Advancements In Construction

Talin Astourian Espinoza, Vice President, Business Development, Flatiron Construction

This article is based on an interview with Talin Astourian Espinoza, vice president of business development at Flatiron Construction.

Advancements in Construction Expected to Address Challenges of Meeting Business Requirements

Developing new work opportunities and growing is essential to any company in the industry. Over the last five years, there have been major shifts across the country toward advancing delivery methods for construction projects. The introduction of collaborative delivery on small, medium and large projects across the country is changing the rules of engagement between owners, designers and builders. Understanding the nuance of pursuing and delivering work under these delivery methods is critical to the survival of a successful AEC company.

Share Experiences from One of the Projects You Were Recently Involved In

Collaborative delivery has become established in the commercial development, aviation and water markets. Aviation and water owners overlap in public works and civil construction. These owners have successfully implemented collaborative delivery on vertical construction projects and increasingly applied them to horizontal infrastructure work. Examples: SFO Airport is a leader in progressive design-build and released its first heavy, civil, progressive design-build solicitation in 2023, with several more planned. 

"In order for professionals to stay on the cutting edge of market changes, it’s important to participate with industry associations who have resources to help educate ourselves about collaborative delivery"

Challenges in Your Business That Current Services Are Unable to Solve

As we pivot to service this market trend, the skills and competencies of key personnel become critically important. Elevating both the technical specialization and EQ of our teams is important now in a way it never has been before. Collaborative delivery projects are awarded on a qualification basis in a market that has historically awarded work on the lowest bid for generations. 

For the first time, we are being asked to show ills in partnering and communication, in addition to specialization in our field. This requires investment in our teams, training, and better listening to owner objectives and needs.

Advice to Professionals Working in the Construction Industry

In order for professionals to stay on the cutting edge of market changes, it’s important to participate with industry associations that have resources to help educate ourselves about collaborative delivery. This includes DBIA, the international partnering Institute (IPI), the Water Collaborative Delivery Council and others. I recommend finding and sharing resources from these associations and investing in and continuing education for our teams.