The American Institute of Architects in conjunction with the AIA California Council has released Integrated Project Delivery: A Guide, a primer for working in an integrated team model that includes the owner, architect and contractor, and extends beyond the major stakeholders to also include subcontractors, engineers and major systems suppliers, among others.
The guide, which is available at no cost, provides direction on transitioning existing project delivery models to a collaborative, integrated team model. The resulting model leverages the early contribution of individual expertise and allows all team members to better realize their potential.
Recently, a number of studies have been conducted that show increasing inefficiencies and waste in the construction industry. These inefficiencies, coupled with new technologies such as building information modeling and owner demand for better quality and cost controls, have created a need for a collaborative approach to construction and design.
Integrated project delivery provides an industry-wide solution. As defined by the AIA, integrated project delivery is an approach that integrates people, systems, business structures and practices into a process that collaboratively harnesses the talents and insights of all participants to optimize project results, increase value to the owner, reduce waste and maximize efficiency through all phases of design, fabrication, construction and occupancy.
