Battling construction’s biggest headwinds with design-assist alliances

{"version":"0.3.0","atoms":[],"cards":[],"markups":[["b"],["i"],["a",["href","https:\/\/obe.com\/design-assist-alliances\/?utm_source=aia\u0026utm_medium=article\u0026utm_campaign=design-assist","target","_new"]],["em"]],"sections":[[1,"h2",[[0,[],0,"Problems that can derail construction seem to be multiplying. AIA partner Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope shows how to help manage even the most complicated issues to deliver projects on-time and on-budget."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Architecture and design professionals are expected to be experts in hundreds of products, work under extreme deadlines, and have a crystal ball to predict the future. Fortunately, design consultation support and solutions exist that allow architects to stay focused on design goals and enlist the support of others to manage and simplify project management."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Incongruent bids and time-consuming value engineering are just two of the ways a project can be compromised. When delays occur, the stress of making deadlines can lead to concessions that push construction outside of the original design. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The design-assist process helps firms preserve design intent while meeting stringent requirements through collaboration to ensure the right products with the right performance in the right application are specified."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Unfortunately, design-assist can sometimes mean directing A\/E project managers to download structural analysis software, and the assistance ends there. Effective design-assist that can make a meaningful impact on a project comes through dedicated support that is an extension of the architect\u2019s team, proactively seeking relationships to establish clear communication and deliver reliable, cost-effective, and scalable solutions. Without this base, the tools won\u2019t be utilized properly and won\u2019t deliver value."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"It\u2019s important for architecture and design professionals to communicate early and often with design-assist consultants. It\u2019s never too early, and there is no such thing as too many questions. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"It begins with a product and performance consultation: A design-assist consultant will review drawings and design intent, then offer suggestions to ensure the two align and therefore the bid process is clear. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The next level of design-assist is a more comprehensive partnership between the consultant, architect, builder, and installer that delivers guidance while helping coordinate the process at every phase, including:"]]],[3,"ul",[[[0,[],0,"Application detailing"]],[[0,[],0,"Structural analysis "]],[[0,[],0,"Thermal modeling"]],[[0,[],0,"BIM modeling"]],[[0,[],0,"Proposal drawing"]],[[0,[],0,"Specification consultation"]],[[0,[],0,"Budgeting and cost optimization\u200b"]],[[0,[],0,"On-site consulting"]]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"\u201cEarly assessment and ongoing strategic, efficient, cost-effective consultation and solutions will bridge the gaps between design and engineering, materials and applications, and anchoring points and installations,\u201d explained Billy Strait, CSI, vice president of business development for Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope. \u201cThe result is a seamless experience and successful project delivery.\u201d"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Strait adds that the right relationship will help identify the right tools to help overcome project complications, including: "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[0],1,"Delivering more sustainable\/code-compliant projects"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Choose a consultant that has a technical engineering team that is well-versed in codes and staffed to assist in the region where the project is located. Too often the building team can get caught up in individual product performance. A total systems approach will perform better than the sum of its parts, so ensure that the design-assist program includes a total system performance review. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[0],1,"Coping with supply chain issues"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"It is essential to begin the design-assist conversation early, especially as analysts expect that supply chain shortages will persist for some time. The right team will connect directly with their operations teams on supply and product costs. It is always important to identify the source and location of materials. Lead times and logistics should be adjusted for materials that are sourced overseas. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[0],1,"Offsetting labor shortages"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"This is another example of how a team with regional offices and connections that is working closely with the installers on site can identify this issue in advance. With that insight, they can assist or recommend prefabrication to various degrees to reduce the need for on-site labor. Involving the installer from the beginning is key here, as their capabilities and experience can help or hinder how many options are available to the project. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[0],1,"Staying on budget and on schedule "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Take advantage of the design-assist consultant\u2019s expertise by utilizing the multiple pre-construction services available. Early involvement can supply real-time insight needed to avoid budget bust and making compromises that can skew the design vision."]]],[1,"p",[]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Take advantage of design-assist programming. The right company will partner with the team from beginning to end and leverage dedicated resources to identify and mitigate challenges, all while ensuring successful installation of products that will meet the most unique design requirements, performance goals, and owner expectations. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[1],0,"Learn about Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope\u2019s full suite of design services and solutions, and the industry\u2019s most comprehensive collection of glazing-focused products, "],[0,[2],1,"here"],[0,[],1,"."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[3],1,"AIA does not sponsor or endorse any enterprise, whether \npublic or private, operated for profit. Further, no AIA officer, \ndirector, committee member, or employee, or any of its component \norganizations in his or her official capacity, is permitted to approve, \nsponsor, endorse, or do anything that may be deemed or construed to be \nan approval, sponsorship, or endorsement of any material of construction\n or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in\n any material or product."]]]]}