Adform’s Unique Approach to Construction Projects: Design to Budget, Build to Budget
Businesses always have high hopes at the beginning of a design-build project. Unfortunately, they are often disappointed when they receive a reality check from construction firms responding to bids.
After the sticker shock, if businesses decide to proceed with their project, they are forced to scale back their design to fit their budget. The frustrating path they took to completion makes them feel they had to settle for less than they wanted. The initial design (though unrealistic) remains in the back of their minds.
Recognizing that the problem is inherent to the traditional design-build process, in which bids are collected after the design and construction drawings are completed, Adform Interiors decided to take a different approach: include budgeting and construction reviews during the design phase.
“We don’t design in a vacuum,” says Bill Macdonald, Adform Interiors Founder and Project Director. Adform uses an integrated methodology with a unified team, from concept to construction.
“We’ll have contractors walk a site in the design phase,” explains Macdonald. Contractors see a project through a different lens than architects and designers. “Designing a space with construction input up-front helps us set realistic expectations for clients.”
Budgeting at the beginning of a project also saves time compared to the traditional design-build process, in which designers and contractors repeatedly must revise the design and re-bid the project (below image) until a design is found that meets the client’s budget.
Adform Interiors’ methodology eliminates that lengthy re-design/re-bid process.
“We use bid-leveling in the design phase,” says Macdonald.
Customers receive a rough order of magnitude (ROM) estimate based on a schematic design before finalizing detailed plans. “When everyone is on the same page at the beginning, clients are much happier with the process and the outcome.”
An iterative process (below image), including schematic design, design development, construction documentation, MEP coordination, and progressive budgeting, aligns cost and scope early in a project’s life.
The same level of transparency is also provided throughout the entire project. Clients can see the status of their project in real time using project management software. They also see how design, budget, and construction continue to work together during the construction phase.
“The key is to know the budget as early in the process as possible,” adds Macdonald. “This allows the team to design to the budget, plan to the budget, and build to the budget.”
