Chris White is a director of the international architecture practice CPMG
In the construction industry, processes can take a long time to change and the environment in which we operate can sometimes feel a bit stagnant, but despite this we are optimistic and understand the important role our experience plays in building ‘a solid economy.
For this reason, among others, we are very aware of the factors that affect the way we work and how to achieve the best results. As I approach 30th year in the industry there are some factors that I consider, which includes the importance of the relationship between an architect and a contractor.
“Occasionally there could be a power struggle between contractors and architects, which did not always benefit the project”
When I entered the construction industry as a junior architect in the mid-1990s, design and build was becoming more and more prevalent due to the economic climate and the benefits it offered to both clients and contractors. While each procurement route has its own strengths and weaknesses, the shift to design and build showed me at the time that there could occasionally be a power struggle between contractors and architects, which it did not always benefit the project either because of a cost, or because of the time or perspective of the program.
Collaboration is essential
Since then, it has become increasingly clear that, regardless of the procurement route, a respectful, coordinated and collaborative approach by all team members is essential to successful project delivery. Reviewing our own architectural responsibilities has led us to be more adaptable and agile in the role we play. Whether it’s involvement from RIBA Stage 0 to Stage 6, just the concept and design stages to planning, or delivering someone else’s design, there’s now more team approach of all disciplines and the end customer or contractor customer.
Architects’ interests and strengths may vary, some prefer design to delivery and vice versa, but as long as the right appointments are made at the right time, the foundations for success have already been laid. Mobilization periods can and should occur whenever necessary. Two-way conversations should then be the only way to interact throughout a project, and collaborators have every opportunity to flourish and guide the project to exceed the client’s expectations.
I can only recall a single project in the last 10 years where we stayed away from the client and under the strict control of the contractor. The project environment was unpleasant and confrontational, and trust was very short. I am pleased to have seen progress from the early days of design and construction to the inclusive team approach that generally underpins most projects today.
Technology enables the right environment
We now have technological advances, such as building information modeling (BIM), which could in theory reduce the need for dialogue. However, unless everyone throughout the process uses it to the highest possible standard, there will be potential gaps in expectations that cannot be resolved without collective buy-in. We need to use innovations like BIM not only for their data capability, but also for the collaborative environments they create; this ultimately helps mitigate project risks and continues to strengthen delivery assurance.
While we have many things we can bring to the table, we appreciate that our best relationships with contractors are born from listening and communicating approaches to achieve the best results. We all have the same end goal, but we have different needs along the way that we can only effectively and efficiently solve by working together. Looking at the industry now, we are all aligning on our journey to net zero, so this has to become something that unites us rather than creating a divide. Unfortunately, the force of one walking away can be as strong as many others clinging.
While the words collaboration and transparency may be thrown around today, it is not only vital that architects and contractors support their actions, but it will have a profound impact on inspiring those who enter the our industry to follow suit and put our shared successes first.
For more information, visit https://www.cpmg-architects.com/
