Design Assist
Demonstrated Understanding and Management of Design Assist
We realize the design is not complete at this time is to thoroughly define what we believe to be missing or unquantifiable so an allowance can be carried by others. It is also our desire to positively influence the cost of construction as the design matures. Rather than attempting to distinguish between Value Engineering, Constructability and Coordination during preconstruction, our philosophy as a design-assist partner is to methodically work from generic to specific. We consider cost control to be a by-product of our efforts, not an activity.
From our perspective, generic is considered the selection of the Lateral Force Resisting System (LFRS) type, LFRS locations within the structure, gravity framing orientation, and the diaphragms and chords that transfer forces between the two systems. The type, size and grade of materials are also tackled in these early stages of interaction with the design team to ensure we are efficient, but also working with materials that are readily available.
Conversely we view specific as the detailing of individual connections and the direct interface with trade partners who rely on accurate models to ensure a fully coordinated building information model.
Constructability consists of connections that are efficient and reliable in real world applications. A coordinated model linked to a primavera schedule is sometimes required to demonstrate the viability of practices that offer the promise of efficiency yet carry the risk associated with employing a new technique method. When beneficial, our team utilizes 4D modeling to confirm the sequence, access, and safety of high risk operations.
Cost control is the by-product of innovation, enhancing efficiency, and building reliability by anticipating, quantifying and mitigating risk. Only expertise, experience and timely engagement can guarantee a fully coordinated building information model. To this end our team has developed a scope matrix to ensure coverage and eliminate doubling up on scope. A brain storming session is required to tailor the scope matrix to a specific project.
Building Strong Relationships
It is important to recognize the impact the Owner, Design Team, Construction Manager and General Contractor has on our ability to fulfill our obligations on projects. We need all parties required for coordination to be present and accountable if we are to be successful.
Respect, humility and accountability are paramount in achieving the desired results when working with the design team. We are proud of the long lasting relationships we built on a variety of design-assist projects.
Engineers from past and current design-assist projects:
| Anuj Bansal Carrie Mitchell Chad Closs Jay Love Ray Pugliesi Wayne Low Kan Patel Shane Fitzgerald Aaron Reynolds Alan Au John Gavan Kane Pithey Michael Dygean Roger Young Elie Elkhoury Michael Gemmill Ryan Wilkerson Tom Lauck Saiful Islam Edwin Najarian | Degenkolb Degenkolb Degenkolb Degenkolb Degenkolb Degenkolb John A. Martin John A. Martin KPFF KPFF KPFF KPFF KPFF KPFF Nabih Youssef Nabih Youssef Nabih Youssef Rutherford & Chekene Saiful Bouquet TMAD Taylor & Gaines | Lucile Packard Children’s CPMC St. Luke’s Sharp Chula Vista CPMC Cathedral Hill Highland Hospital Sutter Alta Bates Cedar Sinai Kaiser Anaheim St. Joseph Orange City of Hope Palomar Kaiser Downey Ventura County Medical Center Torrance Long Beach Courthouse New Stanford Hospital LA Live Hotel Sutter Mills Peninsula Kaiser Fontana Sutter Castro Valley |
We encourage you to speak with any of the individuals on this list. Contact information is available on request.