Maintaining architectural design integrity from the earliest conceptual design stages through construction doesn’t just make for better projects—it is also key to avoiding cost overruns. Design integrity is about making sure the constructed reality matches your vision in the easiest, most efficient manner possible. It lends an efficiency to the entire design and construction process, reducing the need to revisit design decisions, which often drive a domino-effect of changes in the field. Unfortunately, the preservation of the overall design integrity is all too rare for too many projects.
The good news is that architects now have access to a number of digital tools that can better account for all the potential variables sure to arise on a construction project, and can do so earlier in the design stage than ever before. With greater upfront communication among trade partners, designers can plan early for even the smallest details, which reduce compromises and rework in the field.
The five steps below explain just how the right MEP design support can better preserve architectural design integrity, and the benefits architects can expect to see as a result.
Architectural Design IntegrityConceptual design is all about getting the big picture right, but it’s often the small details that can derail a project’s final form. By prioritizing MEP systems’ technical requirements early in the design stage, architects can better ensure that a space’s technical needs are met without compromising on other important details.
These technical needs may include details such as putting outlets or fixtures where needed without compromising the aesthetics and future flexibility of a space. Although minor, details like these are important in ensuring that all equipment has easy access to needed power or other utilities yet blend well with the architectural vision for the project. It’s these types of details that make a space both functional and beautiful, while preventing the frustration of adapting occupancy to fit the building rather than the other way around.
Given the layers of requirements that every architectural project has to meet, it’s become an expectation that something may have to give by the time handoff to the owner comes around. Because there is no compromising on code requirements, and rarely for functionality, it’s often the aesthetic details, prioritized by owners and architects, that give way as adjustments are made in the field.
A benefit of coordinating all technical requirements during the design stage is that aesthetics won’t be forced to be compromised later. For MEP design, these types of aesthetic priorities may include the selection of appropriate finishes for diffusers or other equipment to integrate with the aesthetics of the space, or keeping feature walls and ceilings free of blemishes such as fire alarm devices, thermostats and sprinkler heads.
When conflicts between structure, architecture and ductwork/piping aren’t caught until the project is in the field, the fix becomes far more expensive and damaging to the design integrity. Improved coordination of MEP components with other systems and structural requirements during the design process can reduce clashes in the field and prevent unexpected problems. When these systems are not well coordinated, it tends to force unnecessary penetration of beams or, more commonly, lower than desired ceilings.
High ceilings are often prioritized by owners and architects, but not always achieved when it comes time to route the MEP systems. Assumptions about the amount of above-ceiling space needed for ductwork, wiring and pipes tend to push down the ceiling to allow for more concealed space. Having more concrete data upfront about the amount of space needed for MEP systems can support earlier decisions regarding the need to raise ceiling heights, revise structural components or otherwise optimize MEP layouts.
This combination of tying early design decisions closer to the owner’s technical and aesthetic vision while improving MEP drawing coordination is undoubtedly going to lead to a smoother, quicker construction process. The result of these improvements in architectural design integrity generally means fewer field issues, fewer change orders and less rework in the field.
This, in turn, can dramatically lower the cost of construction overruns. In fact, 2018 data pointed to poor project data as a primary culprit behind more than $31.3 billion worth of annual construction rework. Improving MEP design processes to ensure architectural design integrity is a great strategy for saving time and money without sacrificing construction quality.
Seamless projects that are on time and under budget are a surefire solution for guaranteeing client satisfaction. Perhaps the finest aspect of fostering happy clients is that they provide on-going, repeat work. According to 2016 AIA data, 83% of office, education, and healthcare owners see previous experience with a firm as extremely important when selecting an architect for a job. In fact, it ranks higher than any other factor in their selection process, including value, cost, and reputation.
Meeting or exceeding expectations for a seamless design and construction process builds strong relationships—and sets the groundwork for better design processes on the next project. With the right tools and partners, architects can spend more time designing to what owners really want, and better ensure that construction processes will maintain architectural design integrity though the delivery of the project.
If you’re looking for a partner committed to driving efficiency and accuracy through the design and construction process, contact Schnackel Engineers today.
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