I think this forthcoming word best sums up today’s world of construction—“Gotcha.” Competition is at an all-time high and regardless of what phase, parties are looking for the “gotcha” moment. Designers need a hook or catch to get the owners inspired to hire them. They push for greener, more sustainable or outlandish means to get attention. Contractors bid on razor thin margins and look for design errors and employ the change order to recoup lost profits. They too are looking for the gotcha. The epitome of the gotcha game is forensic investigation and the hunt for that defect.
In all cases, when the plan comes together, the team can shout “gotcha” in joy, as the other side winces. It was not always like that. We used to understand the intent and worked together to make it happen. The gotcha generation has changed things and there seems to be no let-up in sight.