56 | Geoff Neumayr | The Project Risk Gap

Lead With Trust For Construction Leaders

Conventional wisdom tells us that engineers design, contractors build, and owners pay for and use the facility. However, this strict division of responsibilities has not consistently resulted in the reliable outcomes that a successful project deserves. Is there a solution? Today's guest believes so and he's here to share his thoughts with Sue.

In today's episode of The Lead With Trust Show, Sue chats with Geoff Neumayr SE, DBIA, the Chief Development Officer at San Francisco International Airport, and also the immediate past chair of the Design Build Institute of America.

During the episode, Sue and Geoff discuss the gap that exists between contractors, designers and owners, and the effect that gap can have on the success or failure of a project, no matter the size.

They discuss Geoff's background, including his first job as a newspaper delivery boy, and the innovative solution he devised to deliver the multi-part Sunday paper in an incredibly hilly area - an early example of engineering a solution to a unique problem.

They explore the 'adversarial' relationship that the construction industry has found itself in, both in reality and in public perception. The Sperrin Doctrine is discussed - that is, a legal principle that holds that when a contractor follows the plans and specifications furnished by the owner, and those plans and specifications turn out to be defective or insufficient, the contractor is not liable to the owner for any loss or damage resulting from the defective plans and specifications.

Geoff also talks about the very real, 100-year old culture issue that exists in the industry, as well his thoughts on the various ways it can be addressed and/or mitigated.

Join Sue and Geoff for this fascinating discussion around building and maintaining a high-trust environment in an industry where trust is paramount.

If you have any questions or suggestions for Sue, feel free to reach out via email.

Enjoy!

What You’ll Learn in this Show:

• Geoff's first job as a newspaper delivery boy, and how he 'engineered' a solution to a unique problem.
• The 'adversarial' relationship that the construction industry has found itself in, both in reality and in public perception.
• The 100-year-old culture issue that exists within the industry, and some advice on ways it can be addressed and/or mitigated.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Sudyco website

Lead with Trust Newsletter

Sue's Email: [e-mail]

Geoff's Email: [e-mail]

Disclaimer: The views of our guest are their views. It is not the intention of LWT Podcast to offer legal advice, only a historical viewpoint. You should consult your attorney for your particular situation.