Skip to content

Design Management 

Design-Led Strategy. Seamless Coordination. Delivering Excellence.

Pivotal International is a multi-disciplinary architecture and engineering consultancy that specialises in Design Management Consultancy Services. We act on behalf of many government and corporate clients, assisting with the delivery of complex projects from early feasibility to managing design competition, to concept and detail design and construction delivery.

We work exclusively with large-scale developers, real estate investment entities, and government-backed property companies, acting as the central design management authority across their portfolios.

Whether delivering iconic mixed-use masterplans, luxury hospitality, residential precincts, or cultural landmarks, we ensure design excellence is embedded from concept to completion.

As  Design Managers, we ensure every design discipline is aligned, every decision is informed, and every milestone is achieved. We take a proactive approach to managing risk, maintaining quality and ensuring that the design process delivers on its promise —on time, on budget and to the highest standards.

Our Expertise

We bring together experienced professionals in architecture, engineering, cost management and project leadership to offer fully integrated services under one roof:

Design Management Consultancy
Acting as the link between the client, design team, and contractor, we oversee the design process across all stages—ensuring clarity, accountability and efficient delivery.

Architecture & Urban Design
Creative solutions that respond to place, purpose and people that are grounded in practical constructability and design quality.

Structural & Civil Engineering
Engineering solutions that balance performance, economy and sustainability that are seamlessly integrated into the design.

Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) Design
Building systems that support energy efficiency, comfort and operational functionality.

Quantity Surveying & Cost Control
In-house cost experts provide early budget guidance, value engineering and procurement strategy aligned with design evolution.

BIM & Digital Co-ordination
Model-based collaboration and information management for precision, coordination and transparent decision-making.

Sustainability & Compliance
Environmental performance integrated from the outset, including NZEB, BREEAM, LEED and lifecycle assessments.

Management Consultancy

What We Deliver as Design Managers

1. Project Management Office (PMO)

Our Project Management Office provides centralised governance, tools, and oversight to drive consistency across large-scale or multi-project programs. Acting as the organisational backbone, the PMO ensures standardised processes, risk control, reporting frameworks and decision-making protocols that enhance project efficiency and transparency from start to finish.

2. Design Management

We lead the coordination of all design disciplines, ensuring alignment between architectural vision, engineering feasibility, cost planning and compliance. Our Design Management team sets design deliverables, tracks progress against program milestones, resolves technical conflicts, and ensures every aspect of the design is integrated, buildable and aligned with project goals.

3. Project Management

Our Project Management service provides full lifecycle control – from project initiation through design, procurement, construction and handover. We manage scope, time, cost, quality and communication on behalf of the client, ensuring stakeholder alignment, contractual clarity and successful delivery on all fronts.

4. Competition Management

We manage architectural and design competitions on behalf of public and private clients, providing end-to-end oversight including brief development, jury coordination, submission management and evaluation logistics. Our Competition Management services ensure transparency, fairness and alignment with client vision while attracting top-tier design talent.

5. Technical Peer Reviews

Our Technical Peer Review services offer independent, multidisciplinary evaluations of design packages at key milestones. We identify coordination gaps, compliance risks, buildability issues and quality concerns early – de-risking delivery and protecting client interests through objective, expert scrutiny.

6. Program Scheduling

We develop, monitor, and manage detailed Program Schedules using industry-standard tools and methodologies. From high-level project timelines to detailed design coordination schedules, we ensure that every task is logically sequenced, resource-allocated and tracked for timely delivery.

7. Cost Control

Our integrated Cost Control services provide real-time budget visibility throughout the design and construction process. We track design changes, assess cost impact, manage contingencies and ensure procurement aligns with financial targets – empowering clients to make informed decisions without compromising on quality.

8. Value Engineering

We conduct structured Value Engineering reviews to optimise performance and reduce unnecessary costs without sacrificing function, aesthetics, or sustainability. Through collaborative workshops and multi-disciplinary input, we identify alternative materials, systems, or design strategies that enhance value across the project lifecycle.

9. Contract Administration

Our Contract Administration team safeguards project compliance and delivery under the agreed contract terms. We manage change control, assess contractor claims, issue instructions, monitor progress and support practical completion and close-out – ensuring legal and procedural integrity throughout construction.

Why Choose Pivotal International?

Single Source Accountability

We manage complexity—so you don’t have to. One team coordinating every discipline.

Clarity from Complexity

We bring structure to the creative process, translating vision into delivery with confidence.

Experience Across Sectors

From commercial and residential developments to education, healthcare, and infrastructure—we understand the unique needs of each sector.

Commitment to Excellence

Our reputation is built on precision, transparency, and a relentless focus on adding value at every stage.