Architecture Research 2015, 5(1): 16-30 DOI: 10.5923/j.arch.20150501.03 Managing the Design Process in the Construction Industry: A Literature Review Felix Atsrim 1 , Joseph Ignatius Teye Buertey 1,* , Kwasi Boateng 2 1 Department of Built Environment, Pentecost University College, Accra, Ghana 2 Ghana Airport Company Limited/ Lecturer, Pentecost University College, Accra, Ghana Abstract Construction has existed since human existence. From the building of huts for shelter in the old ages to the construction of mega structures in recent times, the industry has developed over the years and has grown to become an enviable industry. It has transformed from a single person being the designer, builder and manager to a project environment where multiple organisations and professionals play a part. However this has not solved all the problems in the industry. One of the major concerns of the industry is the management of the design process. It is evident that unlike the olden days where buildings were built with the “trial and error” style of design as the construction went on, today’s industry engages designs before construction. The findings in this review have been based solely secondary data, with extensive review of literature that was available on the subject. The review is to generate more interest in this field since there is still more to be unfolded. This research reviewed some models of the design process, industry practice on design management and the role of project management in today’s industry. It however does not conclude on which of the models best suits the industry but suggests that the design process should not be managed with the same rigid tools and techniques of project management. It was concluded that the definition for design was contextual but shared certain key characteristics. The definitive part of the construction process needs a coherent management and coordination process for all stakeholders to enable the achievement if the key performance indicators of the project. Keywords Construction Industry, Creativity Design, Design management, Project management 1. Introduction It is generally held that “Between thought and object is design” [1]. The design process therefore is a vital stage in the realisation of any product and especially in the construction industry. The questions are; what is design? What are the processes involved? Can it be managed? If it can be managed, how different is it from project management? There are many more questions that have still not been fully answered when it comes to design because it is a difficult area to discuss. “Design is an inherently more complex process than construction: you do not know what the outcome is going to look like when you start; it’s creative; it’s iterative; yet on many projects we let those involved in the process, the designers, plan and manage the work themselves. The construction industry has changed markedly over the last twenty years and this has put an increasing pressure on design teams and design professionals to deliver” [2]. The early days of construction involved the use of hands * Corresponding author: jbuert@yahoo.co.uk (Joseph Ignatius Teye Buertey) Published online at http://journal.sapub.org/arch Copyright © 2015 Scientific & Academic Publishing. All Rights Reserved and simple tools to make huts and shelters for humans to live in [3]. This saw the involvement of all the inhabitants of an area in the construction process. By the 1800, the old ways of construction could barely meet the demands of the markets. This led to the formation of organisations in the construction industry. The industrial revolution had brought about the use of new materials such as concrete, steel and plastics and most of the building components were now being prefabricated [4]. The revolution as well brought about a structural means for eliminating or reducing immensely onsite activities in construction [5]. In the current construction industry, projects have become very complex and the standards for the measurement of the success of projects are ever being raised. The construction industry has had a lot of projects going over budget and with a lot of delays. Many of these problems are linked with the design management of the design process, which although is very important has still not had the maximum attention it requires. Until the design process is well understood, there will be very little emphasis on the management of the process. It is important to mention that there has however been a rise in understanding the relevance of design management to help achieve design within budget so as to ensure a successful delivery of project. The traditional methods, techniques and tools used to programme the construction