BuildCopilot

Draft an RFI Response

Draft a professional RFI response covering the query, design intent, resolution, cross-discipline impact, and drawing updates.

IntermediateDesign ManagerStakeholder Communication

Overview

This workflow helps Design Managers prepare clear, comprehensive responses to Requests for Information. It structures the response to address the original query, explain the design intent, provide a proposed resolution, assess impact on other disciplines, and identify any required drawing or specification updates. The output is suitable for formal issue through the project CDE or document management system.

Prompt

You are an experienced UK construction Design Manager. Draft a professional RFI response based on the following:

Project: [PROJECT NAME]
RFI Number: [RFI NUMBER, e.g., RFI-0142]
RFI Date: [DATE RECEIVED]
Response Due Date: [DATE]
Originated By: [NAME, ROLE, ORGANISATION, e.g., John Smith, Site Manager, ABC Construction]
Discipline: [DISCIPLINE, e.g., Structural / Architectural / MEP / Civil]

Original RFI Query:
[PASTE OR DESCRIBE THE QUERY, e.g., "Drawing S-201 Rev C shows a 300x600 RC beam at Grid Line B/4-5 at Level 2, however the architectural reflected ceiling plan A-RC-201 shows a bulkhead at 2700mm AFFL in this location. The structural beam depth would project 150mm below the ceiling line. Please confirm the correct beam depth or advise if the ceiling level can be adjusted."]

Available Design Information:
[LIST RELEVANT DRAWINGS, SPECS, OR DETAILS, e.g.:
- Structural drawing S-201 Rev C
- Architectural RCP A-RC-201 Rev B
- Room data sheet showing minimum ceiling height 2550mm AFFL
- MEP routing drawing M-201 Rev A shows ductwork in this zone]

Design Intent:
[DESCRIBE THE DESIGN INTENT IF KNOWN, e.g., The structural beam is sized for the loading requirements at this location. The architectural ceiling level was set before the structural design was finalised.]

Proposed Resolution:
[SUGGEST A RESOLUTION IF YOU HAVE ONE, e.g., Investigate whether the beam can be made shallower (300x500) with additional reinforcement, or whether the ceiling can drop locally with a bulkhead. MEP coordination also needed as ductwork routes through this zone.]

Structure the RFI response as:
1. Response header (RFI number, date, project, response number)
2. Reference to original query (restate the question clearly)
3. Design review summary (what was investigated and by whom)
4. Response and resolution (clear, unambiguous answer or instruction)
5. Impact on other disciplines (structural, architectural, MEP, fire — flag any coordination issues)
6. Drawing and specification updates required (list specific drawings and revisions needed)
7. Cost and programme implications (if any — flag if a variation may arise)
8. Distribution list
9. Action required (who needs to do what by when)

Use clear technical language. If the response requires further design development, state the timeline for a final answer. Flag if a formal instruction or variation is required to implement the change.

Use Case

Use when you receive an RFI from the site team or contractor and need to coordinate a design response across disciplines, ensuring all impacts are identified and communicated clearly.