The Future of Construction Isn't Just About Technology — It's About Collaboration

When you think about the future of construction, you might picture drones, digital twins, or AI-powered scheduling tools. But according to industry leaders we spoke with at the ENR San Francisco FutureTech Conference, the most transformational change over the next decade won’t be what we build—it’s how we build it.

A Shift Toward Collaboration

One of the standout insights from the conference came from Talin Espinoza who noted:

“DBIA predicts that 80% of projects in the next five years will be delivered under a collaborative model.” – Talin Espinoza, Chief Strategy Officer, Royal Electric

That’s a seismic shift. From Progressive Design-Build to CMGC and other integrated approaches, collaborative delivery is becoming the new normal. But this isn't just a shift in contracts—it's a shift in culture.

Collaboration requires us to reframe how we think about project success. It calls for early alignment, shared risk, transparent data, and a deep commitment to working as one team. And that’s exactly where partnering plays a critical role.

Partnering with Purpose: From Subjectivity to Data-Driven Dialogue

Too often, partnering is viewed as a "soft skill"—nice to have, but hard to measure. But that’s changing. Technology platforms like Procore are helping teams eliminate the subjectivity of partnering by using real-time data to assess issues before they escalate into disputes.

As Israel Simmons shared:

“We can now drill into the data to understand the merit and quantum of project issues, helping teams have real conversations and resolve problems early.” – Israel Simmons, Procore

This proactive approach is at the core of GLA’s mission: to prevent disputes before they arise and foster environments where teams can focus on building—not battling.

The Role of Technology in Collaboration

From LiDAR-powered cameras to intuitive scheduling platforms, today’s tech tools are making it easier than ever for entire teams—not just project managers—to stay aligned. Yet many teams are still stuck in legacy workflows like Excel and email, which inhibit real-time collaboration.

That’s why digital transformation isn’t just about tools—it’s about behavioral change. Teams need support, training, and a shared vision to make the leap. And they need leadership that understands both the human and technical sides of collaboration.

Why This Matters Now

The construction industry is facing a convergence of challenges:

• Labor shortages and skills gaps
• Supply chain volatility
• Increasing stakeholder expectations around ESG, cost, and speed

To thrive in this environment, we need more than smarter tech—we need smarter partnerships.

At GLA, we believe in a future where projects succeed because of how teams work together, not in spite of it. Whether you're a public agency, a contractor, or a design consultant, the path forward starts with early alignment, transparent communication, and a shared commitment to project success.

🎥 Watch the Video

Want to hear what industry leaders are saying about this cultural shift?
📺 Watch our highlights from ENR FutureTech SF here.

Let’s Build It Better—Together

Interested in bringing collaborative delivery to your next project? Contact us to learn how GLA can support your team with facilitation, leadership development, and dispute prevention strategies built on nearly three decades of experience.

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