Pub. 9 2021 Issue 3

10 The Community Banker mibonline.org Benefits of Early Collaboration • The Owner’s needs and goals are defined and understood by all members of the project team • Establishes initial design and construction schedule to help avoid delays • Contractor can estimate the construction budget in the preliminary design phase and provide value engineering alternatives • Design strategies are synchronized to maximize construction efficiencies • Project Team coordinates with subcontractors and suppliers during design to specify materials that avoid supply chain delays • Incorporates bank equipment and furniture in the building design to improve functionality of the space • Minimizes contractor’s bid phase schedule • Utilizes a diverse knowledge pool for overall improvement of project performance • Minimizes disputes and disagreements between the Architecture/Engineering team and Contractor, resulting in fewer change orders during construction • Initiates State, City, or subdivision review processes as early as possible to avoid delays One misconception about the traditional design-bid- build contracting practice is that having the design and construction teams function as two separate entities will raise the quality of the work. In our experience working as a cohesive project team, we have seen the increased quality and a more client-focused, efficient project delivery. The first step toward creating a trusted project team is thinking of the design and construction process as a united approach, rather than a linear system where the goal is to simply design a building at the lowest bid. Banks who frequently complete facility remodels and construction projects likely already have a team in place and can begin facilitating early collaboration within this group. Owners who do not have a team in place can start by asking industry peers for references or check with Contractors, Architects, or Engineers who are existing bank customers. Whichever path is chosen when creating a project team, consider the experience of the team members. Each project is a learning experience, and the more projects your team has completed, the more knowledge they have to offer. The integrated design team process helps put the Owner’s mind at ease, knowing there is an entire team solving problems and working toward a common goal. The process is incredibly fun and rewarding as the project progresses and finally opens for business. Want to learn more about working with a collaborative project team? Contact CWG Architecture & Interiors at cwg-architects.com for more information. Trusted in Montana for Over 60 Years CWG Architecture Architecture Engineering Interior Design (406) 443-2340 650 Power St. Helena, MT cwg-architects.com Continued from page 9