This paper outlines a multi-professional approach to problem solving that has been used in the third world as a contribution to the creation of an inter-professional collaborative capability among very senior managers in banking, government, construction, the building professions and elsewhere. The focus of this collaboration has been upon major programmes of economic and social development that involve constructed facilities. Those parts of the project cycle that are stressed are (i) the identification of needs, and (ii) the conceptualization and design of solutions and the planning for their political, economic and technical realization. Illustrations are provided of a projective case study that has been used to generate ideas for new housing for two countries in the West Indies. The approach appears to be valid for both less-developed and developed countries.