Integrated Project Delivery in Healthcare Construction: Evolving Strategies for Complex Facilities

In this episode of The Construction Insiders Podcast, host Jessica Busch explores Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) in healthcare construction, focusing on its evolution and effectiveness for complex facilities with guests Steve Howard and Michael Blasingim. The discussion covers the key aspects of IPD, including its benefits, challenges, and role in fostering collaboration among stakeholders in healthcare projects. The podcast also delves into the technological tools that facilitate IPD processes and examines future trends in the application of this delivery method for healthcare facilities. Chapters [00:00] What Is Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)? Quick introduction to the episode and the IPD method, including the distinction between IPD and IPD Lite. [01:59] What Makes IPD Unique? Key characteristics that differentiate IPD from traditional delivery models, like the tri-party contract and alignment of stakeholders. [04:43] Why Healthcare Projects Are Ideal for IPD Exploring the complexity of healthcare construction and how IPD supports better coordination and results. [06:31] How IPD Fosters True Collaboration Roles, responsibilities, and how collaboration is intentionally built through team structure and early engagement. [09:48] Trust, Transparency, and Team Chemistry Why trust and the right people—not just the right companies—are essential to IPD’s success. [10:36] Benefits of IPD: Cost, Schedule & Quality Real-world examples from Intermountain Health projects showcasing savings, predictability, and performance wins. [13:47] Common Challenges with IPD & How to Avoid Them Issues like project drift, upfront costs, and lack of owner buy-in—and how strong leadership and alignment can prevent them. [16:31] Risk Sharing & Financial Transparency How IPD changes the conversation around budgets, risk, and accountability by making everything visible and team-owned. [18:35] Technology’s Role in IPD SmartSheets, Join, Aerva boards, and other tech tools that enable real-time updates, coordination, and accountability. [21:14] Lessons Learned, Advice & the Future of IPD Takeaways from seasoned veterans, how to get started, and why IPD is increasingly seen as the future of healthcare construction.