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Oct 05
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Best Practices for Mitigating Construction Risk

By Industry Insights

Best Practices for Mitigating Construction Risk

With continuing supply chain bottlenecks, unpredictable material and equipment costs and challenging installation site conditions, contractors have to be on top of their game to deliver quality builds on time and on budget.

Now more than ever, construction managers must possess a high level of skill, planning capabilities, connections, ingenuity and diligence to stay on top of materials and equipment procurement, consistently monitoring the arrival of materials, scheduling subs, managing long lead time items and dealing with construction logistics.

The following are key best practices for achieving just that.

Market Conditions

One of the best ways to keep material and equipment costs down is early procurement. This strategy helps to minimize the potential impact of material shortages and price escalation.

Currently this approach is particularly important with roofing materials, windows and cooler panels, but applies to many other products including all electrical equipment such as gear, meter banks, transformers, panels etc.; HVAC equipment like rooftops, make up air, residential unit systems; and elevators.

When early procurement is not executed, in most cases, more money will be spent buying those items down the line.

Another important approach is identifying alternative materials and equipment that can be utilized in the event that the preferred items are not available or prohibitively expensive.

For example, sourcing products like flooring, siding, windows, glass and some equipment overseas can lead to cost savings if the project can afford to wait the extra time for delivery.

Through this process, both domestically and overseas, it’s important to develop strong relationships with suppliers and vendors to help strengthen one’s supply chain. This can include negotiating fixed-price contracts with suppliers through the duration of the project to reduce the impact of market fluctuations.

Ultimately, it’s important to maintain a contingency budget to absorb unexpected increases in material costs.

Fast Tracking

To keep a project on schedule, a number of strategically identified tasks will need to be fast tracked.

This begins with conducting a thorough analysis of the project requirements to ensure that fast-tracking is necessary and feasible.

Next, critical path items are identified and the project team works together to develop a detailed schedule to support the fast tracking of demolition, site work and foundation work.

Through this process, a rigorous quality control process should be implemented to ensure that work is completed to a high standard.

All relevant permits and approvals must be obtained before work begins to avoid delays. Progress should be closely monitored and the schedule adjusted as necessary to avoid delays or errors.

Anticipating Long Lead Items

As noted, critical long lead items must be identified early in the project. Some critical possible examples for foundation/site work include reinforcement for deep or conventional foundations and utility items such as grease traps, storm traps, triple basins, manholes, etc.

If strong relationships have been established with suppliers and vendors, this will help ensure that long lead items are delivered on time. It’s also possible to negotiate the early release of long lead items, stored material payments or material down payments in order to secure material pricing and keep the project on schedule.

In the event of unexpected delays with the delivery of long lead items, it’s important to maintain a contingency budget and a back-up plan to make up for unexpected delays in the delivery of these long lead items.

Site Constraints and Logistics

For best practices in working around site constraints and logistical challenges, a thorough analysis should be conducted to identify potential issues and then a detailed plan should be developed.

This includes working closely with the local authorities to ensure that all permits and approvals are obtained before work begins. It may also be possible to secure permission to use public space, if needed.

By establishing clear lines of communication with all stakeholders—including local residents and businesses—this will help minimize disruption. In addition, subcontractor input is a must.

Finally, the Implementation of a robust health and safety plan will help ensure that all workers and visitors to the site are protected.

Successful Execution

Contending with some of the most unpredictable supply chain issues, lead times and price escalations in modern history requires the skill and savvy of an experienced contractor.

To learn more about how Summit Design + Build can bring your next project to fruition, contact us here.

About the author

Barbara Horwitz-Bennett is a seasoned architectural journalist, covering the design and construction industry for the past 20+ years. She writes for numerous industry magazines and creates content for AEC firms and product manufacturers.

Sep 22
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Perfecting A Common Construction Strategy

By Industry Insights

Perfecting A Common Construction Strategy

Multi-Story Building Stick Frame Wood over Concrete Podium Lessons Learned

A well proven construction strategy for multi-story buildings, podium construction offers long-term durability, low maintenance and fast-track site erection.

Providing cost efficiencies in labor and materials, these types of buildings offer greater design flexibility, less environmental impact and a more efficient construction process.

The following is a step-by-step guide for successfully building a stick frame wood over a concrete podium multi-story building, on time and on budget.

1) Constructability Review

Prior to ground breaking, if not sooner, the superintendent carefully reviews the architectural, structural and civil engineers plans, checking for areas which cannot be built as designed, or that could become issues down the road. This review may include dimensions/layout, framing methods, code constraints, material usage and any conflicting designs between the architect and engineers.

2) Framing Book

The completion of a framing book helps the framers and inspectors easily access information on the framing throughout the building. This should include: floor and roof truss layout; door/window rough openings; headers; jack/king studs; baring walls; shear walls; bracing for cabinets, bathroom accessories/ADA handrails, TV mounts, shelving and hold downs/uplifts.

The book should identify the location and sizes of each item with unit plans, floor plans and engineer- required structural drawings, along with relevant shop drawings/submittals and Requests for Information (RFIs).

The team should review the structure’s construction types above the roof deck, i.e., elevator overrun, stair overrun, etc., and consider questions such as whether the framing needs to be fire treated and whether the interior underside of the roof needs a fire rating.

3) Assurance & Quality Control

For both the podium pre-pour and wood framing, there are a number of important quality control measures which should be taken.

Regarding the former, the carpenter should lay out all the walls on concrete plywood deck. Then the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineers can use the wall layout for sleeving.

The embeds/sleeves/openings must then be verified, located and installed correctly. This includes the framing hold down system, guardrail/handrail and brick relief angle embeds; fire suppression, HVAC, plumbing and electrical sleeves; and floor boxes. The trash chute opening should be accurately located and installed, as should the future rated chase shaft opening.

Quality assurance for the wood framing should involve checking the headers; shear/bearing/exterior wall studs; window rough openings and ensuring the correct heights; checking the door rough openings; ensuring the jack/king studs are properly located and sized; checking that the sheathing and bracing are installed as required; and that the hold downs/uplifts are per the plans/RFIs.

Other areas to review are the MEP rough in for fire stopping and if there are balconies, making sure the framer leaves adequate space for the steel sub to install balcony steel and make welded connections.

4) Inspections

Once the building is built, the project team must pass a number of inspections.

Third party inspections include:

  • Concrete/concrete masonry unit – soil/compaction, rebar, post-tension slab cables installation/tensioning and concrete/grout testing
  • Metal –welding joints at the stairs, embeds and structural steel
  • Framing – shear wall sheathing, exterior sheathing and nail patterns

City/county inspections are performed for:

  • Framing –headers, jack/king studs, floor trusses, uplifts/hold downs, fire caulking, shear wall framing and bearing wall framing
  • MEP rough-in and fire sprinkler inspections are completed before the insulation and drywall is installed.
  • Insulation – netting/blown in, rock wool and batt insulation, channel installation, fire-rated walls, chases and ceilings
  • Drywall – channel installation, fire-rated walls, chases and ceilings

Inspections for the building envelope may include mockup Inspection:

  • Window/exterior door installation
  • Flashing and sealing
  • Water proofing
  • EIFS – insulation, installation and joints
  • Masonry veneer
  • Metal panels-  installation and caulk/sealing
  • Roofing

Lessons Learned

If at all possible, it’s important to start the county inspection process for the framing and MEP/sprinkler as early as possible. Inspectors may only be able to spend a limited amount of time per day doing the inspections, which then spreads out the process over a longer period. This then makes it very difficult to continue with insulation and drywall in a timely manner.

Make sure to stay on top of corrective work called out in the RFIs, observations and architectural reviews. If necessary, bring these issues to the subcontractors’ attention. It’s important that these corrections are made in a timely manner and if needed, seek direction from the architect or engineer to approve corrective modifications.

Another key best practice is taking the concrete pre-pour checklist seriously. Once it’s poured, it costs thousands of dollars each day to scan the concrete for rebar and post-tension cables. This can be largely avoided by taking pictures with tape measure during the pre-pour, noting the concrete clear cover and location of the photo.

Coordinate the drywall and finish schedule with the subcontractors. This includes the scheduling of MEP rough ins and drywall installation.

A possible time saving/value engineering option is to pitch the roof structure with trusses in lieu of tapered insulation as it requires a longer lead time and is more expensive. Then the roof trusses can be fully insulated with the architect’s approval.

Ultimately, bringing in a skilled and experienced contractor is the best assurance for a successful multi-story building stick frame wood over concrete podium build.

Contact Summit Design + Build to see how we can support your next multi-family project.

About the author

Barbara Horwitz-Bennett is a seasoned architectural journalist, covering the design and construction industry for the past 20+ years. She writes for numerous industry magazines and creates content for AEC firms and product manufacturers.

Aug 22
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Meet the 2023 Interns

By Industry Insights

Meet Our Construction
Management Interns

An internship with Summit Design + Build is a great opportunity for college students to learn first-hand what a career in construction is all about! Our internship program is designed so that our interns gain the most valuable, impactful experience while having fun, in the hopes that they come back to grow their careers with us. From day one our interns are immersed in our active construction projects, working side-by-side with our project managers, project engineers, estimators, and superintendents. Over the course of their internship, Summit Design + Build interns also get to conduct multiple site visits followed by intern team lunches at Chicago’s hottest spots. Interns also participate in intern happy hours, lunch and learns, Summit social gatherings and Summit team-building events!

Get to Know Our Interns

We sat down with three of our interns to get an inside scoop of what it is like to intern at Summit Design + Build. We spoke with Sahil Patel (Majoring in Civil Engineering with a primary in Construction Management at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign), Painton Jeppe (Majoring in International Affairs at University of Colorado-Boulder), and Jake Duerr (Majoring in Finance and minoring in Engineering Technology at the University of Dayton), who is back for his third consecutive summer! We sat down with our interns to learn what intrigues them about the construction industry, what makes them thrive, and what their future construction goals are.

 

Why did you decide to intern with Summit Design + Build?

Sahil: “I enjoyed speaking with the recruiters at the career fair and their portfolio of impressive projects caught my attention. I wanted to work for a smaller general contractor who focused on their interns, and Summit does exactly that. I know that interning with Summit would provide me with invaluable hands-on experience and the opportunity to work with a team of industry experts.”

Painton: “Summit is a smaller general contractor that is doing big gc work. Also, it is a very inclusive and encouraging work environment.”

Jake: “What made me decide to intern with SDB was the experience I have gained from my previous internships and the people I have been able to work with. Each summer I have learned something new whether that be working in Cost Estimation, Pre-Construction, or On-going Construction.”

What are you looking forward to most during this internship?

Sahil: “During this internship, I am most excited about collaborating with professionals who share my passion for sustainable design. I look forward to being involved in the entire construction process, from initial concepts to the final stages of project completion. I am eager to learn from the best in the field and gain practical knowledge that will enhance my skills as a project engineer.”

Jake: “What I am looking forward to most during this internship is to learn more about the different aspects/details that go into each specific trade.”

Painton: “To be working on-site and seeing the projects develop from start to finish.”

What has been your favorite thing so far?

Sahil: “One of the coolest things about this internship has been the chance to visit construction sites and witness the transformation of architectural plans into physical structures. It’s truly amazing to see how each detail and decision made during the design phase comes to life. I find it incredibly fulfilling to be a part of such a dynamic and creative process.”

Painton: “To be working on-site and seeing the projects develop from start to finish.”

Jake: “My favorite thing about my internship has been the ability to be on-site for the 718 Main St project multiple times a week.”

Favorite Chicago sports team?

Sahil: “Chicago Bulls”

Painton: “Cubbies”

Jake: “Chicago Bears”

Best part of Chicago Summer?

Sahil: “The best thing about Chicago summer is the outdoor festivals, concerts, and beach days along Lake Michigan. The warm weather is probably my favorite since it allows me to explore the city, enjoy outdoor dining, and go biking along the Lake Shore.”

Painton: “Spending time at the beach.”

Jake: “My favorite thing about Chicago Summer is attending the outdoor festivals/concerts that are going on throughout the city.”

Favorite Chicago pizza?

Sahil: “Giordano’s”

Painton: “Barnaby’s”

Jake: “Phil’s Pizza”

What is your go-to joke?

Sahil: “Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything!”

Painton: “What’s a dentist’s favorite time of day? Tooth Hurty”

Jake: “How do you make a tissue dance? Put a little boogie in it.”

Favorite TV show of all time?

Sahil: “My all-time favorite TV show would have to be Breaking Bad., The compelling storyline, complex characters, and gripping suspense make it a truly unforgettable series.”

Painton: “Avatar the Last Airbender, or Parks and Recreation”

Jake: “Peaky Blinders”

If you could be on-site of any construction project, what would it be?

Sahil: “If given the opportunity, I would love to be on-site for the construction of a futuristic sustainable skyscraper. It would be amazing to be part of a project that pushes the boundaries of sustainable design and incorporates advanced technologies.”

Painton: “Binghatti Tower. The new Jacob and Co luxury apartment complex in Dubai. It’s going to be the tallest residential building in the world.”

Jake: “The one construction project I would want to be on-site for is the new Chicago Bears Stadium at the old Arlington Race Track.”

What has surprised you the most working at Summit?

Sahil: “One of the most surprising aspects of working at Summit is the company’s unwavering commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. I love how attentive they are to the interns, making sure we truly want to be here and getting the most out of our time. There is a genuine dedication to nurturing talent within the organization.”

Painton: “How everyone in the office has made it a priority to teach me how each one of my tasks with help/affect the actual projects.”

What are your future goals/aspirations?

Sahil: “My future goals revolve around becoming an accomplished project engineer who combines sustainable practices with innovative design concepts. Long term, hopefully open up a civil engineering firm alongside some of my friends.”

Painton: “Travel the world, start a family, and eventually retire and open a bar-restaurant.”

Jake: “My future goals/aspirations are to gain as much experience in the construction industry as possible, improve on certain skills in the workplace I find myself weakest at, and eventually have the chance to work on projects that revolve around professional sport’s stadiums/arenas.”

Jul 24
Love1

People Thrive @ 1111 W Addison.

By Industry Insights

Summit Design + Build: Building Spaces Where People Thrive

People Thrive @ 1111 W Addison

Summit’s key proposition is “building spaces where people & business thrive.” We know the buildings we have erected tell part of our story, but we want to dive deeper into how our spaces positively impact those who use them.

As the second in Summit’s series of blogs that explore how our spaces are enriching the lives of those who occupy them, we are focusing on 1111 W Addison. This recent project near the intersection of Addison and Clark Street features a 59,000-square-foot, four-story, ground-up commercial construction project with retail on the ground floor and a fitness and bouldering center on the third and fourth floors.

Summit transformed this site from the old Wrigleyville Taco Bell (no need to fret, there is a new Taco Bell in the ground-level retail space of the new building) into a fresh space that serves its community through movement.

Movement Wrigleyville includes three floors wrapped around a central atrium that hosts 11,000 square feet of bouldering, a yoga studio, locker rooms, numerous spaces with fitness equipment, and a support office. The weights and cardio areas have their own floor overlooking the climbing spaces. These spaces provide ample opportunities for individuals to engage in physical activities that promote health and well-being. The abundance of natural light, spaciousness, and well-designed layout contribute to a welcoming and inspiring environment.

Just steps from Wrigley Field, the location of this modern building is prime for all Chicago residents and visitors. With easy walkability, residents now have access to a brand-new 41,895-square-foot climbing gym.

This space contains multitudes. The yoga studio provides a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of Chicago with an assortment of yoga classes offered daily, ranging from a standard Flow to Acro Yoga to Yin and more. Fitness classes include but are not limited to H.I.I.T., strength, and mobility classes. You can also find climbing lessons at Movement Gym as well as an array of children’s programs such as summer camps and lessons. Community events are another highlight of this space, with upcoming events including Queer climb night, boulders and books, sober meet-ups, and much more. You can book a free tour of this space anytime you like.

I personally visited this facility and was blown away by the accessible climbs and kindness of fellow climbers. The massive space provides ample room for climbing, with routes suitable for all, no matter your skill level. As a beginner, this was especially important to me. Equally as crucial, the sense of community was palpable. I was blown away by the support of fellow climbers, calling out words of encouragement and tips as I attempted certain routes. The accessible climbs and kindness of fellow climbers proved this space is truly for all. Whether you are looking for a solo workout, a friend group hangout, a family excursion, or a space to make new friends, 1111 W Addison has you covered. Plus, the physical benefits of engaging in such activities are extensive, including improved brain health, an extended lifespan, diminished risk of diseases and injuries, and so much more. It is evident that this space was purposefully constructed with the intention of helping people thrive and is doing just that.

1111 W Addison exemplifies Summit’s commitment to building spaces where people and businesses thrive. This facility goes beyond being a mere fitness center, providing a sanctuary for physical activity, a supportive community, and a platform for social connections. By offering a variety of amenities and programs, Summit has created a space that helps individuals of all backgrounds and skill levels thrive physically, mentally, and socially.

Author – Sylvia Miller

1111 West Addison Imagery

Jun 13
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Design-Build for Commercial Construction

By Industry Insights

Summit Design + Build: Building Spaces Where People Thrive

The Benefits of Design-Build for Commercial Construction

If you’ve been tuned into the news at any point over the past few years, you’ve undoubtedly seen how construction costs continue to rise. Expensive materials, labor shortages, severe weather, and a host of other issues have caused large-scale projects to miss deadlines and break budgets with regularity.

If any of these challenges have you holding your breath prior to an upcoming commercial construction project, there is a viable solution at hand: partnering with a design-build firm. In this article, we will explore the benefits of design-build and how it can potentially help keep project costs under control.

What Is the Design-Build Concept?

 

Design-build is the idea that a single entity will be in charge of all aspects of the construction process, from early design planning to completion. Many construction projects piece out responsibilities in a design-bid-build, or hardbid, construction process. This results in inefficiencies in terms of cost and completion times. Choosing to partner with a design-build firm removes many of the moving parts common to a construction process.

Advantages of Using Design-Build in Commercial Construction

Design-build streamlines many of the most challenging aspects of a construction project, such as communication between stakeholders and scheduling the myriad contractors.

With the design-build method, the contractor assumes most of the risk for staying on budget and meeting deadlines. This gives owners incredible peace of mind.

  • A few more specific advantages of design-build include:
    Integrated budgeting, scheduling, and building from the early stages of planning, guaranteeing that all stakeholders and contractors are on the same page.
  • Due to everything being done in-house with a unified vision, certain projects can be green-lighted and started ahead of time, resulting in significant time savings.
  • With an extensive pool of trusted contractors and subcontractors, the design-build firm guarantees that the project is always expertly staffed by the highest quality professionals in the industry.

At the end of the day, while the streamlined communication and collaboration lead to a better process that results in time and cost savings, it also adds up to the greatest benefit of all: better buildings.

How Design-Build Can Lead to Cost Savings

 

When looking at cost savings, it is beneficial to compare design-build over the more traditional design-bid-build, or hardbid, method of construction. The design-build concept offers several potential cost savings over hardbird, which requires stakeholders to enter into contracts with separate entities for both the design and construction processes.

Design-build is usually more economical than hardbid because you’re only hiring one company. In hardbid, you hire an architect and a contractor separately, which means you’ll have to pay not only for their time and services, but any associated fees and administrative costs that are standard for each company, resulting in cost inefficiencies. In design-build, the same company will handle all aspects of your project. This makes it easier to keep track of costs and budgets.

Design-build can also save money by eliminating some steps in the process. In hardbid, the architect and contractor must communicate back and forth with each other throughout the project. This can take up valuable time and resources that could be better spent elsewhere.

Finally, design-build can also save money by eliminating some of the risks associated with construction projects. With hardbid, there are more chances for errors or miscommunication between different parties involved in the project. In design-build, there is only one party involved in all aspects of the project, which streamlines processes and increases efficiency in communication, which has the potential to lead to cost savings.

Trends to Execute in a Design-Build Project

 

Some people may erroneously think that choosing an inclusive, all-in-one design build firm will in some way limit the kind of building concepts they can employ.

This is not the case at all.

Design-build firms are well-equipped to handle some of the most innovative, cutting-edge trends in commercial construction and the materials that make them possible.  Some of the trendy concepts that design-build can effectively execute include:

  • Open interiors that increase natural light flow and use acoustic wall panels to stylishly limit sound transfer
  • The highest standard in safety with ADA accommodations, modern glass stair railing around all elevated areas, innovative fire suppression systems, and an infrastructure of safety doors and credentialed access
  • Functional exterior spaces that use roof deck tiles to create rooftop hangouts, permeable pavers to promote drainage, and attractive stone facades for outdoor break areas

All in all, pairing with a modern design-build firm allows stakeholders to execute a wide variety of trends and associated materials to create any type of structure they envision.

The Benefits of Design-Build for Commercial Construction

 

The streamlined communication and collaboration made possible with the design-build concept can result in major time and money savings for project owners. If you are still in the planning process for a commercial construction project and want to further explore the ways that design-build can help you out, contact Summit Design + Build today for a consultation!

Natalie Akins is a freelance writer that loves sharing her knowledge and expertise on interior decorating and remodeling. She lives in her hometown of Austin, Texas where she enjoys spending time with her husband and decorating with her children. Natalie’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource site.

Apr 21
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Healthcare Facility Construction

By Industry Insights

Summit Design + Build: Building Spaces Where People Thrive

Healthcare Facility Construction

Summit is built on one key proposition: “building spaces where people & business thrive.” Our company has always been dedicated to this principle, and we have built a reputation for creating spaces that meet this standard. However, there is more to our story than the buildings we have erected. We want to take the time to thoroughly understand the impact our buildings have on the people who use them.

This is the start of a series of blogs that will delve into how our spaces are positively impacting the lives of those who occupy them. We will be exploring the tangible benefits our clients are experiencing as a result of the spaces we have built. Join us as we explore how Summit is helping people thrive.

One area where Summit Design + Build excels in is medical facility construction. At Summit, we understand that the highest standards of quality and precision are vital to any medical facility construction project. Whether building a primary care or plastic surgery facility, the innovation and value engineering Summit provides are essential to ensure the final product includes leading technology and flexibility for future growth and industry advancements.

This is evident in the various medical facility projects that Summit has completed, including the interior refresh of Orthopedic Specialists. This project included new flooring, paint, and minor electrical and plumbing upgrades. Another notable example is the office build-out for Primary Care Healthcare Associates, which consisted of a reception area, exam rooms, as well as private offices.

Summit also recently completed the new construction of the Tree House Humane Society, a 2-story cat adoption center for a non-profit humane organization that features veterinary clinics, open-air cat patios, a cat café, an outdoor terrace, and offices and meeting rooms. Proving Summit creates places where even felines can thrive!

The Human Society’s new facility not only offers a range of amenities such as a newly constructed shelter, vet clinic, meeting rooms, and offices, but also enhances the overall working environment, making it more pleasant and conducive for employees and visitors alike. The new open-air environment was constructed with tall ceilings and plenty of windows, that provide natural light. These improvements have turned the Tree House Humane Society into a cutting-edge animal shelter that provides an inviting environment that one can feel as soon as they walk through the door. The transition from an old storefront to this new facility has made a significant positive impact on everyone involved, empowering the organization to fulfill their mission and protect cats in need.

The best spaces are ones that accommodate users and improve daily lives. The medical spaces that Summit builds do just that. The results are tangible, whether that’s better access to healthcare because your doctor is just around the corner, or a more relaxing smooth doctor’s appointment because the office is built in a calming and organized fashion. The way a space is built alters the experience of the patient. From the moment a patient enters one of our medical spaces, they can feel the attention to detail and care that went into its construction. The spaces we build are designed to make the patient experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. At Summit, we approach construction with the goal of enhancing the lives of those who use the spaces we create, and we take pride in the tangible results that come from our efforts.

Our focus on medical facility construction is just one example of how we are able to achieve our one key proposition. Our dedication to this principle extends beyond just medical spaces. We also specialize in recreational facility construction, creating spaces that provide opportunities for physical activity, a sense of community, and much more. We are proud of the impact our spaces have on the lives of those who use them and we look forward to exploring this further in our upcoming series of blogs.

Author – Sylvia Miller

Mar 17
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Spotlight on North Carolina Construction

By Industry Insights, North Carolina

Spotlight on North Carolina Construction

Ranked as the nation’s top state for business in 2022 by both CNBC and Forbes, North Carolina is a growing hot spot for manufacturing, technology, finance and more.

With one of the highest net migration rates in the country, folks have been consistently re-locating to the Tar Hell State for the past decade.

The state’s noted growth and pro-business climate is fueled by a few factors including access to professionals graduating from Research Triangle institutions, access to capital with four of the country’s top five branch banks headquartered in the state and quality of life.

Further, noted government investment incentives recently attracted Apple to build an east coast hub, Toyota to manufacture a battery plant, Boom Supersonic to construct an airline manufacturing facility VinFast to build an electric vehicle plant and Wolfspeed to design a microchip manufacturing plant.

It’s no wonder that Zillow ranked Raleigh and Charlotte in the top five hottest housing markets in 2022.

Summit in Charlotte

Originally invited by a multifamily client to build a couple projects in North Carolina, expanding to this booming real estate market was a natural move for Summit Design + Build.

Summit is actively working on Vida 2 – a 7-story building with first-level retail and 6 levels of 97 residential units in Kannapolis. And Stadium Lofts, also currently under construction, is two stories of retail and five stories of residential overlooking the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers stadium, a Chicago White Sox minor league baseball team. Expected to wrap this summer, the building will feature a lobby, fitness center, club room and a parking garage, and the apartments will offer balconies, and high-end appliances and finishes. In addition, the new building will house the Towel City Tavern with drinks brewed by the local Cabarrus Brewing Company and a top-shelf bourbon bar with seating overlooking Atrium Health Ballpark.

Drawn In

Just two miles west to the Appalachian Mountains and an hour and a half east to the outer banks of the Atlantic Ocean, the State offers whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, two national parks, bird watching, and great restaurants and wineries.

With a strong job and housing market and lower cost of living, as compared to other states and cities, people are drawn to North Carolina.

A commuter rail from Raleigh to Sanford is currently under construction, and is anticipated to bring more development to the area.

“We see North Carolina as being a very successful market,” relates Summit Design + Build’s project team. “The growth potential is astronomical.”

About the Author

Barbara Horwitz-Bennett is a seasoned architectural journalist, covering the design and construction industry for the past 20+ years. She writes for numerous industry magazines and creates content for AEC firms and product manufacturers..

Feb 17
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4 Hospitality Construction Trends

By Industry Insights

4 Hospitality Construction Trends

Spurred by continuing post-pandemic economic recovery, the hospitality market is strong. In Lodging Econometrics’s fourth quarter 2022 Construction Pipeline Trend Report, lodging projects were up 14% year-over-year (YOY) and construction starts increased 35% YOY and 36% YOY, respectively.

Despite economic challenges facing all construction sectors, hotel owners, investors, developers and management groups see much opportunity in 2023.

The following are four key trends shaping today’s hospitality projects.

The Evolving Lobby

Spurred by continuing post-pandemic economic recovery, the hospitality market is strong. In Lodging Econometrics’s fourth quarter 2022 Construction Pipeline Trend Report, lodging projects were up 14% year-over-year (YOY) and construction starts increased 35% YOY and 36% YOY, respectively.

Despite economic challenges facing all construction sectors, hotel owners, investors, developers and management groups see much opportunity in 2023.

The following are four key trends shaping today’s hospitality projects.

Creating Instagram-able Spots

Creating buzz and free publicity, hotels stand to benefit from designing memorable spots worthy of Instagram photos. This includes a cool building façade, unique sign, waterfall or a richly decorated and curated lobby for snapping interesting photos.

Creating themes or embracing local design trends and history are another way to draw Instagram interest and highlight the uniqueness and authenticity of the location.

For indoor settings, good lighting is important. This includes uniform lighting, daylighting and trendy fixtures. Patrons—and their cameras—are also drawn to design features like stone decor, wood paneling, gardens and greenery.

Catering to Remote Workers

Along with the business travelers frequenting hotels, more and more remote workers are embracing hotels as an attractive third place.

In addition to the standard outlets, USB ports and WiFi in hotel lobbies, both out-of-town business folks and local residents are looking for access to conference rooms, business centers and co-working spaces.

Seeking an environment that’s a combination of an Airbnb and WeWork center, mobile workers are drawn to upscale and comfortable interiors, interesting decor and a view where they can sit down with their laptops and enjoy a nicely furnished space.

Easy access to good coffee and a variety of snacks and dining options is important as well.

Eco-Friendly Design

With businesses and tourists returning to travel, sustainability is top of mind. An American Express Travel Global Trends Report found 68% of consumers showing interest in sustainability-friendly travel brands. In another study, recently released by the corporate travel and payment technology platform HRS and the GBTA business travel association, 65% of travelers say they would prioritize hotels with a validated sustainability certification.

Hospitality venues are selecting low-flow, water conserving fixtures, LED lighting fixtures and controls, and energy-efficient HVAC systems. By following green building guidelines and certifications like LEED BD+C: Hospitality, the Green Seal Standard for Lodging Properties or the Energy Star for Hospitality, facilities save energy and provide healthy interior environments to attract eco-minded consumers.

Hotels are also incorporating more sustainable products, materials and systems for their facilities. This includes natural materials, VOC finishes, recyclable, reclaimed and locally sourced materials.

Pre-fabricated, modular construction is another popular sustainable strategy which is a great fit for repetitive and uniform hotel room designs. Through the off-site fabrication of these modules, buildings can be constructed faster, with better quality control, fewer materials and cost savings.

Embracing the principles of biophilic design, hotels are showcasing stone and wood through mass timber, ceilings, walls, flooring and furniture. Vegetation and plantings are thoughtful placed throughout the space, and some brands also incorporate water features.

Hotel Renovations

Applying these trends to recent projects, the renovated Swissôtel Chicago features new water-efficient bathrooms, high-performance, energy-efficient windows and front entry doors, and the build-out of a new fitness center, ballroom, conference and meeting rooms.

Using the existing structural foundation of a two-story parking garage and retail center in Chicago’s Chinatown., Summit Design+Build built the new four-story, 148-room SpringHill Suites hotel. Taking cues from the ethnic neighborhood, some zen-inspired designs include wood surfaces and geometric shapes in the lobby, and reception area, a gym, breakfast and meeting room.

And for the rebranding of the boutique Claridge House Hotel on Chicago’s Gold Coast, Summit renovated 165 guest rooms, the lobby, corridors, bar, restaurant, and common and amenity spaces with custom millwork and high-end finishes.

About the author

Barbara Horwitz-Bennett is a seasoned architectural journalist, covering the design and construction industry for the past 20+ years. She writes for numerous industry magazines and creates content for AEC firms and product manufacturers.

Jan 30
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Office TI Trends

By Industry Insights

Optimizing Tenant Improvement Projects

As office vacancies continue to increase, developers are challenged to keep their existing tenants happy and to recruit new ones. If building owners aren’t offering well designed offices with a mix of workspaces and amenities, and/or a tenant improvement (TI) package, potential renters will look elsewhere.

To better understand the trends driving office worker preferences in this unique post-pandemic time, Gensler’s latest Workplace Survey research reveals some interesting insights.

“The data illustrates that employees are looking for offices that are both effective in supporting their ability to focus on their work and offer a more desirable mix of experiences,” stated Janet Pogue McLaurin, Global Director Workplace Research, Principal, Gensler.

This means workplaces should consider strategies such as quiet zones, focus rooms and rest spaces for individual quiet work combined with strategies like innovation hubs, dedicated team rooms and casual gathering areas for creative group work. In addition, a variety of amenities are key. This includes strategies like café-like break rooms, pool tables, fitness equipment and outdoor gardens and pergolas.

To bring office buildings up to par, tenant improvement (TI) renovations are an important strategy. TI projects should be aimed at making a space better suited to meet tenants’ customized business needs.

Case in Point

Take Luxor Workspaces’ recent 24,789 square foot TI project in a northern Chicago suburb, for example. Formerly a warehouse with a small office space, Summit helped transform the office furnishing and equipment manufacturer’s headquarters into a space with a hip industrial-style vibe and a mix of open, collaborative areas, workstations and amenities.

Showcasing a selection of the company’s office and furniture solutions, the design features a custom platform with wooden bleachers, glass-fronted offices, collaborative zones and a coffee nook with comfortable bar seating.

Turning things up a notch, Summit helped Golub & Company create a new Front Room tenant amenity lounge inside its 36-floor tower office building on the Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago.

A great tenant recruiting tool, the hospitality-like lounge features a beverage bar, comfy couches, gaming tables and a conference center. Essentially serving as another place for tenants to work, socialize or just take a break. The ceiling design helps distinguish the room’s multiple zones and incorporates a variety of trendy luminaires.

In another recent project, Summit worked directly with the lessee to build out a space for a corporate headquarters and customer experience center.

Building a presence in the U.S., the Australian-based digital merchandising/immersive brand solutions provider Coates sought to create a hospitality-like environment for its visiting customers and a creative, comfortable space for its employees.

The building entrance features a living green wall with Coates’ logo, leading customers into an open area where digital branding technology is on display. An open staircase with a wood screen leads employees to workspaces with exposed timber beams and ceilings, custom millwork, creative whiteboards, conference rooms, open workstations, a full kitchen and even private showers.

Choosing the Right Partner

While owners often fund these projects as a tenant improvement allowance for current and incoming renters, sometimes tenants bear a certain level of responsibility for the cost and execution of the project.

In either case, it’s essential to choose the right partners for optimized results. Your contractor should be experienced and have the resources to fast-track projects, which is often a requirement for TI ventures. The GC should have expertise in office renovations and build outs and be able to tap its network of connections to source the materials, systems and products required. This is particularly important at the present time as all industries struggle with supply chain challenges.

Your GC can also leverage their experience in navigating any regulatory issues to keep the project moving forward. As the project proceeds, the contractor should regularly communicate with the client and project team, particularly if any issues arise with the delivery of materials, coordination and the construction timeline.

Ultimately, the custom renovated office space will be worth the expense and effort as tenants enjoy the employee satisfaction and enhanced productivity of their up-to-date, modern corporate office.

About the author

Barbara Horwitz-Bennett is a seasoned architectural journalist, covering the design and construction industry for the past 20+ years. She writes for numerous industry magazines and creates content for AEC firms and product manufacturers.

Dec 28
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Florida Construction

By Florida, Industry Insights

Spotlight on Florida Construction

Out of the 15 fastest growing U.S. cities by U.S. News & World Report rankings, Florida dominates with ten spots on that coveted list.

People want to live, work
and play in Florida

As the country’s highest growing state in the last decade with a 14,6% population increase, the fourth highest gross domestic product, pro-business policies, and a streamlined regulatory environment, Florida is a hot-spot of corporate and residential growth.

“I think Florida is going to be the one place where things are not going to slow down,” predicts Victoria Auger, Director of Business Development, Southeast, Summit Design + Build, Tampa.

With no state income tax and all non-Union subcontractors, the process if building in Florida is easier and profitable.

FSU Student Housing – Tallahassee, FL

Summit is proud to
Build in Florida

Supporting growth in the Sunshine State, Summit has honed in on Tampa and surrounding west coast cities, building apartment complexes, restaurants, gyms, industrial facilities, and rehabilitating Hurricane-damaged properties such as Ocean Point Suites in the Florida Keys.

Summit’s “reputation as complex construction experts and their depth of experience means they offer their clients a fresh approach and out-of-the-box solutions,” wrote Mark Buckshon in a Florida Construction News article.