The energy level, so high at the first meeting, seems to have dropped a notch. After an hour or so, Steve reminds the group that they should be much further along in the process by now. Basically, it comes down to those twin American obsessions, time and money. By working under one roof, designers and builders are less likely to unpleasantly surprise each other out in the field and, at the same time, can expedite whatever changes the project owner may desire. The improved rapport pays off in lots of other ways, too.
Builders bring the project in for bid price or eat the overruns.
In such a climate, partnership obviously makes a lot of sense. Here we are, less than two weeks from the big meet, and only Marie, Allan, and Andy have bothered to show for this meeting. And they certainly look like a winning bunch to me. Marie has been chosen team leader. Not only has she made all the meetings so far, she has a quiet authority she isn't shy about wielding if necessary.