If you only hear positive things about Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) for construction, you might want to hear a private developer’s caution in this podcast, IPD and Project Development.

I interviewed Robert Springer of Concurrent Technologies Corporation at a meeting of the ABA Construction Industry Forum.  He discusses IPD from the perspective of private developers who parcel out money slowly in the early stages of examining potential projects.  Until the project wins its financial close, expenditures are pure developer’s risk. 

While early engagement of the design team and even the contractor may lead to better building construction processes, until it is clear that the project is set to go, it can be expensive to have such large gatherings.  Springer’s comments do distinguish the institutional owner from the private developer in terms of pre-construction planning. 

Springer’s description of the thought process of private developers adds a perspective to the discussion about Integrated Project Delivery that needs to be considered because owners are finally the customers.