The Fragmentation Trap

In reality, global research by McKinsey reveals that large-scale fragmented projects typically take 20% longer to finish than scheduled and regularly run up to 80% over budget. This catastrophic drift is triggered by a sequential domino effect:

1. The Design Vacuum:
Because the main contractor is isolated from the early conceptual phases, they cannot leverage their practical expertise to improve the buildability of the architect’s vision.

2. The Tendering Illusion:
When the incomplete design is finally tendered, desperate contractors bid precisely on the flawed drawings provided, deliberately excluding missing acoustic or fire-stopping details to make their initial price look attractive.

3. The Site Standstill:
Once construction begins, bespoke architectural details often prove physically impossible to build. The contractor stops work, issues a formal Request for Information and hits the client with a massive bill for delay damages.