A collaborative approach to project management

Traditional project management runs on a ‘design-bid-build’ model. A client engages a designer or architect who comes up with an initial design, then takes bids for contractors before starting construction. It’s a clear, linear process with distinct stages – there’s no overlap between design and construction, and contractors don’t get involved until the design has been finalised. 

ECI is less linear and more collaborative, focusing on building a partnership between client, designer and contractor. This helps the contractor get in-depth insight into the project and share their knowledge during planning and design.

A flexible management model

ECI tends to be more flexible than traditional project management, with differing paths to implementation depending on the needs and complexity of the project. Contractors can be brought on board through a two-stage tendering process or through a design-build approach.

The two-stage tender process looks like this.

1. First stage: the client takes proposals from contractors based on a rough project outline – at this point, there’s no detailed plan. The client chooses a contractor, and they work with the designer or architect to develop the initial design.
2. Second stage: the contractor presents their proposed construction plan and final cost, and the client signs off on the project contract. If they can’t agree on a price, the client may bring in another contractor instead. It’s an approach that allows early contractor involvement without the client having to commit to an unknown price for completion.

In a design-build model, the contractor takes on more of the design work. Instead of a clear delineation between designer and build team, a client may choose a construction firm or project management company that has both skillsets in its team. With this approach, in-depth construction knowledge is embedded into the design stage.

Expedite’s extension of ECI - A Better Way - has worked for us across hundreds of builds and upgrades, large and small, simple and complex. It lets us draw on our strengths and experience so we can do better for our clients.

Here’s what that approach means for our clients during different phases of a project:

Feasibility and project planning

Sometimes, there’s a disconnect between the design concept and the reality of a building site. How a build will work on-site, the best sequence for project stages, how weather or subcontractor availability might affect progress – designers and architects don’t necessarily have this on-the-ground knowledge. Our approach lets us use our deep technical and industry knowledge during the planning stages, owning feasibility, project stages, timelines, materials and subcontractors from the beginning.

Robust risk management

Risk management is about identifying and minimising issues that could affect the profitability of a project. With A Better Way, risk evaluation happens during the design phase, so project teams can plan around potential issues and avoid time or cost overruns. Expedite has a structured system for risk assessment, which helps us work through all potential risks, identify probable issues, and eliminate or mitigate them before a project starts. Working with the design team and client, we plan around the risk and create fallback plans for peace of mind.

Consistency and integration

Large projects have many moving parts – project stages, multiple subcontractors, other stakeholders, consents, material supply chains and equipment. Keeping all these elements on track and avoiding misunderstandings or delays is a job in itself – and that’s where our approach is invaluable.

The Expedite approach means there’s a consistent team working on each project from the beginning. We develop the project plan and coordinate with subcontractors, suppliers and other stakeholders, so each phase runs as smoothly as possible. No missing information or materials, no confusion about who is responsible for what, and no surprises during the build.

Innovation and insight

More perspectives means more potential. When we work with project teams from the beginning, we get the chance to offer our perspective on project planning. This could mean finding an innovative solution to a sticky problem, identifying cost or time-saving opportunities, or introducing our own planning, processes and governance structures. It’s about using our knowledge and experience to add value to every project.

The ECI model aligns with Expedite’s values and broader approach. We start projects as partners, not contractors, working closely with your team to understand your goals, success factors, values, risk factors and constraints. Our depth of experience helps us identify risks and assess feasibility, with clear reporting to boost understanding. We’re innovators, always asking why and looking for better, newer ways of working – then testing, iterating and retesting to make sure changes are worthwhile. We take a big picture view of projects so we can keep track of all project elements and deliver to your brief.

It’s all part of our commitment to innovation, curiosity and staying one step ahead of our competition.