New book by Bryson explores owners’ power to change the building industry

FROM RICE NEWS STAFF REPORTS

The design and construction industry is one of the most inefficient on the planet, wasting billions of dollars a year of public and private owners’ money. Architects, engineers, builders and developers have struggled in this environment for years. A new book by Barbara White Bryson, associate vice president for facilities, engineering and planning, explores how owners and clients can drive innovation on their projects and create profound change in the building industry.

	BARBARA WHITE BRYSON

Written with Canan Yetmen, “The Owner’s Dilemma: Driving Success and Innovation in the Design and Construction Industry” (Ostberg Library of Design Management, 2010) seeks to “identify tools that have been very successful in helping owners achieve greater value and examine why those tools, when used improperly, can contribute to failure.”

According to the authors, owners are “uniquely positioned to innovate.” By planning the design and delivery process, becoming team leaders, collaborating deeply throughout the industry and applying key elements documented in “The Owner’s Dilemma,” owners can summon meaningful and lasting change.

Bryson wrote, “This book was conceived to document and communicate those things we have learned on our projects at Rice (to make sure we do not forget these lessons), but soon the idea grew into a broader mission of knowledge sharing and knowledge building with other owners and professionals.”

With illustrations by Bryson and photographs by University Architect David Rodd, the book features case studies that illustrate the real-world innovative practices of architects working with a variety of building types and clients.

Bryson also hopes that the book will help facilitate a change in intellectual approach to designing and delivering projects and prepare more professionals to participate in projects in a collaborative and innovative manner.

“‘The Owner’s Dilemma’ should be required reading for anyone involved in the A/E/C industry — owners, architects and construction managers alike,” architect Scott Simpson wrote. “It offers a clear diagnosis about what’s wrong with the industry and a compelling vision about how to move forward.”

For more information on “The Owner’s Dilemma,” visit www.di.net/store/book-tod.