2 Use collaborative tools and platforms

Another way to facilitate communication and feedback is to use collaborative tools and platforms that enable real-time sharing, editing, and commenting on project documents, designs, and deliverables. For example, you can use cloud-based software, such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, or Dropbox, to store and access files, create and assign tasks, and track progress and issues. You can also use online platforms, such as BIM 360, Procore, or PlanGrid, to manage and coordinate the design and construction phases, and provide feedback on drawings, models, and specifications. These tools and platforms can help you streamline workflows, improve transparency, and reduce errors and rework.

3 Conduct regular meetings and reviews

A third best practice to facilitate communication and feedback is to conduct regular meetings and reviews with your Design-Build team and stakeholders. These meetings and reviews can help you align expectations, monitor performance, resolve problems, and celebrate achievements. You should schedule and prepare for these meetings and reviews in advance, and have a clear agenda, objectives, and outcomes. You should also invite the relevant participants, and encourage active participation and feedback. Some examples of meetings and reviews you can conduct are kickoff meetings, design workshops, progress meetings, quality inspections, and lessons learned sessions.

4 Solicit and provide constructive feedback

A fourth best practice to facilitate communication and feedback is to solicit and provide constructive feedback throughout the project. Feedback is vital for learning, improving, and innovating in Design-Build projects. You should seek feedback from your team members, stakeholders, and clients on your work, performance, and ideas, and be open to receiving feedback from them as well. You should also provide feedback to others in a timely, respectful, and specific manner, and focus on the strengths and areas for improvement, rather than the faults or flaws. You should also follow up on the feedback you receive or give, and implement the changes or actions that are agreed upon.

5 Foster a culture of trust and respect

A fifth best practice to facilitate communication and feedback is to foster a culture of trust and respect among your Design-Build team and stakeholders. Trust and respect are the foundation of effective communication and feedback, as they enable you to share information, opinions, and feedback openly and honestly, without fear of judgment or retaliation. You can foster trust and respect by communicating clearly and frequently, listening actively and empathetically, acknowledging and appreciating contributions and achievements, addressing conflicts and issues promptly and constructively, and supporting and empowering each other.

6 Keep the client informed and involved

A sixth best practice to facilitate communication and feedback is to keep the client informed and involved throughout the project. The client is the ultimate beneficiary of the Design-Build project, and their satisfaction and feedback are crucial for the project's success. You should communicate with the client regularly, and update them on the project's status, milestones, challenges, and risks. You should also involve the client in key decisions, reviews, and feedback sessions, and seek their input and approval on the project's scope, design, budget, schedule, and quality. You should also manage the client's expectations, and address any concerns or changes they may have in a timely and professional manner.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?