Delivering design intent ­— 5 ways design-assist can help

{"version":"0.3.0","atoms":[],"cards":[],"markups":[["a",["href","https:\/\/bit.ly\/OBE360-DesignAssist","target","_blank"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/obe.com\/","target","_blank"]],["b"],["i"],["em"]],"sections":[[1,"h2",[[0,[],0,"AIA partner Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope explores how design-assist projects can help deliver the best results for the client."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"It is no secret that firms are expected to do more with less. Less budget, less time, fewer people. Despite that, client expectations are high, and resources and support are either limited, or overwhelming. Fortunately, design consultation support and solutions exist that allow architects to stay focused on the design goals and enlist the support of others to simplify and facilitate the selection of optimal products. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Incongruent bids and time-consuming value engineering are just two of the ways a project can be compromised. The design-assist process ensures firms are armed with the information they need early in the design process to make decisions on product selection that impact the performance and aesthetics of the space, and the timeline of the project, before change orders and budget escalations occur. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"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. Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope\u2019s OBE360 team is an example of a dedicated support model that proactively seeks relationships to establish clear communication and deliver reliable, cost-effective, and scalable solutions. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"\u201cIt\u2019s important for architecture and design professionals to communicate early and often with design-assist consultants,\u201d said Troy Hein, "],[0,[0],1,"OBE360"],[0,[],0," lead at "],[0,[1],1,"Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope"],[0,[],0,". \u201cIt\u2019s never too early, and there is no such thing as too many questions. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"\u201cWe can begin with a product and performance consultation,\u201d continued Hein. \u201cA design-assist consultant will review drawings and design intent to ensure the two align and therefore the bid process is clear.\u201d "]]],[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, from application detailing and structural analysis to budgeting and cost optimization and on-site consulting. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Projects with this level of collaboration help overcome common construction setbacks, helping the design and construction team to do the following: "]]],[3,"ul",[[[0,[2],1,"Stay on budget or reduce costs: "],[0,[],0,"Pre-construction services like budget optimization early in the project supply the real-time insight needed to avoid budget overruns or even cost reductions in some areas to allow for higher-performing products in others. "]],[[0,[2],1,"Estimate more accurate schedules: "],[0,[],0,"Schedule estimates provided before the design has even been finalized allow the team to pivot as needed to ensure timely delivery without skewing the design vision. Design-assist often leads to fewer requests for information (RFIs) and change orders to stay on schedule once the project kicks off."]],[[0,[2],1,"Deliver more sustainable\/code-compliant projects:"],[0,[],0," Consultants with technical engineering teams that are well-versed in codes will take a total system performance review ensuring the parts work together to deliver on performance goals. The team identifies building code issues and other potential challenges associated with plans and specifications before they become problems and delays. "]],[[0,[2],1,"Cope with supply chain issues:"],[0,[],0," The right team will connect directly with their operations teams on supply and product costs. Early involvement helps identify issues and find alternatives before these become bottlenecks."]],[[0,[2],1,"Offset labor shortages:"],[0,[],0," Opportunities for prefabrication to various degrees to reduce the need for on-site labor is a lever the consulting team can pull depending on the project location and needs. Early installer involvement allows the team to leverage capabilities and experience to expand delivery options for the project. "]]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Take advantage of design-assist solutions like OBE360, a completely integrated end-to-end and comprehensive offering with solutions, services and skills, and extensive product breadth all built in. Whether full design services or consultation on just some elements of a project are needed, these dedicated experts help project teams meet the most unique design requirements, performance goals, and owner expectations. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[3],0,"Learn about Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope\u2019s OBE360 design-assist team and the industry\u2019s most comprehensive collection of glazing-focused products "],[0,[0],1,"here"],[0,[],1,"."],[0,[],0," "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[4],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."]]]]}