With reference to design and build, is it possible for a contractor to make a claim against an architect regarding design errors included in work done before novation?

Novation is intended to make consultants liable for all of a design. However, in practice this may not be legally the case. In fact, the contractor is only legally responsible to complete the design under the provisions of JCT Design and Build Contract. This is irrespective of whether or no the consultant is liable to the contractor for an entire design. Thus, should an employer attempt t channel responsibility through a contractor, this will fail unless the JCT Design and Build Contract itself is systematically altered in order to indicate that the contractor is liable for the entirety of the design.