How a Multiservice Strategy Yields Value in the Construction Project Life Cycle

SME | Published on November 22, 2024

SME's multiservice strategy for the Detroit Hudson's site.

As projects across the AEC industry increase in complexity, a multiservice approach is the answer for controlling costs and maximizing quality throughout the project life cycle. As a group of specialized teams in the AEC industry, SME has a history of integrating the right people to educate the team, foresee challenges and opportunities, and develop practical solutions. 

What sets a multiservice strategy apart?

The conventional method of progressing through project phases is to hire consultants to perform a specific task. This incremental approach promotes caution and allows the project to move forward in increments without fronting massive costs. However, the consequences of this approach can undermine its intent because it requires clients to retain numerous consultants, all of whom bring their own styles of work, communication, and reporting. This can hinder the project due to communication breakdowns, siloing, lack of responsiveness, increased RFIs, and slowdowns, all of which disrupt the project life cycle.  

Conversely, a multiservice strategy engages several specialty groups under one roof at the concept stage of the project. Communication is streamlined, and experts can work together using real-time data to create practical solutions. SME’s multiservice approach unites diverse groups of consultants under a culture of collaboration, innovation, and a set of core values and performance principles that allow projects to thrive.    

What is a multiservice strategy, and how does it impact construction budgets?

A multiservice strategy unifies interlinked specialty groups to provide holistic engineering and consulting. This approach avoids higher costs by minimizing mistakes, miscommunication, faulty execution, and other inefficiencies. When specialized professionals work together within a single firm, they can exchange input and ask the right questions. This reduces delays and obstacles that typically arise when each consultant represents a different firm.  

Project budgets also benefit from how services are packaged, as hiring consultants piecemeal can lead to inflated costs in the long run. Instead, owners can reap numerous benefits by securing the services they need ahead of time. This lowers costs and allows multiple service groups to immediately begin collaborating, anticipating challenges, and providing a clear vision for moving forward.  

Benefits of a multiservice approach in construction

Under a multiservice strategy, owners can begin operations and complete projects more quickly. Controlling price, schedule, and quality allows projects to move from planning to building. The benefits of a multiservice strategy help you get there:  

  • Clients and owners have one trusted point of contact that coordinates multiple services. 
  • Diverse service groups communicate with each other efficiently and use real-time data to develop practical solutions.  
  • SME secures the availability of needed personnel ahead of time.
  • Integrated understanding improves problem solving and responsiveness.
  • One cross-trained team member can replace two or more, reducing costs and streamlining communications.
  • Consistency in quality from uniform standards and methodologies across all services, plus reduced risks of conflicting designs or approaches.
  • Improved risk management.
  • The project approach can be adjusted across services to align with project needs.
  • Reduced costs through proactive planning and hiring the minimum necessary number of consultants. 
  • History of rapport and familiarity increases speed of trust and efficiency. 
  • Reduced backtracking and RFIs.  

SME is your multiservice partner

A multiservice strategy in the construction project life cycle streamlines communication and enhances collaboration among specialized teams. This approach mitigates the pitfalls of traditional project management and leads to better outcomes in cost, quality, schedule, and project longevity. Embracing this strategy positions stakeholders to bring their projects to life while staying true to their overarching goals, enhancing value throughout construction as we work together to build and revitalize our world. 

Our best work happens when teams collaborate through our One|SME culture. You can join see our multiservice approach in action through our featured projects.