For Architects + Designers
how we collaborate
We believe in design and build because it leverages the collaborative potential between industry professionals and yields better results. Our construction management teams are skilled in balancing intent with practicality and budget constraints, while our build crews often come from design backgrounds and innately respect quality design. We strive to foster a positive team dynamic that allows designers to recognize their vision for a project with less compromise.
Our familiarity with every project phase and our ability to wear many hats creates a distinctive opportunity to work with other professionals in a highly collaborative way. We mitigate the complexity of decision-making and seek to support designers with essential information on cost, feasibility, and logistics. We enjoy a diversity of projects ranging from initial determinations of scope, schedule, and budget to MEP systems and building performance to intricate cabinetry and millwork.
phase I: preconstruction
Budget Review
We develop an initial project budget that includes every scope item as well as any alternates or design options under review. This budget document is refined throughout preconstruction to guide decision making for the client and design team.
Feasibility
We ask the hard questions and navigate feasibility conversations with the client. We identify any logistical constraints during the construction process that may impact the cost or success of the project. We enjoy problem-solving around the complexities of construction and have particular expertise in working with Pittsburgh’s historic housing stock and unique urban sites.
Trade Expertise
Our access to a network of trusted subcontractors and consultants provides essential insight into our approach and the cost of various building systems and components. Being able to compare different options early in the project leads to fewer surprises later on.
Collaborative Problem Solving
Drawing on our depth of industry knowledge, we provide holistic, high level feedback and offer solutions that will enable you to deliver a final product that honors both design intent and budget constraints.
phase II: build
Protect Site + Neighborhood Relationships
We get to know the community surrounding our work site and take steps to prevent inconveniences.
Encourage Salvage + Reuse
Whenever possible, we encourage our clients and team to source materials sustainably.
Be Proactive
We recognize the design process does not end when a building permit is acquired and remain engaged with architects and designers to solve problems and refine the work until a project is complete.
Minimize Construction Administration Duties
We recognize that every client is unique and are prepared to involve the architect and owner as much (or as little) as desired throughout the construction process.
Budget Transparency
We maintain open book accounting throughout the project, sharing our invoices and tracking progress closely to ensure expectations are met.
Subcontractor Management
We are comfortable working with specialty contractors and other trade professionals when the need arises, and we’re willing to structure relationships to best serve the needs of each project.
Leverage Shop and Custom Construction Capabilities
Our fabrication team provides assistance in detailing and prepares shop drawings for approval before production begins.
Proactively Accommodate Client Change Orders
Regardless of how carefully a project is planned, our industry is unpredictable. We are adept at balancing the needs of our clients with timeline and budget limitations, and prioritize responding to change orders with alacrity and intentionality. We seek to shift unforeseen conditions into opportunities rather than setbacks.
Final Inspection
Our goal is to leave each space better than we found it, touched by excellent craftsmanship, attention to detail, self-awareness, and respect. The punch list and cleanup phase is just as important as the work that comes before and we relish the opportunity to ensure our work is the best it can be.