10 Ways Horst Creates Successful Partnerships with Architects and Engineers
Top Ten Ways We Create Successful Partnerships
Teamwork and collaboration have always been vital in a construction project, but project delivery methods like design-build and integrated project delivery (IPD) take collaboration to the next level. In order to get the time-saving and cost-saving benefits of these methods, you need a project team that has strong, successful partnerships. Here are ten ways Horst Construction builds and maintains exceptional relationships with our partners.
1. Mutual Trust
Horst works hard to develop mutual trust in the relationships we have with architects and engineers. We are transparent and open, and continually working to earn the trust of our partners.
2. Quality Solutions
Horst understands that value engineering should not always mean “deleting”; it often means exploring other quality and creative solutions. We bring a vast array of experience to every project and explore different materials, construction methods, and systems with open minds to create the best project possible.
3. Budgets
We have a staff of experienced estimators and the latest technology for estimating. This greatly helps ensure the holistic, as well as the itemized, budget is accurate from the initial budget through preconstruction.
4. Partnership
Horst approaches projects from a truly partner-based mindset. When we begin a design-build project, we spend time carefully evaluating options and make our choice based on the most qualified and fitting firm for the project—not just based on pricing. When we’re part of an IPD team, we are an engaged and active member of the team and the voice of construction expertise.
5. Scheduling
Horst helps alleviate some of the pressure of scheduling and project pacing. The design-build model allows our partners to focus on what they do best while keeping the design on pace with the project schedule. The IPD approach allows all of our partners to bring their expertise early on in the project’s planning process, leading to a solid project plan and a smooth construction process.
6. Encouragement
Horst provides counseling with budgetary requirements while encouraging and appreciating the creativity our partners provide. We acknowledge the fact that our partners can passionately and creatively design in the midst of a budget-conscious process—just because we are watching the value does not mean we expect our partners to design something basic or boring.
7. Project Team History
We assign a dedicated project estimator and project manager for each project—from preconstruction through the completion of construction. There is no “handing off” of projects and responsibilities. The same person that learned about the owner’s vision is present for the entire journey, helping ensure that the ultimate goals are accomplished and not lost in the shuffle.
8. Proactive Mindset
We understand that hitting all of the milestones and deadlines for preconstruction is incredibly important to meet the owner’s expectations. We are proactive and work to keep surprises to a minimum for the entire team.
9. Team Approach
Horst has a unified team approach to all projects. We understand that we are all working toward a common goal as valuable members of the same team. This collaborative approach eliminates the all-too-common feeling of “us vs. them.”
10. Communication
We maintain open communication with our design-build partners throughout the process of design, ensuring that what the team is producing is aligned with the client’s vision. When issues arise, we work to address them privately with our partners—not in a finger-pointing session, and never in front of the client.
For more information on the design-build process, the IPD method, or the exceptional relationships that they’re dependent on, contact us.
Posted April 04, 2017