Building Better Communication
In this blog, I had the opportunity to sit down with Jeff Laporte, Assistant Superintendent at Robins & Morton, to discuss a powerful tool that’s transforming communication on construction projects visual environments and floor information boards.
Jeff shared his background from decorative concrete and rock work to hospital construction and the unique path that led him to his role today. What stood out most is his drive to create tools that actually serve the field, not just the office.
At Robins & Morton’s Boca Regional Hospital project, Jeff and his team are designing floor information boards that go beyond standard whiteboards in the trailer. These boards are strategically placed right where crews enter each floor, making it easy for anyone superintendents, foremen, or field workers to immediately access the most critical information.
What These Boards Include
- Logistics Plans: Clear maps showing how each floor operates.
- Life Safety Information: Rated walls, valve shut-off locations, and egress routes.
- Safety Posters: PPE reminders and critical safety notes.
- Contact Information: Robins & Morton leaders and trade partners.
- Mini Weekly Work Plans: Half size boards to conduct floor level meetings.
The boards are designed to be mobile and flexible, with casters for movement and two sided space for additional communication.
Why It Matters
We often see beautifully designed boards in conference rooms, but their value is lost if the information never makes it to the people who need it most the craft workers in the field. Jeff’s approach ensures that flow of information doesn’t stop at the office. Instead, it reaches every crew, every day.
As I shared in the conversation, this aligns with the broader principle of flow in construction communication:
- Start with team level planning in the conference room.
- Translate that into visuals that live in the field.
- Ensure crews can see, understand, and act on the information without confusion.
It’s not about creating boards for the sake of it it’s about making them usable, accessible, and effective.
Key Takeaway
Visual environments only create value if they reach the people doing the work. By designing floor information boards that deliver clear, accessible, and actionable information right where it’s needed, construction teams can reduce confusion, improve safety, and keep projects flowing.
If you want to learn more we have:
-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here)
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here)
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)
Discover Jason’s Expertise:
Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.
On we go
