The Value of the Design-Build Experience
Ty Williams
Wildlands Engineering, Inc.
Mount Pleasant, SC
Doug Smith
Wildlands Construction
Charlotte, NC
Authors: Riley Lecka, Ty Williams, Geoff Smith, Daniel Johnson
The stream restoration construction industry is facing challenging times in the current economic climate. Basic components of fuel costs, supply chain concerns, employee retention and increased pressure to deliver within limited schedules and budgets can stress construction companies to the breaking point. One approach to mitigating these issues is to involve contractors on the front end of project development. One of the most efficient means of collaboration between the client, designer and contractor is through the implementation of the design-build approach.
This presentation will focus on two examples of such an approach in Greenville, South Carolina and Sandy Springs, Georgia. In both instances, the benefits to clients have been multi-faceted. As construction costs continued to escalate during the initial design phase of these projects, the restoration designers were able to work with construction staff early in the design process to value engineer projects to meet client’s goals. Identifying streamlined means and methods, materials and design approach allowed for restoration solutions to be provided to these clients within budget and on schedule.
By being proactive with the design-build approach, the clients were able to limit engineering costs associated with bidding, contracting, familiarization with the contractor and extensive construction oversight. This was critical for each client, who had limited budgets for the restoration activities. By identifying project materials and quantities early in the design process, the contractor was able to identify and mitigate for supply chain issues.
While some limitations currently exist for design-build projects, specifically as it relates to public procurement regulations, these recent success stories demonstrate that this approach can truly be a win-win for both the client and the design-construction team. Construction costs continue to outpace most allocated project funding and trimming costs and streamlining the project approach and implementation can be a benefit to all involved; projects are completed on schedule and within budgetary constraints for the client, designers collaborate with contractors to develop more constructable designs, and contractors are included in the design process to increase efficiency during construction.
About Ty Williams
Mr. Williams currently serves as an environmental designer in Wildlands’ Charleston, SC office. Mr. Williams has a Bachelor of Science degree from Clemson University in Biological Systems Engineering and possesses over two years of professional experience with AutoCAD Civil3D concept mapping, preparation of construction plans, geomorphic survey data collection, and ecological restoration. His duties at Wildlands include leading and assisting with stream restoration design, construction administration and oversight, AutoCAD production, state and federal permitting, field data collection, and preparation of construction plans for stream restoration and stormwater-related projects. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-williams-5b26a817a/
About Doug Smith
With over 25 years of experience, Mr. Smith has a technical foundation in applied stream, wetland, and coastal restoration science, with experience in erosion and sediment control, stormwater BMP construction and management, riverbank and lakeshore stabilization, and environmental construction management services. He has been responsible for countless wetland and stream restoration projects, with duties including site search, feasibility study, mitigation planning, site design, and project and construction management. Mr. Smith is a licensed general contractor and has considerable experience in construction administration. He is knowledgeable in preparing cost estimates, planning for project needs (scheduling, materials, equipment, and labor), interpreting construction documents, and supervising construction and installation of restoration projects. Mr. Smith works closely with the Director of Construction and the Project Manager to allocate resources, monitor, and control budgets and schedules, and provides accurate accounting for project costs and financial performance.
