Page 18 - 2019_Issue1_Rosendin Newsletter

How is design-build engineering and prefabrication space on 399 Fremont,
changing the traditional construction site? which consisted of multiple
STEPHENS: A true design-build scenario is an optimal lighting control zones,
delivery method for maximizing prefabrication as it enables planter boxes, benches,
all stakeholders to have input on what would be the most outdoor showers, barbecue
efficient installation. The projects we’ve seen that benefit countertops, kitchen spaces,
the most under a design-build scenario over the traditional swimming pool and spa.
construction method are ones that integrate a contractor’s Accommodating the lighting
prefabrication efforts with the entire project team. Having a design was incredibly
fully coordinated model enables the prefabrication efforts, challenging. The original
however, I believe we as an industry still have an opportunity design simply wouldn’t
to better align our individual prefabrication efforts for allow a satisfactory electrical
common work packages. install, so we held multiple Mark Stone, Project Manager
meetings for adjusting (San Francisco)
What risks/challenges might the industry face by architectural finishes to
using these new technologies? accommodate electrical work which took place over the
STEPHENS: Our experience is that this is kind of a chicken course of six months. Keeping the customer budget’s in
or the egg scenario. We are starting to see a large number mind, all parties mutually agreed on a slight re-design over
of people with a significant amount of experience leave our the months, which left everyone happy. Please note that
industry, so these kinds of tools and methods are a necessity all of this required early in-slab conduit runs, so this was
in order to adapt to a changing workforce. On the flip side, a challenge we had to address very early in the project.
THE CHANGING be formed and make it more challenging when these tools had to accommodate aesthetics and the San Francisco Fire
Exterior Fire Alarm was also part of the challenge, as we
due to the power of these tools, a dependence can quickly
Department.
are not available. The fallout comes because most projects
are still not supporting a sophisticated or any VDC process,
FACE OF THE which is really what enables most of these elements. What are the costs of implementing design-build
engineering?
STEPHENS: From our perspective, there are no costs. While
Your portfolio includes multifamily projects in
preconstruction costs may be higher, the more efficient
San Jose and San Francisco which feature design-
CONSTRUCTION SITE build engineering. Could you highlight one of your construction will provide for a higher quality product and
opportunities for savings dollars in the long run.
most challenging projects? What obstacles did you
encounter?
STONE: One major challenge for Rosendin was housing six
STEPHENS: We have a significant culture around safety
medium voltage substations with very limited space—at What are your latest innovations?
Reprinted from Commercial Property Executive | By Evelyn Jozsa 399 Fremont, a design-build residential project in San here at Rosendin. We work closely with our suppliers and
Francisco—including two on the 42nd floor, along with a vendors to identify ways to be innovative in a collaborative
generator on the floor above. The code cycle was listed manner. The latest example of this has been working with
for 1999—the two-year project was completed in 2014. a major tool manufacturer to help us redesign a bandsaw
However, PG&E and local AHJ were tight on ensuring all that contains a two-handed safety switch. This was designed
How is augmented reality medium voltage was built with recent codes in mind— and created from representatives in our field operations as a
How do digital tools impact used to facilitate the somewhat hybrid. Multiple meetings with the building result of identifying a more efficient and safer way to handle
contractors' work? Rosendin's Brandon construction process? department and PG&E had to take place to ensure all parties this type of equipment. The efforts resulted in a completely
redesigned saw that eliminated blade rotation when only
were satisfied. Meeting the standards of local entities while
Stephens and Mark Stone shed light on STEPHENS: We have been satisfying customer budget was monumentally difficult, but one hand is engaged. This innovative approach to a potential
working with augmented
how technology is transforming the reality for over a year and it was accomplished. problem was due to the relationship with our vendor and
traditional construction site, as the have deployed on a variety We were also met with challenges regarding the location and thinking innovatively to find a solution.
business is facing a labor shortage. of projects as part of our BIM logistics. The 399 Fremont project was located at the first Where is the construction sector heading? What are
process. Our current AR efforts
have been focused on safety major intersection/off-ramp to the Bay Bridge where traffic your predictions for the future?
The construction industry is slowly entering a new era, and quality where we have was extremely congested and very dangerous. Material STEPHENS: Our short-term outlook is very positive both
where innovative technologies are at the foundation of developed simulations through deliveries and loading dock spaces were very limited in locally (Stephens is based in Phoenix) and nationally. We are
alternative delivery methods. Building Information Modeling our BIM process that can Brandon Stephens space and time. In fact, local authorities would regularly fortunate to have a number of significant clients operating
(BIM) andaugmented reality are already part of modern replicate the exact conditions Division Manager (Arizona) monitor the location to ensure lanes weren’t blocked. at record levels that we anticipate will continue through
construction projects. Commercial Property Executive talked that an individual will face, That forced us to get very detailed and plan deliveries 2020. Additionally, we are starting to see other clients being
with San Jose-based Rosendin's Division Manager Brandon including manipulation of tools in a given situation. This well in advance. To accomplish this, Rosendin initiated open to utilizing alternative delivery methods in an effort to
Stephens and Project Manager Mark Stone to gain some provides a deeper training opportunity to enhance our safety condensed/prefabricated deliveries with vendors at unique ease some of the strain of the current shortage of labor. My
insights on how the construction industry is adapting to the training, especially when high-risk scenarios are involved. times throughout the day in order to keep the volume to a hope is that this trend will continue as we are seeing owners
changing workforce landscape and what’s expected going minimum, limit the time for offloading deliveries, as well as recognize the value of a more transparent, team-based
forward. stray away from congested times throughout the day. approach in our industry.
Another interesting aspect was the outdoor amenity

18 The Feeder | Issue 1, 2019 Issue 1, 2019 | The Feeder 19