Big construction projects are exciting! From commercial buildings to community auditoriums, from school buildings to worship centers, we have worked with them all and expect to be busy this year.
In fact, our whole industry should be busier. Construction Executive’s 2016 Economic Outlook reports highway and street-related construction increased 10 percent during the past year, in part because of a need to address deferred maintenance. Environmental Protection Agency mandates coupled with highly publicized water main breaks around the nation have pushed sewage/waste disposal construction up 12.9 percent during the last 12 months and water supply-related construction up 5.6 percent. Education-related construction spending is up 11.5 percent as public school systems strive for better science labs, leak-proof roofs, see-through windows and more efficient energy use.
We caught up with Steven Walker, Director & Principal Engineer at Executive Design & Engineering to get ideas for how to make your nonresidential construction project a success.
First, Steve suggests the most helpful time for a design/build technology consultant like ED&E to get involved with a project is in the planning stage with the customer or the designer/architect of the space. This usually equates to a cost savings due to the ability to build things in such as acoustics and structural needs during the initial design process.
“The great thing about a new build is the blank slate. ED&E is able to design and build a no compromise solution for all the customers needs. Being part of the architectural community as a member of the American Institute of Architects, we get involved in the early stages of the facility design. This gives us the ability to design in many features as opposed to adding on features at a later stage in the process,” Steve Walker said.
Some cost saving measures such as energy efficient lighting and electronics, and acoustic features that are melded into the architectural design and not simply an add-on, allowing for the use the best choice equipment without limitations of an existing structure.
Design/build companies like ED&E are not equipment resellers. With access to hundreds of products from a variety of manufacturers, the goal is to choose the right items for each project based on the scope of work, room dynamics and what the client wants to accomplish.
Other benefits for working with one firm from start to finish is that accountability becomes a non-issue. The same team who designed the systems will be installing the systems. There are no questions regarding who will be doing what. The design-build firm is 100% accountable.
For a no obligation conversation to learn more about our industry or our specific approach, please contact us!
