Integrated Project Delivery, also known as IPD, is a project approach that relies heavily on Owner-Architect-Client collaboration, from the start of a project all the way through its completion.
It’s perfect for larger, more complex projects, where there’s a higher chance for unexpected changes during each project phase.
Common project types:
- Hospitals and medical offices
- Corporate headquarters
- Educational buildings/campus environments
- Distribution centers
Each member of the traditional owner-architect-contractor triad is involved in decision-making. There are several other supporting players, including engineers consulted by the design team and subcontractors in trades such as plumbing, painting or landscaping.
A traditional project relationship differs from Integrated Project Delivery in several ways. In a traditional project, the property owner, architect and contractor each stick to their traditional “silos” of knowledge. Cost estimates are determined at the beginning of a project. Because of this rigid budget, the ability to change or control costs is more and more limited as a project gets further along in the design and construction process.
Why choose IPD over a traditional project relationship?
While the field of architecture continues to use time-honored design principles, there is no debating that the industry has evolved over the past 10 years. Technology has rapidly advanced. Standards for sustainability are higher. Expectations for budgets and timelines are ever-tightening. Why should architecture stay stationary when the world around us is constantly moving? IPD is a more efficient way of keeping everyone informed. Decisions made at each stage of a project are based on outcomes — not an initial cost estimate.
Utilizing the Full Range of Technology with BIM
For IPD projects, Childs Architecture uses the latest Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology. BIM is a digital, three-dimensional modeling created by software like Revit. This interactive and realistic modeling works perfectly with the IPD approach. Why?
These programs allow everyone — the architect, engineer and contractors — to work from the same model. As changes are made, the technology intelligently updates itself. For example, if we change the location of a window on the plan, it automatically updates on the elevation.
What makes BIM perfect for large, complex projects is that there is an open dialogue from the start. Any potential points of confusion or complications that can happen later are discussed far before the construction process begins.
From an owner’s perspective, why choose IPD?
Because IPD is highly collaborative, everyone is on the same page, including the property owner. IPD overcomes the typical challenges of a traditional project: order changes, scope creep, extended construction schedules and, ultimately, a contentious relationship between the architect and contractor.
Complications happen. It’s part of life, and it’s part of architecture. IPD works with change, not against it. When all parties have a clear understanding of the project goals, the whole team can respond to unexpected problems.
Choosing Your Approach to Project Delivery with Childs Architecture
Integrated Project Delivery isn’t for everyone. Many clients still opt for a traditional bidding approach, which can also be integrated with BIM modeling. Interested in learning more about IPD? Feel free to contact us at 864-242-6977 or at info@childsarchitecture.com.