Together We Excel

5 Reasons Builders And Architects Should Prioritize Collaboration

By Wesley J. Palmisano

Builders and architects rely on each other’s expertise to translate early design concepts into new buildings or completed renovations that serve the needs of their owners and occupants.

Yet, despite the built-in synergies between design teams and building teams, the relationship is not always a cohesive and collaborative one.

Too often, this alliance can deteriorate into an adversarial partnership that’s focused more on protecting each team’s self-interests than on meeting the client’s goals and aspirations.

It is a scenario where no one wins.

Thankfully, most architects and builders agree it is time to build more bridges than barriers. According to a recent study conducted by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), nine in 10 contractors say they want to work more closely with architects, and eight in 10 architects want to work more closely with contractors.

Some prefer collaborative delivery methods such as design-build and integrated project delivery (IPD), while others are simply seeking a more collaborative and trusted working relationship across all project types.

This is great news for the construction industry. Here are five reasons why.

1 Early collaboration is a primary factor in project success.

A synergistic relationship among the architect, builder, and owner is key to achieving a healthy project team dynamic that results in a successful project.

The majority of respondents in the AIA/AGC study believe that collaboration drives better project outcomes. More than 70% of them “strongly agree” that the earlier the architect and GC start collaborating, the more likely the client will reap the benefits.

At Impetus, we firmly believe that 90% of a project’s success is determined before ground is broken. That’s why planning and preconstruction services are among our key areas of expertise.

During project kickoff, we convene a project stakeholder alignment session where we ask each person to populate a matrix that defines project goals and individual goals. Then we work together to find alignment and opportunities to create win/ win outcomes for the owner and all other project partners.

With accelerated project schedules, however, the expectation is that those steps will overlap as much as possible to shorten the overall delivery timeline. That’s why a shared commitment to collaboration and accountability among project team partners is paramount.

It is encouraging to see a growing list of owners embracing collaborative delivery methods such as design-build and design-assist, which enable owners and design/construction teams to work together as a cohesive unit.

3

It serves as a model for project-wide collaboration.

Starting a large construction project might be compared to starting a new business because complex projects require hundreds of people to be aligned. To achieve success, jointly explore—innovative ideas that can positively impact a project’s quality, efficiency and safety. These solutions might include elimination or reductions of waste, off-site fabrication, improvements to critical building systems, and design for manufacturing and assembly (DfMA).

Exploring creative ideas early in the project lifecycle (preferably during the concept design phase) is the most efficient way to harness the true value of the idea. Delaying this opportunity can be costly, resulting in delays, design revisions and unrealized savings.

5 To solve the inevitable challenges that will arise.

As a project unfolds, the construction team will inevitably encounter unexpected issues and complications that require design intervention. Enlisting the expertise of architecture and engineering partners that have been actively engaged throughout the project lifecycle is invaluable when it comes time to assessing and addressing these issues.

2 Complex, fast-track projects demand cohesive teams.

As client expectations rise and construction schedules continue to accelerate, cohesive design and construction teams are more important than ever.

Today’s complex, fast track projects force concurrencies in the activities required to successfully deliver each phase of a project—from design work to procurement, sitework and vertical construction. Conventional methods required allocating each step of the project delivery process a specific window of time and a step would not start until the prior step was complete.

the project also needs a vision statement, goals, value alignment and a strong culture. Because the partnership among an architect, a contractor and an owner is foundational to most construction projects, that relationship establishes the project culture that is shared by the entire team. In other words, a partnership built on mutual trust and accountability will influence the mindset and behavior of all project stakeholders, including trade partners, consultants, vendors and other contributors.

4 To jointly explore opportunities for innovation.

Early, ongoing collaboration also enables design and construction teams to develop—and

That’s also why it is beneficial to develop long-term alliances with design partners whose values and work processes align with those of the construction team. The bottom-line benefits of collaboration are difficult to ignore: cost savings, an accelerated schedule, reduced waste, more reliable scheduling and delivery of materials, and an overall culture of communication and transparency.

Most experienced architects, contractors, and owners understand the importance of building close, trusting relationships with their project partners. They welcome diverse perspectives and have the humility to acknowledge that no one knows it all.

By working closely together throughout a project, architects and contractors learn from each other, inspire each other, hold each other accountable and jointly celebrate their successes. CCR

Wesley J. Palmisano founded Impetus in 2013 with the vision to create a new kind of construction company—one designed to foster the next generation of leaders. Based in New Orleans, the rapidly-scaling boutique construction service provider has continued to expand into new market sectors and geographies in the Southeast, including Nashville. He also founded The Palmisano Foundation, a 501c3 focused on supporting education initiatives for the world’s next generation of great thinkers and doers.