It’s extremely rewarding when we can take an old building, with good bones, and reinvent it to match our client’s vision. This can be true whether our clients own the building, or rent it – the latter being the case for the project we completed for Riverwood Center in Niles, Michigan. Take a look at how we were able to address safety concerns, while taking two different suites and make them flow seamlessly into one, so Riverwood Center counselors can do what they do best, care for the mental health of the underserved population in that area.
Interested in seeing what we can do for a building you are interested in renovating for your business? Learn more about Pearson Interiors and Contact Our Team today!
Harmony…… The biggest threat to project success is disagreements among the project team. In the “Traditional Delivery Method”, known as Design-Bid-Build, the owner enters into separate contracts with the architectural and construction firms. Both entities are ultimately looking out for their own best interest and not necessarily that of the team. When issues arise during the construction process, the finger pointing starts, blame is cast upon each other, and the project can quickly spiral into conflict. Conflicts ultimately manifest into change orders that may negatively affect the schedule and budget. But more importantly, conflicts erode trust and hinder project success.
Direction…… One initial question every owner inevitably asks is “how much will it cost?”. If using the traditional method, costs will be known after the design is complete, bidding documents distributed, and bid results received by the owner. If bids exceed the owner’s budget, which is common today, projects are easily derailed. This occurs when the project is “over-designed” or operating on an unrealistic initial budget. The owner, having spent considerable time, energy and funds, must decide to either abandon the project or re-design. A re-design will increase the overall schedule, sometimes by weeks and the owner must solicit bids again, hoping that costs land within budget.
Perspective…… Construction perspective during the project’s design is a central element of Design/Build. While the architects and engineers are designing, the construction team is providing the indispensable construction perspective regarding building systems, material selections, means and methods, etc. through periodic constructability reviews. This process assists in preventing over-design, initial over-costing, and aims to curb change orders during construction. Many change order situations will be identified during design through effective constructability reviews, saving project costs, preventing schedule delays while maintaining project harmony and trust with the owner.
Conclusion…… These are only a few of the many benefits of Design/Build. As you evaluate your project goals and objectives, consider how Design/Build might be the best answer to your “how to build” question. To learn more about Design/Build, please contact Pearson Construction at pearsonconstruction.com. Their knowledgeable team can assist with your selection of delivery method and get you one step closer to the building you envision.
