Construction project teams involve professionals of varying fields. While having the right partners can transform a project into something you can be proud to present to your organization, the wrong ones may make the entire experience seem more like a nightmare.

Bridgit offers deeper insight into what to consider in your project team’s workforce planning.

Team structure

Construction projects involve many moving pieces that must come together in an organized fashion, so a project management team with expertise in monitoring and tracking each part’s progress from beginning to completion must be assembled.

Project managers may choose among various project management team structures for their construction project, including matrix, functional and projected structures. A good construction project manager should understand these options and select one that will work best with their particular endeavor.

A matrix organizational structure is an excellent solution for construction projects as it allows each member to contribute multiple efforts simultaneously. It is particularly suitable for large-scale designs and procurement as information about them is easily found with this kind of setup; however, team members may not always dedicate 100% to each effort they undertake.

Design team

Building the ideal construction team requires more than simply gathering together various firms; it involves thoughtful planning to ensure all necessary personnel are assembled early on and their roles and responsibilities are clear from the outset.

When working through one of the government-recommended procurement routes, such as design and build or private finance initiative (PFI), an integrated project team must be appointed and be responsible for designing, building and operating all aspects of the project.

Your team may consist of you as the client/project owner, a construction manager, an engineer, an architect or designer, and an interior designer. 

Depending on the size of your project, landscape architects, geotechnical engineers, or testing agencies may also be needed. A team leader should be appointed on larger projects to keep all individuals or mini-teams on schedule as you transition from design to construction.

Construction team

Construction projects are complex undertakings requiring many individuals and specialists from different fields, while the composition of a construction team typically changes over the duration of an endeavor. 

Specialist contractors may come on board for short-term contracts to bring specific expertise or supply components, while lead consultants or project managers might remain involved for longer, guiding the design process while helping ensure physical construction meets project expectations.

Establishing the correct team for a project’s success is of vital importance. A poorly organized project may result in miscommunication and information flow issues, leading to costly mistakes and accidents on site. 

To avoid such issues, take the time and care necessary to hire and select an excellent project team. Use a work breakdown structure so everyone has their needs fulfilled at the right time; this step will set your construction project off on the right path.

Maintenance/closure team

Once construction is completed, the project team must prepare the building for occupancy. This involves developing a facility transition plan, setting up maintenance procedures, procuring equipment and materials needed for operation, meeting storage needs efficiently, conducting safety programs and more.

As part of your project team, it’s also crucial that roles, expectations and responsibilities are defined at this time. For instance, if any project steps require management or stakeholder approval, ensure everyone understands who to ask about receiving that approval as soon as the project starts. This helps minimize confusion and scope creep once work begins on its journey.

At this point, it’s also useful for team members to discuss how they’ll manage documents and records for the project, such as tracking and archiving work orders. Finally, teams should formally close any remaining contractual obligations and prepare a project closure report.