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Industry Insights

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.

Nov 14
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5 Strategies in Multifamily Buildings

By Industry Insights

5 Strategies for Successfully Constructing Multifamily Buildings

The U.S. multifamily building market is moving at a dizzying pace. The global real estate giant CBRE recently reported record-breaking growth in the 1 st quarter of 2022 with a year-over-year increase of 56%, and a record four-quarter absorption total of 695,100 units.

Multifamily grabbed the highest percentage of total commercial real estate investment volume in Q1 2022 at 37%, followed by office at 21%, and industrial at 20%.

However, with all the multifamily construction activity taking place, it takes a lot of skill, diligence, experience, and hard work to deliver a high quality, on-time, and on-budget project.

The following is a collection of five best practices from preconstruction all the way through close-out.

Preconstruction

When beginning a multifamily building project, it is essential that submittals are in early and the materials are procured right away. With an increase in supply chain delays, this has become even more critical to keeping a project running on time. For example, electrical switchgear and some roofing products have longer lead times and this must be accounted for.

In pricing a job, Summit Design + Build Project Executive Ari Killian stresses the importance of understanding how the materials and labor break down in each subcontractor’s bid. That way if there is an escalation in materials, for example, the impact on budget will be clear.

In addition, Senior Project Manager Kevin Criner explains that the budget must be realistic with contingencies built in to account for unforeseen circumstances as a project proceeds. If the job is priced too low, the team will constantly struggle with value engineering, scope removal, and alternate products. Furthermore, the contractor will be tempted to bring in unqualified subcontractors.

Bottom line, says Criner, “the budget needs to be realistic with scoped, vetted, and capable subcontractors.”

Staying On Schedule

As the project proceeds, the project managers have weekly coordination meetings with their subcontractors to ensure a flow in construction. This means the carpenters do their work on the first floor and then move up to the next one. The mechanical trades then do their installation work and move up the building. Next is the insulation, then the drywall, followed by the flooring, and so forth.

To support this workflow, the general contractor must have clear agreements on the sequence and durations with all subcontractors, which they will be held accountable for.

However, even with this pre-planning, material delays can be unavoidable.

For the 7-story, 42 unit 1400 Monroe project, the flooring tiles were delayed and the schedule had to be restructured to accommodate this. While waiting for the tiles, the team installed the switch gear and fire pump early, and started working on the elevators relatively early. Once the flooring arrived, Summit increased its manpower and worked a few weekends to help mitigate the delay.

Located near 911 emergency dispatch centers in the city, Summit also had to carefully schedule any street closures and cranes during 1400 Monroe’s construction.

Generally speaking, Criner says, “it’s a constant adjustment of the schedule. If you fall behind, you develop a recovery schedule. If you get ahead, you find ways to capitalize off those successes.”

For example, with the 6-story 6145 N Broadway, in demolishing an existing single-story building, a shared foundation wall with a neighboring building was discovered and the contractors were able to re-use that wall.

At the same time, the team had to deal with a delay in cold form metal studs. In this case, the carpenter was the driving force on the project, so much effort was put into keep this critical path contractor moving forward while waiting for the metal to arrive.

Building Enclosure

 

Significantly factoring into performance, energy efficiencies, and the building’s longevity is how well the building envelope is detailed and sealed. Consequently, Killian says they encourage building owners to invest in bringing in third party building enclosure consultants to investigate and test all the work and components installed by the subcontractors. This includes flashing, air and water barriers. “This will save a lot of headaches down the line,” he explains.

“A failed water barrier can be the death of a good build,” adds Kriner. “Make sure that all details are finalized and anything unclear is addressed when sealing up the building envelope.”

Pre-Drywall Walk Through

Before putting up the drywall, there are a number of items that must be checked and verified. This includes making sure the:

  • mechanicals are in the right location.
  • plumbing lines are by the sinks.
  • stack lines are where the toilets go.
  • gas lines are located where they’re needed for the furnaces, hot water heaters, and stoves.
  • electrical outlets and water lines are in place for the appliances
  • low-voltage wiring is in place for the under-cabinet lighting.

“We usually take photos of each wall and room to document this because you don’t want to have to go back in and cut out drywall to re-work these connections,” says Killian.

Criner points out that the consequences of failing to do this can be dire if an outlet has been installed in the wrong place in all 100 units of a building, for example. “We do mock-ups of each unit to prevent this. You’re building 10 little houses and need to make sure you’re doing everything right on the first one,” he says.

Final Steps Before Close-Out

This part of the process involves going through the project’s punch list to verify that every aspect of the construction has been properly installed. To stay ahead of the game, Criner recommends addressing the punch list as the building is being constructed. This way the team won’t be faced with a long, comprehensive list at the project’s end.
For 6145 N Broadway, the project was just two weeks from completion in the spring of 2020 when COVID-19 hit. Fortunately, the team had been working on the punch list all along. Working diligently, Summit was able to finish the final punch list within 30 days and deliver the building.

For 1400 Monroe, the team was able to keep the vertical flow of construction moving so smoothly that renters could start moving in on the bottom floors while work was finished off on the top floors.

For both projects, construction was completed on time and on budget, which are defining characteristics in a developer’s assessment of a job well done. Add in great quality and achieving the design vision, and the architects added on their stamp of approval as well.

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 27
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Austin Texas Construction

By Industry Insights, Texas

Spotlight on Austin, Texas Construction

As the nation’s most highly invested city, business is booming in Austin, Texas. Taking the #1 spot from Greater Los Angeles for the most preferred U.S. market, per CBRE’s 2021 investor survey, scores of companies are re-relocating to the Lone Star State’s Capital.

“Silicon Hills”

Fortune 500 tech companies like Facebook, Tesla, Apple, Dell, IBM, and Samsung are turning Austin into the new Silicon Valley, renamed “Silicon Hills” in reference to Austin’s spot in Texas Hill Country.

Folks are also attracted to the laid-back lifestyle, universities, music and tech festivals, and conferences like South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits.

Luring companies with its pro-business/lack of red tape philosophy, CommercialEdge reported in May that Austin is currently leading the country in new office developments, representing 7% of the nation’s office construction total pipeline with 10.3 million sq.-ft. of office space under construction. And this is for a city with less than 1 million people per the 2020 U.S. Census.

In addition to current construction projects even more companies are eyeing the city, including those from the industrial, manufacturing, e-commerce, and food sectors.

To help design and construct these projects, AEC firms like Summit Design + Build are opening up shop in Austin.

Austin Housing Crunch

While the growth is exciting, it’s not without its challenges. In addition to placing a strain on the city’s infrastructure, the city is practically out of office space and there’s a housing shortage.

“Companies want to be here, but getting their labor force here is difficult. Real estate prices have increased tremendously and we can’t build fast enough,” states Amber Autumn, Director of Business Development, Summit Design + Build, Austin. “Condos can sell out in a matter of hours.”

To help spur residential development, the city has set up an interesting business model where development companies coming in qualify for certain tax breaks, but they are also required to build multi-family housing projects.

Summit is about to break ground on two new construction condominium projects – 4315 S. Congress and 1619 South 1st St.

4315 S. Congress, Congress Lofts at St. Elmo, is strategically located in one of Austin’s fastest growing neighborhoods. Joining developer Intracorp USA and architects Pappageorge Haymes and Urban Foundry, Summit is building 148 warehouse style residential lofts with an art-filled lobby, library lounge, courtyard, pool, and outdoor kitchen. The building will also feature 3,800 square feet of office space.

The 4-story multi-family, mixed use 1619 South 1st St. will offer 35 residential units, ground floor retail, a pool and gym, designed by Sixthriver and developed by Chameleon Companies.

Autumn explains that generally speaking, condos pose a more complicated business model, complex delivery methodology, and more liability. Consequently, many contractors shy away from these undertakings, but not Summit Design + Build.

“Building condo buildings are for the brave, strong, and highly skilled, as they add additional risk, and require more attention to details. With an abundance of happy clients, we know our formula works,” remarks Autumn.

That said, material shortages, supply chain bottlenecks, and skilled labor shortages impacting every industry and every locale are affecting Austin as well.

“It’s important to have a team dedicated to advance procurement, and the ability to make value engineering pivots,” advises Autumn. “With so many materials not available, design assist and design build are the only delivery methods that work right now.”

Major Austin Construction Projects

Despite these hurdles, major construction activity is ongoing. Trammel Crow recently completed the 36-story Indeed Tower downtown and the 814,081 square-foot Google Tower is set to become the metro’s tallest office skyscraper.

The University of Texas Austin recently opened its new Gensler-designed 15,000+ seat Moody Center, a multi-purpose arena for the men’s and women’s UT basketball teams, concerts and events.

Under construction, Sixth and Guadalupe will be the first mixed-use high-rise in Austin with more than a million square feet of office, residential, retail, and outdoor space inside one building. The 66-story high rise will contain 589,112 square feet of Class A office space and 349 residences.

Another mega-development, East Village, is a 425-acre, $1 billion mixed-use property developing 810,000 square feet of office space, three hotels, 466 single-family homes, 2,000 multifamily units, a 1.5-acre park, and around 400,000 square feet of retail and entertainment space.

In addition, Uptown ATX is a 66-acre area with 7 million square feet of office, multifamily, retail and hotel, and a new Metro Rail Station under development.

No Sign of Slowing Down

As all types of growth continue in the Texas State Capitol, it will be important for companies and developers to select the right partners to help them develop their offices, multi-family residential, industrial projects, and more. Working with experienced designers and contractors with familiarity with the area will be one of the best ways to accomplish this.

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 03
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4 BIM Enhancing Trends

By Industry Insights

4 BIM Enhancing Trends

Artificial intelligence, digital twins, building energy modeling and cloud technology are enabling greater design and construction efficiencies with Building Information Modeling.

Significantly boosting project design and construction efficiencies by leveraging the expertise of the full building team, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a game-changing technology.  

Global BIM adoption shot up from 11% of construction company utilization in 2011, to 73% in 2019, as recorded in the U.K.-based global technology platform NBS’ 2020 10th Annual BIM report.

Unlike traditional CAD design, each design element no longer exists in a two-dimensional vacuum and can be properly considered within the context of the full building design. With BIM, this means conflicts like an air duct running through a structural column can be identified and resolved early on in the design phase.

As the project takes shape, changes are updated in real-time, and easily coordinated across project teams.

Supporting the adoption of BIM are a number of technologies bringing its application and abilities to whole new levels.

Artificial Intelligence

This advanced technology studies design details and applies this intelligence to project designs. For example, AI is used for task automation, recognition of design intent and auto-completion of repetitive tasks.

Provided with a dataset of “rules,” an AI engine within BIM can create accurate models and floor plans. If a design parameter changes, AI will adjust all other variables within the full design and workflow.

The technology assists with automatically classifying BIM elements, auto-completion of connection details and model and drawing clean-up. 

As articulated by BIM Today Digital Content Editor Lydia Bamford, “AI is a particularly useful tool because it allows construction processes to become more streamlined by reducing the cost, time and risk of the project lifecycle by exploring all available avenues and processes of a construction project.”

The technology’s level of accuracy and ability to anticipate outcomes also mitigates construction risks and enhances safety.

Digital Twins

Powered by AI, digital twins are defined as virtual models designed to reflect a physical object accurately. This highly advanced technology is considered the new rage in the world of BIM.

A physical object or design is outfitted with sensors, drones and other digital technologies. This data is then used to create an exact digital replica, i.e., a twin, which can then be used to run simulations and gather data on improving performance.

As the hyper-accurate virtual model continues to gain intelligence through advanced analytics, machine-learning algorithms and AI, when it comes time to build, project teams can save costs and time with more accurate designs.

Building Energy Modeling 

Another way BIM is being used to optimize designs is by exporting the models directly into energy modeling software, where parameters like window-to-wall ratios, building forms and construction types can be evaluated. 

Advancements in BIM technology support these direct exports and eliminate the extra, time-consuming process of performing area takeoffs and geometric modeling before running the energy software.

Performing simulations on different design parameters helps the project team fine-tune the design based upon a pre-determined set of values such as thermal performance, daylighting levels, energy costs, life cycle costs and carbon emissions. 

Taking this a step further, digital sensors and smart meters can record actual performance data once a building is up and running. The building’s HVAC systems can be properly calibrated for enhanced performance by feeding this information into the original BIM model.

Cloud Technology

To store BIM models and all this amazing technology, cloud providers offer a central portal where project collaboration and coordination can occur in real-time. With access to cloud-stored databases and analytics, architects, engineers, contractors and sub-contractors can work anywhere, anytime to revise, mark up, and update designs.

The result is better communication, enhanced productivity and fewer mistakes as all team members access the same working model.

More Technology

In the next few years, BIM is anticipated to continue growing at quite the pace. A recent report from the global market research firm Technavio Research projected year-over-year growth of 18.36% through 2026, with the North American market contributing to 40% of that growth. Inevitably, technologies bound up with BIM are also anticipated to expand, not to mention new technological developments likely around the bend.

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.

Jul 05
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4 Key Industrial Construction Trends

By Industry Insights

4 Key Industrial Construction Trends

With large retailers expanding their e-commerce operations and companies looking to stock up on and goods and materials to help mitigate supply chain bottlenecks, the industrial supply demand formula is currently demand heavy. In fact, real estate giant JLL’s recent research report “The Rice for Industrial Space, Can Supply Keep Up?” estimates an 87% year-to-year increase in the number of 1-million-sq.ft.-plus projects under construction.

To deliver these warehouses and manufacturing facilities, contractors are embracing the latest technology to capture cost and project schedule efficiencies.

Building Information Modeling

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a 3D shared design platform where architects, engineers, and contractors can collaborate on developing building designs. Constantly updated in real-time, building teams can easily visualize how the building looks from all angles and easily detect and correct any clashes between different building elements.

Particularly beneficial for industrial facilities where buildings are larger and more complex, BIM supports enhanced building owner input as these folks can more easily visualize how their evolving building with look and function. Buildings designed and built with BIM significantly reduce Requests for Information (RFIs) and change orders. With the collaborative BIM models revealing any problems or issues, these can be resolved on the front end and ultimately support a more streamlined, cost, and time-effective building process.

Automation and Robotics

As a highly labor-intensive industry, construction firms are shifting physically challenging, repetitive tasks to robots and automated machines. From bricklaying to welding to rebar tying, robots are performing these tasks faster and with greater accuracy. For jobs requiring great human strength, automated equipment is being deployed for excavation, demolition, and concrete works. Robots are also being used to detect faults in structures, for example, with greater precision than manual inspection.

In addition to protecting worker safety and reducing the risk of on-site injuries, the use of robots is assisting with the skilled worker shortage issue contractors and subcontractors are struggling with nationwide.

Drones

Another technology advance making a big splash in construction is the use of drones to quickly and easily survey a construction site and collect key data. Particularly valuable for larger industrial sites, these flying robots are being deployed to track a building’s progress and provide real-time updates.

At the onset of a project, drones can assist with visualizing the site’s topography. As construction progresses, high-resolution pictures capture exactly what is happening. These images can then be uploaded into the BIM models, enabling teams to pinpoint any mistakes or clashes. In addition, the imagery can be analyzed with thermal sensors to detect heat leaks, cold areas, or any electrical issues. With the ability to address these anomalies right away, this saves time and money.

Eliminating the need for construction workers to climb scaffolding in an attempt to photograph aerial views, drones significantly reduce safety risks and provide more comprehensive imagery.

Modular Construction

Projected to develop at a compound annual growth rate of 7.5% for the next five years in North America according to market research firm IMARC Group, pre-fabricated modular construction is a sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective building strategy.

From larger building structures and pods, to panelized components like walls and roofs, systems are fabricated in high quality, controlled environment and delivered on-site ready for erection. Significantly reducing labor and materials, modular construction speeds up project delivery schedules and enhances safety. According to the Modular Building Institute, projects can be delivered 30% to 50% faster than traditional stick-built construction.

The Outlook

With ongoing demand for industrial space and the challenge of finding skilled labor continues, building teams are turning to technology to more efficiently deliver these large projects. Consequently, the application of BIM, robotics, drones, and modular construction will continue playing a significant role in executing these complex developments.

Are you considering an Industrial construction project?

Give our multifamily construction experts a call. We are happy to help guide you through the process, walk a prospective property or give an initial construction budget. 

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.

Jun 21
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Meet Our Construction Management Interns

By Industry Insights, News

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 more 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

This summer Summit Design + Build is excited to have three interns on board, Ben Kossack (Majoring in Civil Engineering at University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign), Jake Duerr (Majoring in Finance at University of Dayton) and Michael Murray (Majoring in Construction Management at Purdue University). 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.

Ben Kossack – University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

What interests you about the construction industry?

Ben: “I find it interesting just how adaptive the industry is becoming with all the new tech that is constantly being created.”

Jake: “The idea of buildings/complexes being built from the ground up. I have also grown up in the construction industry, but at a smaller scale because of my dad. He had taken me to his renovation projects ever since I was younger and has actually used me to demo the houses he was working on. I very much enjoy this side of the industry a lot more than being part of the demo side.”

Michael: “How diverse it is and how every project has its different challenges to face.”

What are you most excited about for this internship?

Ben: “I’m very excited to be working on a project as it is starting out (Stadium Lofts), going from seeing almost nothing on the ground to having a new structure there should be really cool.”

Jake: “I am most excited to work on a variety of different projects awarded to Summit and to visit them in person. I am also excited to learn from the project managers and project engineers that work at the company.”

Michael: “To learn firsthand about the industry and get more hands-on experience.”

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

Ben: “Funny, enthusiastic and hardworking”

Jake: “Hardworking, determined, curious”

Michael: “Outgoing, nice, careful”

What are your hobbies/interests?

Ben: “I like to play video games, play tennis and get together with my friends”

Jake: “Fantasy Football (even though I am very bad at it), video games, White Sox baseball, rugby, concerts (especially early 2000’s metal) and pickup Basketball”

Michael: “Fishing and being with friends”

Cubs or White Sox?

Ben: “Cubs everyday”

Jake: “White Sox”

Michael: “WHITE SOX!”

Jake Duerr – University of Dayton

Michael Murray – Purdue University

What is your favorite Chicago summer activity?

Ben: “Probably going out and trying all the different things the city has to offer.”

Jake: “Going to White Sox games at Guaranteed Rate Field.”

Michael: “The beach.”

If you woke up as the President of Summit DB, what would be the first thing you would do?

Ben: “Everything in my power to, if it happens, secure the bid for the Chicago Bears new stadium in Arlington Heights.”

If you could have a superpower, what would you pick and why?

Ben: “Flying, it would make getting around so much easier.”

Michael: “To fly, can get places fast and it’s just cool.”

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you?

Ben: “Kevin James”

Jake: “I would like to see Ryan Gosling play the lead role because he is one of my favorite actors and co-stars in my #1 movie of all time, “The Nice Guys.” He is surprisingly funny as well.”

If your life had a theme song, what would it be?

Ben: “Probably “Life is a highway” because the movie Cars is great.”

What would be your dream construction project?

Ben: “I would love to work on a sports stadium of some kind.”

Jake: “Working on the Chicago Bears new football stadium at the old Arlington Racetrack.”

Michael: “Some type of skyscraper or a neat art museum.”

What animal would you compare yourself to and why?

Ben: “Probably a penguin, mostly because my friends for the longest time compared me to one.”

What do you hope to do post-graduation?

Ben: “I hope to secure a job in either the construction management or structural engineering field.”

Jake: “I hope to work in construction management focusing on cost estimation or project management.”

Michael: “Work in the construction industry.”

Learn More About Our Intern Program

It’s going to be a great summer with Summit’s interns in the office! We love the energy they bring and we love seeing them learn first-hand what it’s really like to work in the industry.

Are you interested in an internship with Summit Design + Build? Check out our internship program page to learn more and to apply for open opportunities.