This paper provides an engineer’s perspective as to what a good Design Intent includes and the benefits and liabilities associated with Design Intent. First, the paper discusses the author’s view as to the content of Design Intents including separating the owner’s objectives into a new document entitled Owner’s Project Requirements. The paper then discusses the benefits and liabilities from documenting the Design Intent. Benefits to the owner and the engineer are discussed. The paper discusses the need for open communication directly between the engineer and the owner in developing the Design Intent.The information included in this paper is based on the author’s experience as a practicing consulting engineer and as a project developer with a performance contracting company. The information is based on ASHRAE Guideline 1-1996, The HVAC Commissioning Process and the author’s work with the committee revising the guideline.

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