Rethinking Risk: A More Collaborative Approach to Project Delivery
In a recent Engineering News-Record analysis of the Top 100 Project Delivery Firms, increasing pressure across the industry is clear—from compressed schedules to ongoing cost uncertainty. But beyond these familiar challenges, one shift stands out: a growing emphasis on collaboration and smarter risk alignment.
Collaboration Is Becoming the Standard
As projects become larger and more complex, traditional approaches to coordination and delivery are being tested. Firms across the industry are finding that success increasingly depends on early alignment—bringing owners, designers, and builders together sooner to solve problems before they escalate.
At Swinerton, this aligns with what we’re seeing across our projects. Early engagement allows teams to identify risks, evaluate options, and make informed decisions in real time—creating a more stable foundation for execution.
A New Perspective on Contingency
One of the most notable changes highlighted in the ENR report is the evolving role of contingency under Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR).
Rather than being treated as a fixed or adversarial budget line, contingency is becoming a more collaborative tool—something that is actively managed and aligned with real project conditions.
As ENR notes, Swinerton’s Daniel Getting, director of construction in Raleigh, explains:
“Owners are more open to collaborative conversations about contingency, rather than treating it as a fixed or adversarial item. Teams are working together earlier to identify specific risks, align contingency to real exposures and review them as market conditions change.”
This shift reflects a broader trend toward transparency and shared accountability—ensuring contingency is not just a safeguard, but a strategic resource.
From Risk Transfer to Risk Alignment
CMAR continues to gain traction because it supports this more collaborative mindset. By engaging the construction team early, projects benefit from:
- Clearer cost visibility
- Better-informed scheduling decisions
- Proactive risk identification
- Stronger alignment across stakeholders
Instead of isolating risk, teams can address it collectively—resulting in more predictable outcomes and fewer surprises.
What This Means for Owners
For owners, this evolution offers a meaningful opportunity. When contingency is aligned to real risks and continuously evaluated, projects benefit from:
- Greater financial transparency
- Improved team alignment
- More resilient project planning
Ultimately, the takeaway is clear: in today’s environment, collaboration is no longer optional—it’s essential.
At Swinerton, we believe this shift represents a positive step forward. By pairing early engagement with a transparent approach to risk and contingency, teams can create stronger project outcomes and deliver greater certainty for clients.
