By DEAN NEWINS and BETH DUYVEJONCK

In today’s commercial real estate environment, gaining maximum efficiency with every project is a top priority. To achieve this on a consistent basis, however, a highly customized integrated design services approach is one of the best models to follow.

A strong design-build team that is comprised of design, development and construction expertise, and in partnership with a hand-selected external architectural firm, brings the best-of-the-best to the table to exceed client expectations.

This highly integrated approach allows top talent to be tapped at each stage of the project – from concept and development to design and construction (and everything in between) – ensuring best practices within each function are applied, contributing to a highly efficient and thoroughly executed finished project.

Let’s take a closer look at some the key benefits of this practice.

1. Seeing the Big Picture

An integrated design services model allows the entire team to take a step back and examine the best approach from every aspect of the project. Each discipline has a shared responsibility and opportunity to bring key insights to the table early in the decision-making process. From aesthetics and building functions to materials and construction trends, the team surrounds a project like the hub of a wheel, each serving as a critical spoke to achieve the best outcomes where every voice is heard.

2. Navigating the Design-Build Process

Often in non-integrated design service models, one element of the project can get too far ahead of the others, resulting in the need to double back and adding unnecessary duplication of effort. With every function at the table from the very beginning, challenges can be expressed upfront, eliminating guesswork during the execution stages. In addition, a highly integrated process ensures each stage is progressing at the same pace, generating greater efficiency and less troubleshooting. With one synced entity delivering a full-service solution, all aspects of the project are considered in tandem helping to avoid pitfalls and to stay proactive with each stage of the build.

3. Tapping the Best Talent for the Job

This highly customized approach allows for top talent to lead each stage of the project. Like a strategically recruited pro sports team, clients will appreciate knowing their project will be served by a group tailored to deliver specific expertise with unique insights on local market conditions and relationships to achieve their goals. For example, if a multifamily development requires special attention to strict city and/or county zoning and other regulations, the integrated team can seek a firm that excels in those conditions to better navigate the process and stay on target. At the same time, the model assigns one point of contact for the client, streamlining the process based on the collaborative decisions made by the holistic team.

4. New Business Growth

Collaborating with a wide variety of trusted partners on a multitude of projects across the country can fuel a pipeline of new business referrals for design partners and design-builders. With each successful project, portfolios and connections grow that will serve as stepping stones leading to more relevant projects. The power of a word-of-mouth referral from a trusted industry partner carries a significant amount of awareness building and personal endorsement that goes well beyond your own marketing efforts.

From strategic planning at the very beginning to tight project management throughout and the potential for new business development, an integrated design services model should be considered as you continue to look for ways to achieve greater efficiency and overall project success. What’s more, the integrated design-build approach allows everyone involved to enjoy the process more as they focus on what they enjoy doing the most.

Dean Newins is president and CEO at Opus AE Group. Beth Duyvejonck is executive vice president at Opus Construction.