Successful projects are built on strong partnerships. Architects and construction managers must work together cohesively to achieve the best possible finished product efficiently and on time. They are cut from the same cloth and have similar desires to achieve the ideal outcome.
But when the collaboration between architects and construction managers isn’t great, disruptions to the entire project can damage relationships and lead to costly miscommunication. As a recruiting firm specializing in both sectors, we see firsthand how the right talent drives collaboration and produces exciting results.
Why Collaboration Between Architects and Construction Managers Is Essential
Architects are protective of their vision, and construction managers know the importance of managing day-to-day jobsite challenges as critically important. It may seem like the two jobs square off frequently, with vision battling practical solutions in the trenches. Yet, either party contributes more or less.
When architect and construction manager collaboration does occur, several benefits happen:
- Design intent meets construction reality when seamless communication occurs
- Project delays and change orders are less common if early-stage coordination takes place
- Safety, innovation, and cost control on the jobsite remain priorities from the start to the completion of any project
Both parties play critical roles in construction project leadership, but frustrations can mount quickly if they are not a good fit for working together.
Skills That Drive Strong Collaboration
When hiring architects and construction managers, there are critical skills to look for in each applicant, and some are shared between the two. When hiring architects and construction managers, critical skills are sought in each applicant, and some are shared between the two.
Architects obtain a degree that can take as long as five years to complete, often including a graduate-level degree. During those years, they learn critical skills that blend science with creativity. Yet, an architect with practical construction knowledge is even more valuable. They take those ideas and apply them to real-world scenarios to ensure efficiency from the design up.
Construction managers may not spend as long earning a bachelor’s degree. However, they do spend a significant amount of time in the field, engaging in on-the-job training and perfecting skills. A construction manager with a deep respect for design vision ensures that they can effectively translate the architect’s ideas into the most suitable way to achieve the desired outcome.
For effective architecture and construction teamwork, both parties have to have specific skills, including:
- The ability to problem solve
- Flexibility in working together with all team members
- Mutual accountability ensures that both parties do their best to meet expectations
The Talent Challenge: Finding the Right People
Now that you have an idea of what is necessary, recruiting for construction projects must focus on finding the right people to contribute their personal skills to achieve a single objective. Here’s what makes this a bit more challenging:
- Not all candidates are natural collaborators. Although their skills may sound exceptional, they do not often collaborate well with others. A skilled recruiter must be able to target architects and construction managers with skills that blend and complement each other well.
- Beyond technical experience. Hiring architects and construction managers based just on their skills could lead to costly gaps. That’s why recruiters must focus on their communication, negotiations, and project leadership abilities as equal components to the hiring process.
- Job matching to the team. The choice of construction project leadership needs to match not only the job dynamics and project skill requirements but also ensure that each member of the leadership team benefits the entire group.
Notably, architecture and construction teamwork will be critical focus areas. It is common for architects and construction managers to work together to solve complex problems that could not have been foreseen. They must be able to give and take, contribute their knowledge to solutions, and support each other when obstacles arise. That requires careful recruiting for construction projects. Talented recruiters can find critical construction talent that creates successful projects.
Great Buildings Start with Great Teams
The future of construction relies on cross-functional, collaborative leadership. Finding and hiring talent that bridges the gap between vision and execution sets a great firm apart and helps complete some of the most impressive projects. When you find a team that works well together to achieve your specific project objectives, you can ensure project success with fewer challenging days on the job site. When you are ready to find the critical talent that makes collaboration possible, we can help you. If you are hiring architects and construction managers, let our team provide you with the cost-effective solutions that can transform your next project. Contact us at MRINetwork now to learn how we can help you.
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