Construction Partnering

Partnering workshops are offered in-person or online through Zoom video conferencing which allows for breakout groups and full group processes

Partnering Approach

Project Success = Initial Partnering Workshop X Ongoing Partnering Reinforcement

Partnering is a continuous process whereby initial partnering relationships are reinforced through ongoing reinforcement practices that are agreed to at the onset. Partnering succeeds when there is an established partnering process beyond the initial workshop. Our approach is to work closely with all parties to design and facilitate a partnering process that is customized for each project. We emphasize and facilitate establishing an initial foundation of trust, and create ongoing reinforcement throughout the project based on the principle that one without the other limits the success of the project.

Partnering FAQs

How long is a typical partnering session?

Initial Session 1 day – when parties have not worked together in the past or a significant number of team members are new to partnering. 4-6 hours – when parties have worked together before and are familiar with partnering.

Follow-up Sessions – 4-6 hours

How do you customize a partnering session for my project?

We interview the key team members on the phone to get their input on the project related to their goals, what is needed to for the project to be successful and potential topics/issues they want to include in the session. Then we design the session and get agreement with all parties.

Who should attend partnering sessions?

We recommend that representatives at all levels in each of the partnering organizations attend; including the team members working together day-to-day, the managers involved in issue resolution, and stakeholders having input and decision-making influence.

How does the Project Delivery Method affect Partnering?

On projects using Alternate Delivery Methods (Design-Build, Progressive Design Build, Design Build Operate, Construction Manager-at-Risk) the Owner, Designer and Contractor can develop and maintain a partnering relationship through all phases of a project. For Traditional Design-Bid-Build projects, partnering does not begin until the low bidder is awarded the construction contract. The Owner, Designer and Contractor may not have worked together before and so trust and partnering has to be developed from scratch based on each party’s interpretation of the contract documents.

How do we keep partnering alive throughout project?

In the design of the initial session, we include a process for defining how partnering will be monitored, course corrected and reinforced during the project that is mutually agreeable to the partners. This can range from weekly meetings, partnering evaluation surveys to periodic executive team monitoring and workshops.

When are follow-up partnering sessions recommended?

At project phase transitions – e.g. design to construction
For partnering revitalization on long duration projects – annually
If there is significant turnover of key team members
For specific conflict resolution

What is your experience on infrastructure and institutional projects?

We have 30 years experience implementing partnering on the following project types:

Wastewater and Water Treatment and Transmission Facilities – $4M to $250M
University, School, Library, Museum, Sports Facilities – $25M to $400M
Transit projects – $5 to $15M
Parks – $10 to $20M

Click to Download “Continuous Partnering Helps Ensure Project Success”

Partnering Programs/Workshops

Making Partnering Stick

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