Welcome back to Build Smarter Weekly, a special edition series from the Building Tomorrow newsletter.
In this series, we tackle the common mistakes, missed opportunities, and mindset shifts that make the difference between tech-filled buildings and truly future-ready environments. Whether you’re a developer, architect, GC, or building operator, these insights are designed to help you lead smarter, more aligned, and more impactful projects from day one.
In commercial real estate, the earliest decisions often carry the most weight. But what happens when the people making those decisions aren’t fully aligned? Misalignment between developers, architects, general contractors, and IT stakeholders is one of the most common and costly issues we see across the industry. The result? Delays, inefficiencies, miscommunication, and ultimately, buildings that fall short of their potential.
At Layer 10, we’ve learned that alignment isn’t just a soft skill or “nice to have”. It’s a business imperative.
The Hidden Cost of Misalignment
Stakeholder misalignment doesn’t usually start with big blowups. It begins quietly: a tech plan that lags behind design, a developer assuming IT will be handled later, or a contractor moving forward without understanding the system architecture. The ripple effects can be massive:
- Technology that must be retrofitted at high cost
- Operational inefficiencies post-occupancy
- Finger-pointing when things don’t work as expected
- Disappointed tenants or users
A misaligned project doesn’t just create friction—it erodes trust and costs real money.
The Critical Question: Who’s Driving the Tech Strategy?
To fix the problem, we need to ask better questions earlier. Here’s one we ask on every new engagement:
“Who is responsible for aligning technology strategy across all phases of this project?”
More often than not, the answer is: “No one”—at least not officially. It’s assumed someone will figure it out. But when everyone assumes, no one leads.
That’s where misalignment creeps in.
Three Ways to Realign Before It’s Too Late
- Start with the End User
Before making tech decisions, anchor the conversation in user experience. What will tenants, staff, and operators need? What does success look like for them? - Put Technology on the Agenda Early
Include IT in schematic design conversations. Loop in systems integrators early. Bring in specialists who understand both construction timelines and operational requirements. - Assign a Tech Champion
Whether it’s a consultant, owner’s rep, or internal stakeholder, someone must own the technology thread from concept to closeout. This person ensures coordination across all teams.
Alignment Is a Strategic Advantage
In an era of increasing complexity, alignment isn’t just project hygiene—it’s how you deliver better outcomes. It’s how you:
- Stay on schedule
- Hit your budget
- Exceed expectations
- Create future-ready, human-centric environments
We’ve seen it firsthand: when stakeholders are aligned, projects run smoother. Buildings operate better. Users are happier. And everyone wins.
Want to Align Smarter?
At Layer 10, we help clients lead with clarity from day one. If you’re a developer, architect, contractor, or building operator struggling with stakeholder misalignment, we can help.
Let’s make alignment your project’s competitive edge.
If you found this article helpful and you’re ready to take the next step, join us for the Build Smarter Challenge—a 5-day training experience designed for developers, architects, GCs, and owner’s reps who want to lead smarter, more aligned, and future-ready projects.
✅ Learn how to apply the DSDS framework in real projects
✅ Align stakeholders from day one
✅ Avoid costly missteps and missed expectations
Let’s stop the chaos before it starts—and build smarter, together.