The widespread availability of powerful CAD systems allows the exciting possibility of developing computer packages which integrate the functions of design, cost and time control at every stage during a project's realisation. Despite the enormous storage capacity of modern computers, there are advantages in modelling construction projects as simply as possible. They allow the development of more sophisticated routines within any given memory -figuration, and ensure that data input and output are not so unwieldy that their use is discouraged. This paper describes the first steps in the development of a Computer Aided Construction Project Management system which will predict the cost and duration of projects designed on-screen at levels of accuracy commensurate with the quality of information available at each stage during the project's life. At the heart of the system lie simple cost and time models which are used both at the design stage to ensure that an optimum design is achieved, and during construction to procure the minimum variance bet- actual and predicted durations and costs.

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