James Scott, construction lawyer at Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, argues that the design and construction industry is rife with waste and inefficiency and beset by squabbles over risk and payments.

How does the industry reduce waste and conflict and improve efficiencies to make the design and construction process better?

"It starts with the owner," said Ryan Ellen, manager of enterprise risk and project management in the corporate planning group at Ameren.

Starting with the owner is both practical advice - the owner has to have an active role in the project - and a frame of mind - the success of a project is defined by the owner's experience.