This document provides an overview of best practices and cutting edge solutions in the 21st century construction industry. It highlights topics like collaborative working, third party rights, sustainability, procurement strategy, dispute resolution, building information modelling, and legal know-how resources. Contact information is provided for experts at the law firm Olswang who can provide advice on these various construction issues.

1. 21st Century
Construction
Toolkit
Berlin
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+44 20 7067 3000
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www.olswang.com
constructiveblog.com
CONSTRUC IVE

2. “ he future belongs
T
to those who prepare
for it today.”
Malcolm X
High speed rail, wind farms, state of the art arenas,
gleaming skyscrapers. The built environment is being
transformed and regenerated like never before. And the
construction industry is modernising, too – more efficient,
more collaborative, more long-termist. This 21st Century
Construction Toolkit highlights best practice ideas and
cutting edge solutions to improve and maximise your
procurement processes and strategy.

3. “ alent wins games, but
T
teamwork and intelligence
wins championships.”
Collaborative Working
Michael Jordan
Experienced participants on large or repeat projects
understand the productivity gains from forming trusted
and cooperative relationships. Frameworks, partnering and
alliancing arrangements can help avoid disputes, foster
innovation and streamline negotiations.
Chat to us:
Francis Ho
Head of Construction
+44 20 7067 3505
francis.ho@olswang.com

4. “ hat the world really
W
needs is more love
and less paper work.”
Pearl Bailey
Third Party Rights
Collateral warranties have traditionally offered security
for third parties. Now legislation provides project
participants with the same protection but without the
time, cost or paperwork. Used intelligently, third party
rights reduce the administrative burdens associated
with major commercial projects.
Chat to us:
Kathryn Noble
Associate
+44 20 7067 3343
kathryn.noble@olswang.com

5. Sustainability
Sustainable development can lead to reduced construction
and operating costs and greater customer and worker
satisfaction. Lawyers help navigate the myriad of evolving
standards including BREEAM, LEED, planning and
greentech, while simultaneously aligning sustainability with
clients’ wider strategic goals.
“ he future will be
T
green, or not at all.”
Sir Jonathon Porritt
Chat to us:
Kate Wansbrough-Jones
Senior Associate
+44 20 7067 3773
kate.wansbrough-jones@olswang.com

6. Procurement Strategy
“ f you don’t know where
I
you are going, you’ll end
up someplace else.”
Yogi Berra
Two stages or just one, design-build or traditional,
funding through equity or debt. The methods by
which services and works are acquired and suppliers
chosen play a key role in a project’s success. Good
procurement strategy involves an effective appraisal of
options but should bring rewards in increased value
and risk reduction.
Chat to us:
Peter Clyde
Associate
+44 20 7067 3916
peter.clyde@olswang.com

7. “ ar is what happens
W
when language fails.”
Margaret Atwood
Early Dispute
Resolution
Construction disputes needn’t be inevitable. Good
administration and project management can nip problems
in the bud. But should the worst come to the worst, lawyers
can assist with interpretation, expert determination,
dispute resolution boards and negotiation strategies to see
that projects stay on track and on budget.
Chat to us:
Andrew Aglionby
Partner
+44 20 7067 3479
andrew.aglionby@olswang.com

8. “ he design of each element
T
should be thought out in
order to be easy to make
and easy to repair.”
Leo Fender
Building Information
Modelling
BIM helps build a virtual model of a project. With the right
processes in place, it’s a valuable tool for collaboration and
efficiency in design, construction and maintenance from
concept and completion to the end of a facility’s life.
Chat to us:
Sarah Rock
Associate
+44 20 7067 3898
sarah.rock@olswang.com

9. Know-How
“ short saying oft
A
contains much wisdom.”
Our Constructive blog (constructiveblog.com)
provides our unique bite-size analysis on the legal
landscape shaping construction. We also offer both
regular and bespoke training on a wide range of legal
and construction issues without the ‘bored-to-tears’.
Sophocles
Chat to us:
Morwenna Fisher
Business Development Manager
+44 20 7067 3563
morwenna.fisher@olswang.com

10. “If the only tool you have is
a hammer, you tend to see
every problem as a nail.”
Abraham Maslow