The new RICS Design and Specification Guidance Note, aimed at the small-to-medium-sized construction project, has recently been published. In an article first published by the RICS in the December 13/January 14 issue of Building Surveying Journal, its author, Mike Scott, outlines the background to the guide and discusses the role of the lead consultant, the influence of new technologies and the need to keep abreast with technological change. Mike Scott is a Senior Building Surveyor with Tuffin Ferraby Taylor.