Three-Session IPD Seminar Series Launched

For the first time, McGraw-Hill Construction, Associated General Contractors of California, American Institute of Architects-California Chapter and Hanson Bridgett have teamed up to sponsor a series of Integrated Project Delivery seminars in San Francisco and Los Angeles beginning in late February.

IPD is a project delivery approach that integrates people, systems, business structures and practices into a process that collaboratively harnesses the talents and insights of all participants to optimize project results, increase value to the owner, reduce waste, and maximize efficiency through all phases of design, fabrication, and construction.

IPD principles can be applied to a variety of contractual arrangements and IPD teams can include members well beyond the basic triad of owner, architect, and contractor. In all cases, integrated projects are uniquely distinguished by highly effective collaboration among the owner, the prime designer, and the prime constructor, commencing at early design and continuing through to project handover.

The IPD seminar series is an opportunity for owners and all members of the design and construction industry to reduce waste and optimize efficiency through all phases of design, fabrication and constructions. 

Session 1, entitled “Introduction to IPD,” introduces IPD and explains what it is, why and when you would want to use it, what are its advantages and disadvantages, and how it compares to other project delivery approaches. While covering these topics, the seminar will address frequently asked questions and will discuss the fundamental principles and what an IPD team needs to believe for a project to be successful. At the seminar’s conclusion, attendees should understand whether and how IPD can benefit their firms.

Session 1 will take place in San Francisco on Feb. 26 and Los Angeles April 2; the seminar will take place from 1 pm to 5 pm, followed by a cocktail reception from 5 pm to 7 pm. Speakers include Robert J. Hartung, DBIA, Alternative Delivery Systems, LLC; Howard W. Ashcraft, Jr., Partner, Hanson Bridgett LLP, Hon. AIACC; Eric Lamb, Executive Vice President, DPR Construction; and Edward D. McCrary, Senior Vice President, HOK.

Session 2, “IPD Technology and Sustainability,” will examine what type of technologies should be used in an IPD project and how they should be managed. It will look at how business and professional practices must be reorganized to use technology effectively with IPD. Examples will be given of what can be achieved with current technology.

Session 2 will take place in San Francisco on March 25 and Los Angeles on May 7. Seminar and reception times are the same as in Session 1. Speakers include James Bedrick, VP, Virtual Building and Design, Webcor Builders; Zigmund Rubel, Principal, Anshen + Allen; Stephen Jones, Senior Director, Business Development, McGraw-Hill Construction; Annette Mathai-Jackson, LEED AP, Senior Counsel, Hanson Bridgett LLP; and Larry Eisneberg, Executive Director, Facilities Planning and Development, Los Angeles Community College District.

Session 3, entitled “Implementing IPD: Process, Business Structures and Contracts,” looks behind the curtain by examining three related issues key to IPD implementation. First, how should you create and strengthen your IPD teams? Second, what are the right business structures for IPD and how are they reflected in contracts? Third, how do you manage an IPD project once it is underway?

Session 3 takes place in San Francisco on April 28 and Los Angeles June 4. Seminar and reception times are the same as in Session 1. Speakers include Stuart Eckblad, AIA, Director, Design and Construction, UCSF; Howard W. Ashcraft, Jr., Partner, Hanson Bridgett LLP, AIA Honorary Member; Richard W. Horner, CPCU, Managing Director, Marsh Inc.; Dr. Barbara Jackson, Director, California Center for Construction Education, California Polytechnic State University; and Barbara Wagner, Senior Vice President, Clark Construction.

San Francisco seminars will take place at UC Berkeley Extension, San Francisco Downtown Center, 425 Market Street, 8th floor; Los Angeles seminars will take place at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California office at 700 N. Alameda Street.

Registration fee is $125 for a single session or $300 for all three sessions. For more information and to register, go to www.california.construction.com.