What does the term "integrated project delivery" (IPD) emphasize in design-build?

The term "integrated project delivery" (IPD) is a project delivery method that fundamentally emphasizes collaboration among all stakeholders involved in a project, including owners, designers, and builders. This approach seeks to enhance efficiency and effectiveness throughout the project lifecycle by fostering a team environment where all parties work closely together from the outset.

IPD aligns the objectives of all team members, allowing for shared risk and reward and promoting innovative problem-solving through collective input. This method contrasts sharply with traditional project delivery systems, where roles and responsibilities may be more siloed and less collaborative. By integrating the contributions and expertise of all parties early in the process, IPD can lead to improved project outcomes, higher satisfaction for stakeholders, and often a more streamlined decision-making process.

The other options presented do not capture the essence of IPD. Reducing the number of participants may simplify communication but does not inherently foster collaboration. Prioritizing cost over collaboration is contrary to the principles of IPD, which recognizes that collaboration can often lead to better cost management through shared insights and collective problem-solving. Finally, focusing exclusively on the design phase neglects the collaborative engagement during construction and beyond, which is a key characteristic of the integrated project delivery approach.