Kanawha Stone Company Embraces IPD to Build Trust and Confidence
Howard Winters has been in the building and construction business for almost 30 years. “Our industry can seem complex to some people, but there is a simple path to success. Things go more smoothly and projects are a lot more predictable with trust and confidence between the project team members.”
Perhaps that mindset is why he has embraced the recent lean construction/IPD project led by PrayWorks for Mountaineer Automotive in Beckley, West Virginia. Kanawha Stone Company, as one of the key trade partners on the project, has participated in recent integrated project delivery (IPD) collaboration and planning sessions lead by Dave Pray.
“Dave is so committed to lean construction and IPD principles. He has a very positive, can-do spirit that pulls everyone together on a project like this.”
Howard elaborates on how IPD relates to how business has been done in the industry: “Collaboration isn’t new at all; it’s just good fundamental business. The difference is, in the 1990’s and 2000’s, the ‘Big Box Retail Effect’ forced a lot of vendors into silos. IPD pulls people back out of their silos.”
Today, says Howard, IPD is helping to redefine and re-invigorate how architects, engineers, builders and related vendors work together. “It clarifies everyone’s role and helps people be more open without being punished for it. Most importantly, it brings the owner into the process at a deeper level.”
Kanawha Stone has responded well to working with PrayWorks as the owner’s representative for Mountaineer Auto, a growing auto dealership requiring a building of about 55,000 square feet and related site development of about 8 acres. “Dave is so committed to lean construction and IPD principles. He answers questions clearly and avoids ambiguity, which is refreshing in the current consultant climate. Dave has a very positive, can-do spirit that pulls everyone together on a project like this.”