How can architects and contractors collaborate better through construction drawings?

This is a very cruicial step so the Architect and Main Contractor should be involved from the preliminary stages of the project along with the client (This is what we call Intergrated Project Management). Many organizations do hire Architects early in the project leaving the hiring of the contractor for a later stage which could introduce so many challenges from collaboration, coordination to constructibility issues.

Forget awkward silences during site visits, construction drawings can be the love language of architects and contractors. Imagine: architects leaving tiny emoji hearts next to efficient layouts, contractors whispering sweet nothings about material substitutions in margin notes. But seriously, clear drawings with open communication channels are the key. Think detailed instructions with a dash of "Hey, let's brainstorm if this makes sense" - less IKEA diagram, more "build your own romance novel" vibe. And remember, collaboration isn't just about holding hands over blueprints, it's about catching typos before they turn into concrete monsters.

This is a great idea but almost unheard of in my experience. Because the contractors and architects tend to look at each other as opponents. The other problem is that the contractors are expected to find discrepancies in the drawings and report these to the architect. However, the contractors are all looking for as many design changes or mistakes as possible so they can submit a lower bid and then charge extra once the contract is underway.

The communication needs to be free-flowing from the beginning but again because of the adversarial nature of construction projects, it does not pay to be too communicative. Updating drawings during a project is a disaster waiting to happen. If you do not have a design freeze, don't start!

Se recomienda utilizar un buen CDE (Common Data Enviroment - Entorno Común de Datos) donde reflejar toda la información y que sea TRAZABLE, para que así pueda ser verificable.

Es muy importante que todos los agentes se coordinen entre ellos. Recomendamos trabajar bajo LEAN, así todos los agentes tiene su implicación temprana en el proyecto antes de que llegue su ejecución.

BIM es fundamental para la colaboración. En Editeca llevamos a?os difundiendo sobre todas las bondades de BIM. La principal sería la INFORMACIóN que nos dan dichos modelos, tanto para la faase de dise?o, ejecuciópn obra y mantenimiento.

Para resumir diría: - Utilizar BIM - Planificar un buen CDE - Tener buenas plantillas de trabajo - Que todos los agentes se comunique desde el principioo (LEAN)

You also need someone to keep the drawing register updated and the revised drawings distributed and then you somehow have to make sure everyone reads the revised drawings. I have been on many projects around the world with more than one set of drawings.

Desde mi ounto de vista: - Procesos documentados - Capacitacion en esos procesos - Manuales y procesos de comunicacion eficientes - Planificacion de obra con pull planning, hay que hacer parte a todos los involucrados Lo ultimo para mi seria utilizar BIM Para gestionar el avance de obra y alguna herramienta para los RFI .

To ensure construction projects it is important to follow these practices; 1 Engaging Contractors Early; Involve contractors during the design phase to benefit from their insights and expertise. This collaboration ensures that the design is both feasible and constructible. 2 Clear and Detailed Drawings; Architects should provide detailed drawings that effectively communicate the intended design 3 Regular Communication Maintain lines of communication between contractors and architects during the projects 4 Site Visits; Architects should make visits to the construction site to identify any challenges or necessary modifications 5 Collaboration Platforms; Utilize technology platforms or software that facilitate sharing and collaboration