By Barrie Clay, Senior Project Manager
So much of our lives have become focused on what I would describe as instant gratification. Need groceries? Dinner at your door? Answers to a question? All that and more are available at our fingertips at any time. In fact, it seems like we all are staying in perpetual motion, never having to stop or slow down, due to the continual maturation of technology.
The construction industry has always been deadline driven and fast paced, and each wave of technological advancements brings with it the ability for teams to communicate faster, react quicker, and deliver sooner. While all of that is great for teams and our clients, it is crucial we, as industry leaders don’t lose sight of the core processes that separate fast from right. Like quality, target value delivery, and safety. And what’s the most important tool to deliver these processes in a project? It’s not any piece of technology. It’s clear communication.
Let’s pretend for a moment you want to build something simple like a park bench. It’s easy to visualize — there’s the seat, backrest, and legs. Sounds very easy to build. But a precise builder knows you have to consider what height do we make the seat? What type of wood should I use? How deep is the seat? Is it a single slope or contoured seat? Is it stained or painted? The difference between building the bench fast, and building it right – relies on answering all these questions and more.
The buildings and improvement projects we are fortunate to construct begin with someone else’s vision and expectations. Our clients and design partners. The common expression, “put yourself in other person’s shoes,” encourages builders to gain understanding by seeing things from our clients and partners’ viewpoint.
Sure, our clients’ visions are summarized in documents that are compilations of design intent and direction. But what’s on paper is not enough. A builder seeking to build their client’s vision right, not just fast, has to be intentional in asking the right questions to ensure we have every possible answer. Down to the smallest detail. Beyond that, we have to lead every design phase meeting in an encouraging and productive manner. We’re not task masters trying to detail a project to death, we’re more like ambassadors for the client’s vision. We are the common thread that can bridge the vision the design team puts on paper to the real world.
Which brings me back to technology. We’ve seen so many incredible tools developed in the last decade that have allowed us to collaborate better, faster, and more frequently. Platforms that allow us to store every document and piece of information on a project in one place. Virtual design capabilities that can give us the opportunities to walk projects before they are ever built. I’d encourage us all in this industry to view technology as a tool, but never a replacement for human interaction. In my opinion and experience, too much can get lost in translation if someone isn’t owning the process and the communication. I believe it’s our responsibility as builders to lead the way, and make sure our clients’ visions are brought to life and built right the first time.
