Understand the benefits of a single point of contact in construction

The Design-Build project delivery system is growing in popularity in America. This unique construction process provides a one-stop shop for those entering a new project. It integrates both the design components and construction into one seamless operation with a single point of contact throughout every phase of the project.

Outside of the benefits of a single point of contact working with you, is the collaborative nature of the entire team working on the project. The designer and construction manager work together to ensure the project is on schedule, budget and in scope rather than having multiple companies working as a decentralized team.  Moreover, the benefits to the owner of the construction project are immense.

• one company is accountable for the entire process
• faster project delivery
• costs are known in advance
• cost savings through value engineering
• reduced risks due to only dealing with one firm
• higher project quality
• reduced owner burden because you are just managing one company

Regardless of the type of project delivery method Galbraith is involved with, our story rings true with every customer: “…highly collaborative process that’s built on trust, teamwork, innovation and creative problem-solving.”

I have to agree with the statement made by Stephanie Anderson, Co-Founder & Executive Vice President at Creative Business Interiors, “When challenges are encountered during construction, brainstorming and creative problem-solving often involve the owner’s team as active participants, giving them the opportunity to ask questions and consider options. Everyone works together to develop innovative, adaptable solutions while avoiding excuses and blame-shifting that might otherwise occur.”

Our operational model at Galbraith is that of a design-build. We deliver the same results of the design-build delivery system, a team-management approach to all of our projects. Whether working directly for an owner or working with an owner’s design team, we work together to provide the best possible scenario for the end user. And because the majority of our projects are highly complex, it is even more critical to possess these traits. This proves that adopting a design-build model as a general contractor can indeed happen successfully.

Using pencil and paper construction planning in a tech-savvy world

In the midst of today’s modern and tech-savvy world, it’s incredibly refreshing to go “old school” at the start of a building vision. I enjoy going back to my roots, sketching and making shop drawings. I crafted the drawing below with nothing but an old-fashioned pencil, pen, ruler, piece of paper, and, most importantly, a vision. To me, this encompasses what a drawing is. A drawing, quite simply put, is someone’s vision that has been translated onto a piece of paper—preferably by the hands of the visionary.

A builder with creative vision can translate things in his mind before even putting them to paper. He or she can see an idea, further develop it within their mind, then bring it to life with their hands by putting pen or pencil to paper and beginning to draw before they even start to build. To do this, passion and creativity have to be in your blood. That is what translates a vision from the mind to the hands.

Throughout my middle school and high school careers, I also worked—proudly—as a draftsman for my father’s construction company. Because of my experience, my high school drafting class teacher permitted me to leave school in order to walk to my father’s office to work (this was rather unheard of during these days—prior to today’s traditional co-op and work experience opportunities.)

During the summers and over school holidays, I also served as a construction laborer, furthering my experience and knowledge and further pursuing my passion. I walked straight from school to job sites, hoping “the guys” would still be there so that I could learn more. If they weren’t there, I’d walk through the job site anyway, continuing to learn and dream about projects…then I’d walk to my father’s office.

Today, tapping into hand sketches takes me right back to those days of learning. As I get older I sometimes make the argument that these drawings are still faster than waiting for a CAD drawing file to be sent and shared, only to later have technology problems opening a file or having an email get lost in cyberspace. Whether these problems occur or not, it’s undeniable that a pencil-to-paper sketch contains more heart than any CAD-produced mock-up.

The heart in it is what makes it refreshing. A CAD file just can’t be in your blood the way that a hand sketch can. Likewise, a mouse will just never fit the hand the way a pencil does. I take pride in holding on to this “old school” passion, and in using it to put extra heart into the work I do for my clients.

Simple steps to smart building for churches and religious organizations

When considering the construction of your church or religious organization, it is important to think seriously about all aspects of design and construction. A quality contractor will be tuned into the mission and ideologies of your facility, and will help you work to properly reflect them within your walls.

As you understand well, it is the people who truly make up a religious organization. Your members likely work to better their surrounding community on a daily basis, which is why one of the most important considerations in choosing the right contractor for a project is that contractor’s involvement in and ties to the surrounding community. Securing a contractor who lives in your community, understands the people there and who is genuinely interested in your project’s success can make an incredible difference.

The buildings that house religious organizations vary vastly in shape, size and features. They are made of all different sorts of materials. With so many options, it can be hard to know where to start when you begin to plan. After finding a contractor who truly has their finger on the pulse of your specific needs, it is important to keep a few factors in mind.

1. AVOID DESIGN FADS – Just as clothing styles change over the years, so do elements of architecture and design. There are some amazing and incredible churches across the world, but don’t get hung up on fitting that mold. A church or religious organization should offer a more classic and timeless style, as the building should be able to be used for generations to come. Rather than following trends that come and go, look into designs that make sense for your facility’s long-term plan.
2. FORESEE THE FUTURE – Plan architectural elements that make sense as your facility changes and grows. Consider the current needs of your members as well as those that may develop in the future. Is your town growing? Does your community focus surround helping to feed those in need? If so, consider building an on-site commercial kitchen. Not only does this help you to attain specific goals, it also makes your building more versatile. Not sure if this is right for your facility? Check out these kitchen tips from Church Executive.
3. BLUEPRINT FOR GROWTH – Over time, your religious organization will likely (and hopefully) gain new members and experience growth. If you plan the construction of your facility with this growth in mind, you can create a building that is more easily expandable.
4. FOCUS ON YOUR VISION – Clearly define the vision you have for your building, taking into consideration all needs and purposes your facility must meet and serve. Take a moment to get your vision in writing. This gives you the opportunity to make changes as you need, to share your vision with a professional and to keep your eyes on the bigger picture.
5. BREAKDOWN YOUR BUDGET – As you plan your vision and you consider the future, don’t forget to plan a budget. Consider all aspects of building costs; not just brick and mortar but also furniture, appliances and fixtures. Work with your contractor to avoid creating unforeseen and unnecessary financial stress when building gets underway.

To a quality contractor, your project should never be considered “just another” job. At Galbraith, we enjoy playing a crucial role in our hometown and surrounding communities, and in planning and building places of worship that will serve our friends, families and fellow residents for years to come by making a lasting impression on the lives of many.

To begin planning—or just to ask a few questions—reach out today. We’d love to hear from you.

How metal construction provides added value when building a fire-resistance structure.

A fire-resistance building can save lives. Constructing a metal building can further help reduce structure flammability and can provide up to a four-hour rating on walls. However, this doesn’t make a building fireproof. High temperatures can still damage metal, especially when it’s unprotected.

Richard Rinka at the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) was recently featured in Metal Construction News stated,  “In terms of fire resistance, remember redundancy provides safer construction. Additionally, automatic warning and detection systems are a critical factor in limiting fire spread, and loss of life and property. They should always be a part of any fire-protection plan.”

There are several mistakes that can happen when constructing a fire-resistance building that can be mitigated when using a design/build firm:

1. Not selecting the proper firestop system for the application.
2. Not following the requirements of a listed and tested system.
3. Poor job-site conditions that do not meet the stated range of a tested system
4. Adhesion issues due to improper cleaning substrate
5. Incorrect annular space
6. Not meeting minimum depth of fill material
7. Improper backing materials
8. Improper use/installation of mineral wool

Mitigating Risks

One, of many, advantages of utilizing a design/build construction firm is having an experienced team in place from the very beginning who understands the various codes and regulations when it comes to fire resistance and fire suppression. A design/build team works with the client/building owner from the start to determine building use, occupancy type, number of employees, etc and then formulates a comprehensive plan for building design and construction that will best suit the building type, use, location, budget, etc.

However, the team approach should not end after the pre-design (or pre-construction) and design phases. It should continue through the material buy-out, construction, and final completion and occupancy. Which fire resistant material or coating is the most practical? What site conditions allow for which fireproofing method? Which supplier will provide undamaged materials? What has worked in the past with success? All of these answers come from years of experience and expertise by both office and field personnel.

At Galbraith Pre-Design, Inc., we use generations of knowledge and experience to continue to solve the ever-growing number of regulations and life safety codes.

5 ways hiring a design-build firm will help you in your next project

An integrated firm has all departments under the same roof. This means that each of these teams are constantly working together, which provides more experience as well as increased communication skills. Working with an integrated design and construction firm will boost overall plant efficiency. Here are five tips that you should consider.

1. Integrate process equipment design and layout with the overall design of the building

The success of a project is determined mostly by looking at the planning stage of the project. This is where the scope and layout of the project are determined. The best way to create that success is to consider putting the design, build, and engineering teams together. This will maximize square footage and provide the most efficient manufacturing job. The goal with your footprint is to maximize product output and deliver the most ROI possible. A smaller footprint means lower construction costs.

2. Get your architect and builder working together early in the project

The reason for this is to manage costs and expectations. A good architect will do an analysis that will lay out your facility in the most cost-effective way possible. The builder is the one that carries the knowledge of costs. Since the builder has this knowledge, having the builder work with the architect will provide the most functional building project for you without having to worry about ridiculous costs.

3. Consider design-build

According to the Design-Build Institute of America, design-build projects tend to be 33.5% faster than design-bid-build projects. Design-build projects have endless benefits, including the following:

• Better quality
• Less risk
• Follow food safety regulations
• Reasonable scope and budget
• Faster construction schedule
• Strong subcontractor relationships

4. Be aware of industry regulations

Being aware of these regulations from the beginning of the project to the end will allow for the project to get done quicker and with fewer problems. The key is to choose a reliable team to work on your project. This is where design-build would be great because, as stated above, they tend to be the best at following these regulations.

5. Design for the future

When designing, it’s important to ask yourself a set of questions that will, in return, set the bar for the remainder of the project. Asking yourself “what happens if my business grows again” and “what will we do if we double our lines in 5-10 years”, will assist you in planning out your future through this project.