Critical reflections on measuring the effect of steering activities in architectural design

In the field of architectural design management it is hard to find empirical evidence that describes the actual effect of managing designers. This paper reflects critical considerations in developing a research design to establish an empirical connection between steering and value creation in architectural design. Based on a literature review two relevant types of design management are distinguished: instrumental steering and human steering. Instrumental steering implies the use of tools and techniques to coordinate and distribute design information, while human steering refers to leadership, vision and interpersonal skills. In this research project design value is seen in two ways: as the sum of the complementary parts or more holistically as wholeness. Hypothesis is that different kinds of steering will influence different kinds of values. After considering several difficulties in measuring the effects of steering during the design phase, a first step is made towards the development of an appropriate research method. This step involves studying the selection of architectural firms during European tenders.