Date: July 14th, 2023
Location: HON
Led by: James Jesmer, Jennifer Romeo
Session Sponsor: Hon, OFS, SK&A Structural Engineers, and Hero Flooring
Session Downloads: Session Program

Overview

Session 05 centered on interdisciplinary collaboration and the efficiency of alternative project delivery models. The session featured leaders across the architecture, engineering,
and construction industries who have taken an innovative approach to practice. Through lectures and panel discussions, the speakers highlighted the importance of effective communication and cultivating collaborative work environments.

Presentation #1

Integrated Project Delivery & Lean Thinking: An Overview
Speakers: Sean Graystone

Sean Graystone has extensive experience in Lean Construction, Integrated Project Delivery, and collaborative project delivery. Mr. Graystone presented an overview of the evolution of project delivery methods from the master builders of the Renaissance to the present-day heavily specialized industry. He advocated for the importance of a collaborative approach in project delivery while specifically highlighting the effectiveness of the Lean project delivery method. This approach creates an alliance between all parties, manages risk collaboratively, and bolsters project schedules and budgets. Mr. Graystone noted there are many variations of collaborative project delivery based on specific project needs, but successful project delivery is always rooted in communication and trust.

Presentation #2

Integrated Practice
Speakers: Sven Shockey, AIA, LEED BD+C, Don Posson, PE, SE, Stacilyn Feldman, ASLA, LEED AP BD+C, Scott Stewart, PE, SE

Leaders from SmithGroup, SKA, and OVS presented an overview of the DC Water Headquarters which was completed in 2019 along the Anacostia River. The design team worked collaboratively from the early competition stage of the project, utilizing the expertise of each discipline to collectively solve challenges of a complicated site and fixed budget. The building incorporates many innovative sustainability strategies to achieve LEED Platinum Class A – the facade was designed using heatmapping to reduce solar heat gain, rainfall is used for irrigation and non-potable water throughout the building, and sewage waste water energy exchange provides energy to the building. As Sven Shockey summarized, “integrated design works when the incentives are aligned.”

Presentation #3

Architect-Led Design Build
Speakers: Thomas Gluck

Thomas Gluck discussed the integrative approach to design and construction at GLUCK+, an architecture and construction firm based in New York City. Mr. Gluck discussed the opportunities and challenges of the architect led design-build model. By creating a longer period of overlap between design and construction, architects and building trades are able to collaborate early in the project to derive innovative solutions. GLUCK+’s portfolio includes many educational and institutional projects in Harlem, Queens, and the Bronx. Mr. Gluck noted the efficiency of the integrative approach allows the firm to bring the design value of smart planning to institutions that typically cannot afford it.

Presentation #4

Panel Discussion: “Building a Collaborative Mindset and Breaking Down Siloes”
Speakers: Thomas Gluck, Sean Graystone, Malcolm Haith, Roshni Patnaik, Sven Shockey, AIA, LEED BD+C

Leaders from across the architecture, development, and construction industries joined to discuss building collaborative work environments. Communication, trust, and respect were themes that all disciplines emphasized. Panelists advocated for creating opportunities to build relationships with team members and consulting parties outside of typical project settings. The group further discussed the importance of celebrating small successes and deadlines with the team to further boost the collaborative mindset.

Presentation #5

Creating Better Holistic Team Dynamics
Speakers: Evelyn Lee, FAIA

As the Global Head of Workplace Strategy and Innovation at Slack Technologies and the incoming President of AIA National in 2025, Evelyn Lee discussed strategies for creating optimal digital and physical work environments. She frequently utilizes team level agreements as a guide to translate flexible company principles into everyday norms and behaviors. Further, she highlighted a policy IBM implemented as part of their work from home plan titled “Guardrails for Behaviors.” Underlying themes in each of these include respect, communication, and boundaries. Above all, Ms. Lee advocated for the importance of normalizing a culture of learning and creating an inclusive culture of connection.