The evolution of design and construction – Roundtable Report

By Ian Davey, Managing Director at BDM Media
 
Download full report here
 

Introduction

 
The traditional method of design and construction has been accepted as the norm for many years, however the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic could now force many areas of the industry into accelerated technology adoption and digital transformation.
 
Since the lockdown period, Procore’s ‘The Future of Work is Now’ research reported that 94% of construction businesses that adopted technology saw significant improvements in the way their teams work and how projects are run.
 
We hosted a roundtable in partnership with Taylor Wessing and were joined by business owners, technology & innovation leaders, contractors and investors across the design and construction industry. The group explored the challenges and opportunities for digital transformation and discussed the potential use and benefits of technology within the sector.
 

Opening Comments

 
A number of challenges currently facing the construction industry were outlined including shortage of labour, skills gaps around specialist trades, Brexit and the impact of Covid-19. It was suggested that these had created a perfect storm but that this could also act as a catalyst to stimulate change and to accelerate digital transformation.
 

Closing Comments

 
The group was divided as to whether the current climate and uncertainty created by Covid-19 and Brexit is driving change or creating a more risk averse industry.
 
There are a wide range of issues that need to be tackled in the short and long term. Labour and skills development, increased efficiency, better sustainability solutions, and broader collaboration through data driven innovation can all contribute to the growth of the sector.
 
We need more investment and early adopters of technology, faster planning processes, increased uptake of BIM, 3D modelling and information sharing across the entire design and construction lifecycle
 
Across the industry lots of individual issues need to be tackled, some bigger than others, and they need to be looked at individually rather than an industry wide holistic approach. Changes in regulation are going to be critical in supporting these efforts to drive widespread digital transformation and technology adoption.
 

 
Acknowledgements
Dale Sinclair, AECOM
Ami Kotecha, Amro Partners
Alex Parry Jones, Anstey Horne
Ian Davey, BDM Media
Richard Kennedy, Construction & Development Consultant
Robert Corley, Credensa
Mike Darby, Demand Logic
John Delargy, Emex
Roelof, Fifth Wall
Alpesh Doshi, Fintricity
Allan Willen, Glenigan
Sankhadeep Das, Lattice
Veronica Friuli, Lendlease
Jon Landau, Property Detective
Gokhan Celebi, Reengen
Hussain Hilli, Skrap
Jo Tasker, Takser Consulting
Clare Harman-Clark, Taylor Wessing
Jill Hamilton, Taylor Wessing
Han Lo, The Tatami
Sammy Pahal, UK PropTech Association
Alex Tosetti, VU.CITY
Oliver Armstrong, VU.CITY
Senake Atureliya, Xcavate Robotics