What is Construction Partnering?
Construction Partnering is a structured process that brings a design and construction team together regularly throughout the life of a project. Partnering provides a space for communication, improved strategy, and issue resolution. Over time, partnered teams build trust, a reliable predictor of high performing teams. Through Partnering, fragmented teams coalesce and unify around a shared objective: successful project delivery.
Typical Project Delivery Timeline:
Elements of the Construction Partnering model:
- Guides the Partnering process and balance the power in the room
A neutral professional facilitator
- Provides a road map for how you will Partner
Partnering Specifications
- Co-created by the team in the kick-off session, establishes goals and the strategies to meet them
Charter
- Established during kick-off session
Issue Resolution Process
- Sent to the team electronically once a month to track progress toward goals
Anonymous Surveys
- Held at least quarterly to update goals, identify issues and resolve them
Follow-up sessions
- Upon project closeout
Lessons Learned Session
Partnering Works on Any Project
Whether it's a $3M grinding and repaving project or a $400M Airport Terminal, Partnering will help you produce better results predictably.
- Partnering works with any delivery method.
- Partnering is scalable depending on the size of your construction project and the amount of risk involved.
The following tools can help you scale Partnering to fit your project:
Benefits of Partnering
- $1 invested in Partnering = $114 saved
- Resolve issues and prevent disputes. The average claim in the US costs $29.6 million and takes 16 months to resolve.
- Achieve greater outcomes in terms of schedule, cost and quality
- Co-create goals and strategies to meet them
- Measure progress across the team
- Improve accountability
- Identify barriers and opportunities for success
- Gather lessons learned at closeout
Who Uses Partnering?
Partnering has been embraced by owner organizations and project teams across the construction industry.
Partnering is the “how-to” of collaboration and has been established as a best practice by:
*The Federal Highway Administration* *Design-Build Institute of America* *Construction Industry Institute*
"SFO is able to realize a significant reduced cost per square foot in the range of 20-30% as compared to other aviation projects...
This is the result of our Partnering!"– Geoff Neumayr
SFO International Airport Deputy Director
IPI Board of Advisors
Our membership is comprised of more than 100 organizations. See our member gallery!
I Want to Partner. What Should I do Next?
Getting started is as easy as 1-2-3!
- Join IPI
As a member of our organization, you’ll have access to the tools and resources that will help you get your Partnering program off the ground. You’ll also join a network of construction industry leaders who’ve found success through Partnering. - Learn what you need to know
Book a training to learn more about the Partnering process. - Pilot your Partnered project
Contact us for more information! Email Stuart Seiden at ed@partneringinstitute.org or call us at (925) 447 9100.