BY TERRY BEAUBOIS

THE KEY TO BECOMING A BIGGER, BETTER CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IS COLLABORATION ON ALL LEVELS.

Studies show that over the last 50 years, the building industry has lagged behind others in terms of increased efficiency and effectiveness. Why? A lack of collaboration among the various sectors of the industry.

My perspective on collaboration across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is influenced by experience: I have worked construction jobs, in a structural engineer’s office, and for architects. I am a licensed architect who has had my own architecture firm with partners and have been a solo practitioner. I have also taught in a number of college-level architectural programs.

“We can create collaborative team members with mutual respect for everyone’s role in contributing to one of the oldest, most important industries on Earth.”

I have concluded, based on my 40 years of experience in this field, that increasing collaboration across the AEC will improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the entire industry.