Seeking to promote a project delivery approach they claim can save up to 5% on contract costs and better protect owner interests, 16 public and private-sector building professionals have formed a new education and advocacy group to promote "bridging."

The Atlanta-based Bridging Institute of America will also assist design firms, design-build firms and program managers to structure contracts with owners to use the method and serve as a forum for best practices.

The nonprofit BIA will formalize the bridging approach by educating and certifying designers and other project-delivery professionals in its use, says founder George Heery, a longtime bridging advocate and chairman of Brookwood Group, Atlanta.