You're managing design changes mid-construction. How do you ensure effective communication with stakeholders?

Start by immediately informing all stakeholders—clients, subcontractors, and team members—about the changes and their impact on the timeline and budget. Use a centralized platform like Alobees to log updates in real time and ensure everyone has access to the latest information. Host quick, regular meetings to address concerns and align priorities. To implement this, establish a communication protocol that specifies who needs to be informed and how, ensuring no one is left out of the loop.

When the design change occurs in any project in the mid-stage of project, I ensure that all the stakeholders, including contractors, vendors, subcontractors, and clients are on one page, and all activities on the project will be communicated with all stakeholders before it is going to be done. Emails and physical meetings also play a pivotal role in communicating with stakeholders.

To manage design changes mid-construction, use a centralized digital platform like BIM (Building Information Modeling) to update and share design modifications in real-time. Implement cloud-based project management tools for instant communication and document sharing. Use AR/VR to visualize changes and their impacts, making it easier for stakeholders to understand. Schedule regular virtual meetings to discuss updates and gather feedback. Employ AI-driven analytics to predict potential issues and streamline decision-making. By leveraging these technologies, you can ensure transparent, efficient, and effective communication with all stakeholders, minimizing disruptions and keeping the project on track.

During a project, we encountered significant design changes halfway through construction. To keep stakeholders informed, I immediately organised a meeting with all key parties to discuss the changes. I followed up with detailed documentation outlining the adjustments and their potential impact on the timeline and budget. We held regular progress updates to ensure everyone remained on the same page. The open communication helped avoid misunderstandings and ensured all stakeholders were aligned. The lesson: timely communication and clarity are key to navigating design changes without derailing a project.