What is Integrated Project Delivery? In simple terms it is a project delivery approach that integrates all parties at the beginning of the project with the ultimate goal of of optimizing project results, reducing waste and to maximize efficiency. Traditionally during construction project there have been two main methods of delivering a project:
- Design-Bid-Build
- Design-Build
Over the last couple of years a third method of project delivery called Integrated Project Delivery has gained popularity.
Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is a project management process that contractually requires collaboration among the primary parties such as the owner, architect and general contractor and/or construction manager. The responsibility and liability for the project is shared among the project parties, but creates a team-based approach to the project where risk and reward are shared equally.
One of the greatest advantages of IPD is the fact that the entire team’s interests are aligned with the owner’s goals, making the chance of successfully completing a project on time and within budget greater than traditional delivery methods. However, this requires that you the owner now take on more risk and will often spend more time finalizing contracts since agreements will be directly tied to compensation. Additionally, IPD inherently requires that the owner be intimately involved with project documentation as the risk associated with unknowns and changes will fall to you. This will in turn cost you time and maybe money.
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Each project delivery method carries its own set of advantages and disadvantages and there is no “one size fits all” approach. Although the Integrated Project Delivery method sounds and looks great on paper, in practice a modified version that blends the IPD concept with a more traditional contractual obligation is often the best solution for owners who seek a team approach but want to limit their own risk exposure.
Watchdog Real Estate Project Managers, has helped a number of clients decide which project delivery best fits their organization and helped protect their interests throughout the project delivery.
