Risk Management

Risk is inherent in the design and construction industry.  Successful project outcomes are dependent on unbiased understanding of project risks. Resources to assist in understand potential risks: Summary of common risks between an Owner, Architect, Engineer, Construction Manager and Trade Contractor, an outcome from Cogence Alliance, January 2016 (PDF) Analysis of how, when and to …

Design Build

The “Design Build” delivery method is often confused with “Design Assist”.  The primary difference being the Design Build contactor is responsible for providing or hiring the engineer and therefore has responsibility and liability for the function of the systems being designed, implemented and installed for a project.  The Design Build contractor is responsible for the …

Design Assist

The “Design Assist” delivery method is much different than the traditional Design-Bid-Build and Design Build delivery methods.  The Design Assist method allows the owner to hire a design assist contractor for pre-construction services.  This usually takes place around the schematic design phase.  The design assist contractor does not have any liability for the design.  The …

No-Surprise Construction

In 2004, Ava Abramowitz, Esq., wrote an article for The Construction Lawyer called “Implementing New Contracting Relationships to Create Successful Projects for All Parties in the Construction Process.” In it, Abramowitz called for a change in the way the industry approaches construction contracting. She termed the approach “No Surprise Construction.” This resonated deeply with our …