Imagine a new project delivery method that could significantly reduce change orders, more optimally pool the collective talents of the building team, enable a more streamlined construction process, and, ultimately, save literally millions of project dollars.
While many have heard of integrated project delivery (IPD), the majority of healthcare owners, architects, engineers, and contractors are not familiar with how it can enable a much higher level of project collaboration and significant cost reductions.
In fact, because hospitals are one of the most complex, expensive building types to construct, the advantages are even more substantial.
“Incremental improvements in project delivery can garner significant benefits through integrated planning, cost reductions, constructability review, improved construction logistics, and sustainability,” explains Sean M. Collins, AIA, LEED AP, associate vice president, HGA Architects and Engineers. “Through IPD, if a project can realize a 2% savings on a $400 million budget, that amounts to $8 million in savings.”
How it works
With its roots in Australia’s alliancing contract methodology, IPD brings the full building team to the table at a project’s inception, where common goals are established, risk is collectively managed, and each professional’s expertise is more fully utilized to improve efficiencies, innovation, and constructability.
For example, “Architects receive the benefit of the constructors’ input before construction commences, allowing for constructability issues to be resolved before the work ever begins. Contractors also have the ability to anticipate and resolve design-related issues through direct participation in the design process,” explains Michael B. Bomba, AIA, Esq., associate counsel, the American Institute of Architects, Washington, D.C.
Similarly, contractors get a jump on construction sequencing visualization, which ultimately streamlines the construction process, and improves cost control and budget management.
“IPD flushes out issues early, particularly regarding constructability and mechanical systems, which are always significant portions of any healthcare project,” points out Michael F. Carroll, virtual design and construction modeler, Tocci Building Companies, Woborn, Massachusetts.
