TEPM 022: The Benefits of Collaborative Project Delivery in the Construction Industry

In this episode, I talk with Arthur Antoine, Ph.D., P.E., PMP, DBIA, a civil engineer and senior project manager at Mott MacDonald with over 20 years of experience in the construction and engineering industry, about the importance and benefits of collaborative project delivery. Arthur also sheds light on the key characteristics that encourage collaboration among project managers. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Arthur: What was your experience getting your doctorate in construction management, and what advice do you have for others who are interested? What advantages does collaborative project delivery bring to your table? Can you provide further insights into the design and delivery method of the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) in construction projects? How does the traditional method of project delivery differ from non-traditional methods like CM/GC, and are there any other specific delivery methods that you utilize in your processes? What key characteristics or recommendations would you suggest for individuals in your field to promote collaboration among their project team members effectively? What cloud-based tools do you utilize to facilitate collaboration within your teams and streamline the workflow? Can you provide insights into virtual design and construction, including its implementation at McDonald, and your experience utilizing these technologies? Why is collaboration crucial for successful infrastructure projects with increased funding, and what are the risks if collaboration is not prioritized in effectively utilizing those funds? Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About the Benefits of Collaborative Project Delivery in the Construction Industry: For individuals with academic aspirations, it is crucial to follow your passion and seek opportunities for personal growth. By exploring global schools and pursuing a Ph.D., you can embark on a fulfilling journey of self-discovery. Identifying areas that require further exploration and learning, such as contracting methods and project delivery, can lead to valuable knowledge and professional development. Collaborative project delivery methods, like design-build and CM/GC, offer numerous benefits such as cost savings, improved constructability, enhanced quality and innovation, shorter construction schedules, and the ability to overcome supply chain challenges, ultimately reducing life cycle costs. Different construction project delivery methods include Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, and CM/GC (Construction Manager/General Contractor). In Design-Bid-Build, the project owner hires a designer and awards the construction contract through a bidding process. Design-Build involves a single entity responsible for both design and construction. CM/GC involves hiring a construction manager early in the process who provides constructability reviews and transitions into the role of the general contractor. Design-build and CM/GC are non-traditional project delivery methods that offer advantages such as reduced administrative burden, concurrent design and construction, shorter project schedules, and a collaborative environment for successful outcomes. To promote collaboration within a project team, it is crucial to focus on the behavioral aspect and emotional intelligence, as well as nurture mutual respect for everyone’s contributions and expertise. By building trust and valuing diverse perspectives, we can overcome the challenges in the construction and engineering industry, finding feasible and realistic solutions while avoiding an adversarial mindset. While direct face-to-face communication is invaluable, the abundance of software tools and virtual te...