Design Excellence in the Concept Development Process
Commissioner will officially endorse the concept design so the project can move
forward. If any of the Commissioner's comments re q u i re further development, these will
be sent to the region in writing.
7 . 4 Peer Roles in Concept Reviews
Peers from the Commissioner's National Register of Peer Professionals are objective,
outside voices in the concept development discussion. They are challenged to address
GSA's projects with a fresh vision and critiques that maintain the emphasis on Design
Excellence. T h ree peers--rather than just a single peer--are invited at this stage in ord e r
to broaden the spectrum of expertise and bring new perspectives to the project. Depending
on the project, peers can re p resent architecture, urban design, preservation, interior
design, engineering, and other design expertise. The Center for Design Excellence and the
Arts makes every effort to choose peers whose insights best contribute to the success
of each project.
As they participate in the initial and final concept reviews, peers act in these capacities:
As a Colleague among Professionals
They should offer their advice and critiques with respect. Their interaction with the
design team and customer should emphasize being helpful and not just critical. They are
not there to second-guess ove rall design strategies but to identify collegially the best
pathway for each project.
As a Sounding Board
They should confirm promising directions. They should point out missed opportunities.
They should engage the design team in a conversation about options and ways to
i m p rove each project. They should suggest scenarios for further development.
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sections 7.37.4
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