I'm writing this post in front of a campfire in grand rapids michigan and I can't help but relate the contractual methods of project delivery discussed at our last session to the connectedness of our group campfire conversation, about best ideas to plan for the following day.  We didn't go as far as all holding hands and singing Kumbaya but that's the analogy that comes to mind.

Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) tries to take the campfire to the business room, bringing together all parties at the same table mapping out the way to accomplish project goals from conceptual design to bricks and mortar, resolving problems as a group along the way.  For me it is hard to believe it works, as I envision the collective problem solving akin to a bar brawl, but the method is proven.

One facet of the method that interests me, is the constant connection the Architect has with all segments of the project, and specifically how this method redefines the role of construction administration.

I think one of best ways to become a great Architect is to understand how buildings are put together, and to physically watch how the lines we draw become built form.  When the interface with Developers, GC's, Subcontractors, and Fabricators occurs over a much longer overall period of time (though a shortened total project schedule), this gives the Architect more exposure to direct practical information from the people who build our ideas, and by default accelerates our growth more rapidly than traditional design-bid-build project delivery methods.  All examples we talked about were on a large project scale, but I wonder how small you can go with IPD?


Matthew Wirtz
FRCH Worldwide