The idea behind the Design-Build model of construction may seem obvious, yet the benefits of working with a true Design-Build firm such as Devcon goes well beyond the basic concept of the architect and the builder operating under the same contract. By integrating in-house design and construction management since its inception, Plural has developed a professional environment of collaboration and continual conversation between highly trained and experienced professionals. This communication style allows Plural to produce quality projects in a shortened timeline compared to a traditional Design-Bid-Build project delivery method. Many of our subcontractors reflect a similar design-build approach and boast in-house drawing specification services, custom manufacturing, and installation. This minimizes the number of players in the construction process which in-turn minimizes our schedule coordination.
This collaborative instinct carries over to Plural's long and established partnerships with hundreds of independent architects and engineers. Taking pride in the level of design provided by our own internal architecture and design teams, we are a qualified and dedicated resource for owners, developers, architects and engineers.
For Plural, the heart of general contracting is relationship management and communication. We need to know, understand and anticipate the needs of the building owner or developer, the needs of our client’s architect and engineers, and the needs of our own subcontractors and field staff. Keeping everyone on the same page, pointed in the same direction is the key to a successful project that achieves its scheduling and budgeting goals.
Going beyond the traditional three dimensions of height, width and depth, Plural uses BIM for coordinated, expedited scheduling–that is, to control the fourth dimension of time/schedules–4D BIM. We also use BIM for extremely accurate budgeting, making cost the fifth dimension of the project–5D BIM. We utilize a variety of software tools including NavisWorks which turns plans into 3D digital models that are fully compatible with systems used by our architecture and engineering partners. We aim to further Devcon’s technical capabilities through continuous innovation in digital design and construction.
A detailed, up-to-date digital model can be used to test ideas for energy savings, alternative materials and wear patterns. Modern-day BIM technology allows us to break down even the smallest of data such as heat transfer or air pressure in order to consider all aspects of design and construction in the design process. With the sixth dimension of equipment and materials information added, 6D BIM becomes a living document that the building owner can use to reduce operational costs over the building’s expected lifespan.
Start with the end in mind. That maxim applies especially well to construction projects. For Devcon, THE END that we start with goes well beyond how a project will look silhouetted against a cloud-filled sky. For Plural, THE END is the dream our customer had when the project was first conceived. How do we satisfy it? How do we improve it? How do we make the lives of those who will live or work in it better? Most of the answers are found during Preconstruction.
We value our client relationships and want the end of the project to be just as satisfying and exciting as the initial planning and design stages because we know that final impressions often have the largest and longest impact in the construction industry. After all, the people who occupy the facilities we have constructed have no contact with the 98% of the work hidden in the walls or under the floor, but have daily contact with the 2% of the work that is accessible to them. Project closeout organization is essential in solidifying this final impression.