Discussion on experiences in working with design institutes and construction firms in engineering projects
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In the construction of engineering projects, the parties with whom one has the most contact are usually the design institutes and the construction companies. If you maintain good relations with them, project progress and problem resolution will proceed more smoothly, and it’s also easier to keep the schedule under control. If the relationships are poor, things become much more complicated. This is my experience; I hope everyone will share their own experiences here for discussion.
Actually, I don’t have much experience in working with others; in my opinion, it can be summarized in 7 words: “Communicate more, benefit each other.” Often, design firms fail to consider various aspects thoroughly, which causes significant problems during on-site construction. Communication is quite important at this stage; you shouldn’t end up with an ugly design. Communicate more with the designer, and through good communication, come up with a design specification that everyone can accept. Only in this way can mutual benefit be achieved. In fact, everyone works on projects for one purpose: to ensure the project progresses smoothly and to do their job well.
1# Beginner 20078 Communication is very important; it involves a lot of knowledge and skills
Once the design plan for a project is finalized, it should not be changed easily. Any changes that truly need to be made (even minor ones) should be notified to the design institute promptly. Some data on long-cycle equipment must be provided to the design institute in a timely manner; otherwise, it will affect the normal progress of the design. When designers come to the site to assist with the construction, it is necessary to provide them with a decent working environment, and any difficulties should be addressed promptly. As for the construction company, as long as you don’t position yourself as the owner and take the initiative to help them solve problems, I think the relationship will definitely be good.
You want the horse to run, but you don’t give it any grass! I think first of all, the cost of a project should be reasonable. Otherwise, neither the design unit nor the construction unit will be willing to cooperate actively. If the design team and the construction team work well together, it yields twice the results with half the effort for the project’s progress. Many things are flexible during the project construction phase. For example, there is a problem on site that requires the design institute to issue a revision order. (Design institutes don’t like to make changes. Everyone knows this. ) And if the construction contractor does not have confirmation from the design institute, it is unwilling to carry out the work. (It’s hard to determine the workload.) In fact, some issues are much easier to handle on-site than having the design institute make modifications. Generally, at this point we reply that the work should be carried out on site, with the amount of materials to be determined by the design institute. Of course, this also requires supervision from the project department and the supervising unit! Things are much simpler then. It also doesn’t affect the construction schedule!
I have been working in project management for 18 years, and I believe that when dealing with design and construction firms, it is essential to have principles – one must be clear about the important issues and stick to those principles without compromising. Secondly, regarding style: you can give in a bit on minor matters, which shows that you are sincere. Communicate more; if you have opinions or views, that’s fine – let’s discuss them openly, without speaking ill of others behind their backs. As long as these points are met, progress will be fast and the work will go smoothly.
From the manufacturer’s perspective, money can make things happen.
I have been working in project management for 18 years, and I believe that when dealing with design and construction firms, it is essential to have principles – one must be clear about the important issues and stick to those principles without compromising. Secondly, regarding style: you can give in a bit on minor matters, which shows that you are sincere. Communicate more; if you have opinions or views, that’s fine – let’s discuss them openly, without speaking ill of others behind their backs. As long as these points are met, progress will be fast and the work will go smoothly.
Mutual respect is important. But there are always owners who think that the construction contractor is the one in charge, so they should listen to him. There are always construction firms that think the owner knows nothing and can be left in the dark. Therefore, mutual respect and trust are very important.