Exploring the effectiveness of graduate architects in managing construction project delivery

Purpose Graduate architects are assigned important tasks from the commencement to the completion of the project to acquire a detailed understanding of contractual, legislative and statutory bases before becoming architects. Previous research showed that employers have often given negative feedback regarding attributes of the graduate architects, as they found a list of negligence, and they have to retrain them to make them fit for their jobs. Hence, the purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness of graduate architects in delivering construction projects. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a qualitative method by using a case study from seven selected construction projects that consisted of a documentation review and semi-structured interview. The data collected were analyzed using content and thematic analysis. Findings Strategies were developed to enhance the effectiveness of construction project delivery during the project life cycle, from the schematic design phase to the design development phase, tender phase, construction phase and final completion phase. Originality/value This study contributes to existing knowledge by encouraging the integration of project delivery realities into design studio pedagogy. In addition, the results provide valuable insights for project stakeholders to develop better support systems to guide graduate architects in managing project tasks more efficiently.