Ingenuity Winter 2018

4 Pond | www.pondco.com capable and flexible ― makes the process quicker and more efficient when working with one organization. With efficiency comes effectiveness.” Project outcome, however, is the final determiner. “We are very happy with the outcome of our projects. It’s been quite an effective mechanism for us to get things done. Design- build simplifies the process and allows you to meet your timelines in the small windows of opportunities,” said Hyams. In the case of Pond’s first task order service for UNG, the team worked closely with the University to provide a solution for flooring issues at a 15,000 SF dining hall facility at the University’s Dahlonega campus. Fo l l ow i ng a consu l t a t i on , Pond recommended, and UNG agreed to, one of several options. The task order was completed within 19 days, on time, on budget and to the full satisfaction of UNG. Sam L. Smith, Program Manager and Associate for Pond, comments, “We took a comprehensive, consultative, relational approach to understand their desired outcome, providing them with options on how to get there and what the pros and cons are so they would understand the maintenance burdens. The long-term tradeoffs of different options, capital costs versus life cycle analysis are all very important considerations.” When asked if Pond’s consultative approach added value to the dining hall project outcome, Hyams answered, “I was new to the project team so the consultative approach was absolutely imperative to me personally. Having Sam and others coming in and making recommendations was imperative.” The collaborative approach inherent in the design-build model not only helps streamline processes and communications between design and construction efforts, but also provides considerable advantages to controlling costs. Early collaboration between owners and planners is imperative. According to Smith, “Our ability to interact with owners early on, helping them to shape their programs to facilitate the transition from the vision projected in the program to design narratives will get a project designed and built.” The design-build delivery approach provides owners with credible information early on regarding the budgetary resources that a project will require. “Our process starts by working together with the owner to fine tune and validate their program,” said Smith. Asked about UNG’s experiences working with a design-build firm, Hyams replies, “It’s a more efficient, effective process having the historical, developing relationships with personnel in the Integration and collaboration are inherent features wherein design and construction work together in the best interest of project outcome. Stre and simplify your next project u “This relationship reinforces one of our important corporate values. We want to be our clients’ first choice.” O n many construction projects, design-build delivery offers significant advantages over more traditional delivery systems including shorter construction, lower costs, continuous and unified quality control and reduced risk for the project owner. A study conducted by the Construction Industry Institute (CII) concluded, “Owners who see an advantage to continue to fine-tune the scope, up to and even after the capital project has started, have a distinct advantage in using a design-build contractor in lieu of other methods of execution.” Those advantages can be traced back to two distinctive elements of design-build projects: integration and collaboration. Design-build firms are far more synergistic than traditional construction companies, able to engage designers and constructors t o p r o v i d e w e l l - t h o u g h t - o u t , comprehensive solutions for their clients. Accordingly, integration and collaboration are inherent features wherein design and construction work together, without contractual tension or corporate priorities, in the best interest of project outcome. A look at the developing relationship between Pond and the University of North Georgia offers a greater understanding of the potential benefits of using design-build. As of May 2016, Pond has provided task order construction services to the University of North Georgia (UNG). When asked how the design-build model performs, UNG’s Director of Facilities, Mike Hyams answered, “It shortens the process, allowing us to be increasingly