board with a single point of absolute accountability, relieving the C-Suite from exhausting coordination challenges between independent architects and separate builders. We shift the corporate mindset from viewing the contractor as an external adversary to viewing them as a deeply connected strategic partner, actively shielding the enterprise from protracted legal disputes.

MARIS TOOLS:

THE DIRECTOR’S DUE DILIGENCE CHECKLIST

To discharge your legal duties, you must ask these specific questions of any potential procurement partner.

• Competence Check: Can you provide evidence of your safety schemes in procurement accreditation?
• The F10 Notification: Have you formally notified the Health and Safety Executive that this project is starting?
• The Fire Officer: Has the fire strategy been validated by an independent engineer, or are we relying on standard guidance?
• The O&M Manual: Will I receive the Operations and Maintenance manual before handover? (Legally, you need this to operate the building safely.)