My Pcm test had a lot of questions relating to the IDP delivery methoid which wasnt stressed in any of the areas of studying. Can someone provide a clear understanding of the delivery method?
What is the primary and secondary drivers Quality and time? Is there only one contract between the owner and contractor? When is cost determined for the construction after CD or before CD?
Thanks!
1 Like
Hi @melody ! Great questions, let’s see if one of our experts can provide some answers for you.
@heatherrivera do you mind jumping in here?
Hey @melody! Thanks for reaching out. Integrated Project Design (IPD) is constantly evolving, with many people claiming to do projects in IPD-ish or IPD-lite ways, but first let’s look at what the AIA defines IPD as:
Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is a project delivery 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, and construction.
IPD principles can be applied to a variety of contractual
arrangements and IPD teams can include members well beyond
the basic triad of owner, architect, and contractor. In all cases,
integrated projects are uniquely distinguished by highly effective
collaboration among the owner, the prime designer, and the prime
constructor, commencing at early design and continuing through to
project handover.
To answer your question on the drivers, yes, both quality and time are important, but so too is quality. IPD prides itself on communication throughout the life of the design - so a better, more coordinated product is also a driver.
There is one main contract. At it’s bare minimum, it exists between the owner, architect, and contractor. They are all stakeholders and share both risk and reward.
Construction cost can be determined early on (though market trends can change). By having the GC onboard at the beginning of the project, he can start his cost estimating from the get-go and keep refining it during the design phases of the project. Using BIM in an IPD team is a huge benefit because not only is the architect designing in a leaner capacity, the the BIM model can be handed off to the GC at any given point to pull material amounts and run cost comparisons.
I hope that brings some clarity. The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice goes into IPD in pretty great detail if you’re interested in reading up on it more. The AIA also has dedicated contracts to IPD teams you can view for free.
Great questions!
Heather Rivera, NCARB
2 Likes