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Implementation Advisory

Building a collaborative and successful project team

The success of any design and construction project hinges on one critical factor:  the team.  In an industry where project owners, developers, architects and construction managers each bring distinct priorities to the table, effective collaboration is essential.  When teams work in harmony, they can navigate even the most complex challenges.  But when teams break down, competing goals can quickly derail progress.

So, how do you build a team that not only avoids dysfunction but thrives?   While every project is unique, certain principles consistently lead to stronger, more collaborative teams.

Start with a shared vision

The foundation of any successful project is a clear, shared sense of purpose and intended outcomes.  What are we building?  Why?  How will success be measured?  Taking time to align all stakeholders – whether they’re planning, designing, managing, or constructing – ensures a common understanding of goals.

A project charter is often a good place to start.  It doesn’t have to be overly formal, but it should outline the outcomes, scope, deliverables, timelines, and expectations.  This document becomes the team’s compass, helping them stay focused on the end goal, and guiding decisions when the road gets rocky.

Acknowledge and navigate competing goals

In most building-related projects, competing priorities are inevitable:

• The architect may prioritize creativity and innovation.
• The owner may focus on budget, schedule, and multiple (possibly competing) internal stakeholder desires.
• The developer may prioritize lower upfront costs, financial return and speed.
• The builder often prioritizes constructability, efficiency, and risk mitigation.

B&D can serve as a trusted advisor to bridge the gap between these perspectives and ensure that differences strengthen rather than hinder the project.  Early collaboration sessions can bring stakeholders together to identify strategic priorities and clarify decision-making criteria to foster alignment.  By organizing strategic planning sessions and applying value management techniques B&D helps teams balance aesthetics, functionality, and budget without losing sight of the project’s vision.  The most successful teams don’t see differing perspectives as obstacles; they see them as opportunities to create better outcomes.

Overcome common team dysfunctions

Even the most capable teams can struggle with dysfunction. Some of the most common pitfalls include:

• Lack of trust: Collaboration suffers when team members don’t feel safe sharing ideas or admitting mistakes.   A truly collaborative team doesn’t just work together; it thrives on partnership.  This starts with a mindset shift: seeing colleagues not as competitors but as allies.   Project leaders play a pivotal role in fostering this culture by modeling respect, recognizing contributions, and celebrating successes.  Simple gestures can make a big difference.   Acknowledge a team member’s hard work in a meeting.  Take time to listen to differing viewpoints.  Encourage cross-disciplinary brainstorming sessions.  When team members feel valued and supported, they’re much more likely to give their best effort.
• Fear of conflict and communication breakdowns:  Avoiding tough conversations can allow issues to fester and emerge later in the process where solutions are more costly, and relationships are impacted.  No team can succeed without strong communication.  And yet, it’s an area where many teams fall short.  Misunderstandings, assumptions, and siloed thinking lead to problems that are avoidable with a simple conversation.  Ideal teams prioritize communication at every level.  B&D brings structure to project communications by establishing regular meetings, project management tools, and real-time communication platforms can help ensure that everyone stays informed and aligned.  It’s not just about talking more – it’s about talking smarter.  Clear, direct communication builds trust and ensures that problems are addressed before they escalate.
• Unclear roles: Uncertainty about responsibilities can create frustration and inefficiency.  Every successful team is made up of individuals who are not only skilled but also positioned to do their best work. This isn’t just about hiring talented people – it’s about understanding their strengths and assigning them to roles where they can thrive.  Equally important is how the team operates.  B&D teams embrace a flow-based approach – where processes are streamlined and bottlenecks are minimized – and can remain agile and focused, ensuring progress continues even when obstacles arise.  This creates a rhythm where everyone knows their role and how it contributes to the collective effort.

Conclusion

No project goes exactly as planned, and that’s okay.  What separates good teams from great ones is their ability to adapt.  Regular evaluations – whether through formal reviews or informal reflections – can provide valuable insights.  What’s working?   What isn’t?   What adjustments can we make moving forward?   Post-project evaluations are equally important.  Taking the time to reflect on lessons learned ensures that the team improves with each project.

Building a collaborative and successful team requires clarity, trust, and intentional leadership.  A trusted advisor like B&D can facilitate the project’s success by working to align stakeholders, clarify priorities, and ensure open communication throughout the project lifecycle.  In design and construction projects, the stakes are high, but so is the potential for success.  With the right approach, your team can not only deliver an outstanding project but also set a new standard for what’s possible when people work together.

B&D’s implementation services emphasize the facilitation of our clients’ decision-making processes and the relentless execution of their visions. Whether preparing RFQ/P’s, selecting and managing architects and builders, or maintaining control over the three critical variables of cost, schedule, and quality our role is to ensure our client’s performance criteria is met in every aspect. To reach a member of our implementation team, contact Rebecca Geraghty.