Tracy - A robust discussion is always healthy, so thanks for opening up a topic that likely many architects have not really considered.
As an architect that has served 1) as the Architect for a P3 project when they were first being established back in the late 1900's, 2) on the Owner's side for a P3 that was recognized nationally, and now 3) as a strategic advisor to Owners - many of which are executing P3 projects in a variety of project types, I can honestly say, no two P3 projects are alike. Every project is different, and those that are successful spend the time necessary to clearly identify and articulate the goals and objectives of the Project at the very beginning. The P3 project delivery methodology is not the right choice for every project, yet when it is right, it can accomplish many things an organization may not be able to accomplish any other way - specifically accessing capital to which an organization may not otherwise have access, freeing up human capital to work on other priorities, and aligning outcomes with actual needs and strategic priorities.
I have seen projects that achieve design excellence within a P3 framework, just as I have seen some true design disasters come out of a similar process, and having sat in almost every different seat of the table, my belief is that it is not the project delivery process that drives the quality of the design solution. The quality of the design is most often the result of the architects' ability to work as a team leader and team member to drive the process towards an outcome and a creative design solution. Good design is the result of a clear vision, clear understanding of constraints, and a creative architectural team. The day of an individual driving a singular vision is past; architects must be collaborative, able to communicate effectively, and advocate for the project goals - and my personal opinion is that there is no excuse for bad design. Some of the best designs are delivered within the constraints of a tight budget, on tight sites, and with tight timelines.
You ask, do P3 projects move the needle forward on educational issues of our time? I would propose that the P3 delivery method helps move the needle greatly in that they allow many projects to be accomplished that would otherwise never come about. As to whether a P3 methodology helps move the needle towards solving educational issues - that is up to the team establishing the goals of the project - especially the architect. There are some fantastic architects that understand the educational issues of our time and are adept at designing solutions that address those issues, regardless of the project delivery method.
As to resources, it seems we, as architects, must be continually learning what the issues are surrounding every type of structure or environment we design. Gone are the days when we can rest on our laurels and not constantly strive to be inquisitive, learn and improve. We must jump in with both feet and get neck-deep in becoming the best architect possible in that project type and we must learn how to lead teams of specialists, consultants, contractors, tradesmen, owners, operators and other stakeholders towards solutions that shape and strengthen our communities and enrich the lives of everyone that experiences the spaces we design.
We must learn how to slow down at the beginning of projects and to proceed with a design process only after we have been able to dig deep to understand The BIG WHY of every project so we can articulate that throughout the project when tough decisions and discussions are necessary.
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Stephen Lafferty AIA
University of South Florida
Seminole FL
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-19-2024 02:25 PM
From: Tracy L. W. Hucul AIA
Subject: P3s utilized to Build K-12 Schools
Private-Public Partnerships (P3s) is another option clients have been considering for funding and building K-12 schools across the country. P3s have been successful in other industries like public works/infrastructure and even higher education (ex – student housing). However, in the K-12 sector, P3s have resulted in high-risk pursuits for architects - from a financial and a design viewpoint. Since P3s tend to emphasize a financial model, in the K-12 building sector this tends to result in 'kit of parts' and 'prototype' schools, particularly for large school districts with real estate needs.
RESOURCES:
Design-Builder / Architect agreement B143-2014 - Although AIA doesn't have a specific P3s contract document, this agreement is the closet document where AIA addresses the relationship between the Architect and Design Builder.
An Architect's Guide to P3s - AIA Trust (theaiatrust.com) - This article provides a basic guide for architects to navigate P3s (written by a licensed law practitioner)
THOUGHTS / QUESTIONS:
Although P3s serve a purpose and address a real client need, do they result in true design excellence and help to move the needle forward on educational issues of our time?
What additional resources do we, as architects, need to help navigate Public-Private Partnerships?
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Tracy Hucul AIA
Quinn Evans
Fayetteville NY
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