A recent lab project in New York City shows the importance of collaboration between contractors and architects.
Initially, New York City-based Talisen Construction worked with architect Perkins + Will to create a wet lab space on the 10th floor of the Hudson Research Center project in Manhattan. This early involvement allowed the team to identify opportunities for time and cost savings, particularly through value engineering, according to Michael Figliolia, Talisen’s director of construction.
Miquel Figliolia
Permission granted by Talisen Construction
“By defining roles and responsibilities early on and practicing active listening, we effectively addressed concerns and made informed decisions,” Figliolia told Construction Dive. “Documenting decisions and quickly addressing issues further ensured that the project ran smoothly.”
Talisen is now working with Perkins + Will on a follow-up project in the same building, which will be completed by the end of the year.
Here, Figliolia talks to Construction Dive about the importance of collaboration and technology solutions to keep team members on the same page.
Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Immersion in CONSTRUCTION: Tell us about the Hudson Research Center project you completed with Perkins + Will.
MICHAEL FIGLIOLIA: The 10th floor wet lab pre-built lab project, which was based on our previous projects at this location, relied heavily on technology such as BIM to optimize the project in the early stages.
Early on, the digital modeling functionality identified opportunities for cost and time savings by identifying potential rework scenarios that would have been difficult to determine without these tools.
For example, project players leveraged 3D scanning to create BIM models for the plumbing and HVAC portions of the project. This comprehensive surveying and modeling process fostered collaboration within the design team and ensured accurate placement of building systems.
Team members maintained clear and consistent communication using Procore software, and regular meetings and updates helped them stay on track. Our Bid|Buy|Build model provides a single point of contact, simplifying communication and decision-making.
In addition to technology, what other ways to foster the relationship with architects?
There are several essential components to fostering a strong architect-contractor relationship. The first is early collaboration. Contractors should be involved early in the design process to align goals and identify potential problems before they become problems.
This form of value engineering helps set realistic expectations for the client while allowing the contractor to discover areas where costs can be reduced without sacrificing quality. It also helps prevent schedule disruptions that could easily have been avoided.
Then you need to define the roles. Clearly describe the roles and responsibilities of each team member to avoid misunderstandings and ensure accountability.
Active listening is also essential. Both parties should practice active listening to understand the other’s perspectives and address concerns quickly.
Other important things to consider are providing consistent and regular updates, documenting decisions, and addressing any issues that arise quickly so they don’t escalate.
You mentioned your offer|buy|create approach. How does this work?
Construction projects are often plagued by information gaps that negatively impact schedules and budgets, resulting in significant cost overruns. Talisen has removed the barriers between estimating departments, procurement teams and construction offices to avoid the knowledge loss typically experienced during inefficient team transfers.
Our Bid|Buy|Build approach ensures a superior product, with a dedicated project manager acting as the client’s single point of contact throughout the project – a clearinghouse and single point of accountability from initial budget to at the end of the project.
What challenges do you see in your markets right now?
We are seeing several challenges in our markets right now, including supply chain disruptions, fluctuating material costs and labor shortages. These problems can cause project delays and increased costs for the contractor.
Additionally, navigating evolving building codes and regulations, particularly in the healthcare and life sciences sectors, adds complexity to project planning and execution.
