In my last blog, I talked about some of the problems inherent in the design-bid-build construction delivery model. One way to avoid some of those problems is to use the design-build method instead.
In this delivery model, a company, like Albion Scaccia, is hired to oversee the entire project, from design through completion. We work with the architect from the beginning, which helps avoid any potential design problems early in the process. Also, this model allows us to begin some elements of construction concurrently with the design process, which can result in a shorter delivery period than design-bid-build.
For owners, this method provides a single point of contact, enhancing communication. This also means one company is responsible for the project. In the design-bid-build model, the architect and the contractor share responsibility, which can lead to the entities blaming each other for construction delays or cost overruns.
When selecting a design-builder, qualifications should be the dominant factor, according to the Design-Build Institute of America. The institute asserts that the lowest cost doesn’t always provide the greatest value to the owner, and that a well-qualified design-build firm can provide more value through better communication, collaboration, cost-savings through innovation and a more durable finished project.
Albion Scaccia is a woman-owned commercial construction company in Atlanta providing full service design, build and construction management solutions. In just over 13 years, our focus on client satisfaction has helped us grow into one of Georgia’s premier design build companies. We offer turnkey construction management services to ensure your project progresses smoothly, efficiently and within budget.
Brian Newsome, LEED® AP
Executive VP
August 23, 2010 | In
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woman-owned construction company I am delighted to announce that Albion Scaccia, in partnership with Pieper O’Brien Herr Architects, has been qualified to submit a proposal to design and build an expansion to one of Georgia State University’s existing classroom buildings.
Georgia State is the second largest university in Georgia and has been growing rapidly. The school needs more classroom space but didn’t want to buy or construct a new building. We responded to a request for qualifications and were accepted as a potential design/build firm for this expansion project.
Working from bridge documents provided by Brookwood Group, we’re currently putting together a proposal for a 20,000 square foot, five-floor expansion to Georgia State’s Classroom South building. I think this is going to be a really exciting project.
We are so proud Georgia State recognized that though we are a bit smaller than the other bidding companies, our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is unrivaled, and our team has the expertise and talent to successfully complete this expansion.
Brian Newsome, LEED® AP
Executive VP
Jim Haughey from Reed Construction Data reported this week, “The value of construction starts increased 4% in January after a weak December in spite of continuing unseasonably poor construction weather. Starts were 25% higher than in the previous January. Job-site construction spending fell 10% since last January. Interpret the divergence this way. The sharp decline in starts in early 2009 cut starts below completions leading to the year-long fall in construction spending. Starts plunged nearly 50% from August 2008 to June 2009. Since then, starts have rebounded nearly 50% so the pipeline of work is again expanding and will lead to resumed increases in monthly construction spending in a few months, with progressively larger gains through 2011.”
This good news is echoed at Albion Scaccia. Our 2010 pipeline is on the rise and has been since the 3rd quarter of 2009. While this is good news, it also signals the beginning of the rise in construction material costs. To illustrate my point, Albion Scaccia was notified this week by one of our material suppliers that they will be passing on a 20% increase in manufacturer costs. 20%! I expect that this is just the beginning as other suppliers start to dig out of the price reductions that they were forced to provide at the end of 2008 and into 2009.
What does this mean for future projects? We are counseling our owners to be strategic in their project planning. Locking in recession pricing now can still be accomplished if they want to move forward in the short term. If they are considering a project later in the year, then they will need to review their budgets to insure that they take in to account the increased material costs that are on the horizon. This is particularly true if they put together a project budget during the last 18 months.
Brian Newsome, LEED® AP
Executive VP
