In the construction and real estate development world, the success of a project depends, to a large extent, on how all the involved parties are managed and coordinated. At Omplim, we appreciate two main approaches in this management: the traditional model and the collaborative model. In this article, we will explore the fundamental differences between these two models. We will focus on understanding the tasks of other agents in the collaborative model and highlight how this approach reinforces our goal of transforming the management of real estate projects, making them sustainable, affordable, inclusive, and of high quality.
Traditional Model
The traditional model follows a more hierarchical structure, where each agent focuses on their own tasks and typically does not interact with others. Roles are clearly defined, and the architect, technical architect, engineers, and builder work independently.
Characteristics of the traditional model
- Task Division: Each professional performs their job without interfering with the others. The architect designs the project, the technical architect oversees its execution, and the engineers follow the specifications.
- Lack of Interaction: In this model, there is little interaction between the agents. The contribution of ideas among the main actors developing the project is not encouraged, and each party makes their contributions within their scope of action and knowledge.
Collaborative Model
Transforming Real Estate Management
The collaborative model is not merely a variation of traditional management; it represents a significant transformation in how real estate projects are approached. Unlike the traditional model, the collaborative model places a strong emphasis on cooperation, communication, and deep knowledge of the tasks of all involved agents. This approach includes architects, technical architects, builders, energy consultants, facilities engineers, experts in environmental and sustainability, and managers.
Key Phases of the Collaborative Model
- Basic Project and Ideation: From the very beginning, all agents share their knowledge with the aim of defining the best project concept according to the initial objectives that have been established. The success of collaboration is based on creating an inclusive environment of trust and transparency where the knowledge and skills of each agent are shared for the benefit of the project.
- Construction Execution: A strict monitoring process is carried out to ensure that the work is carried out according to what has been defined previously and collaboratively in the Basic and Executive projects. Quality, safety, cost, and execution time, as well as the sustainability of the value chain and the environment, are the main indicators that the working group will need to track.
Transforming Real Estate Management
For Omplim, the collaborative model allows for the recognition of the knowledge of all the main agents responsible for the development of a real estate project. Initially defining the project’s framework under premises of quality, energy efficiency, target budget, etc., enables it to be carried out in a way that:
- Ensures the detailed compliance with everything specified in the Executive Project. This way, it is possible to manage potential budget deviations while ensuring the achievement of the initial premises, with the collaborative search for alternative solutions.
- Evaluates all the companies and professionals involved, under criteria of governance, social, economic, and environmental policies. It is essential to ensure that their participation is established based on fair economic criteria and in accordance with current legality.
- Allows for the joint evaluation of all the economic, social, and environmental impacts generated by the development, defining measures of mitigation or amplification.
- Promotes a more inclusive and empathetic way of working: Listening to and involving all stakeholders enhances the development of projects that meet the needs of all the teams involved. Sometimes, in more traditional management approaches, empathy between professionals and other key parts of the process is challenging because they haven’t had a prior space to share their needs.
- Enhances superior quality: Attention to detail and comprehensive cooperation promote that projects achieve the highest possible quality because through the exchange of knowledge, new ways of doing things and previously unknown realities always emerge.
Comparing Models
The collaborative model represents a significant shift in how real estate projects are managed compared to the traditional approach. With its cooperation, deep knowledge, and emphasis on the holistic sustainability of the project, along with its inclusivity and quality, this model is the key to achieving more efficient, cost-effective, and value chain-respectful projects.
Like many disruptive practices, its implementation faces resistance, sometimes even from the very actors involved, who hinder its development. At Omplim, we believe that the Collaborative Model is a paradigm shift that propels us toward a present and future of construction that is more conscious, responsible, and empathetic to all the individuals who make it possible.
