A building design can help or hinder the client’s manufacturing operations. A client may envision a simple, empty box but it’s much more than that. By learning the nature and specifics of each client’s operation and equipment, we can help the client make informed decisions about design, costs, building schedule and functionality. The more we know, the better the building will suit your needs.

• Will you need bridge cranes? They may require special columns.
• Does your equipment need special foundations to keep from rattling the building?
• Will you need process piping? If so, we’ll go over the pros and cons of floor-mount vs. roof-mount.
• Do you want clerestory windows to save money on energy?

We walk you through the options and alternatives. We help you weigh functionality vs. cost-effectiveness.

We assess the building program and point out certain aspects that may be prohibitively expensive or unnecessarily complex. A small adjustment to the program or the operating process might yield a big savings in building cost or efficiency.

• Do you truly need 80-foot column bays? This is significantly more expensive than a more typical 50- to 60-foot spacing.
• Yes, it’s possible to build a two-story office inside the building shell, but a single-story office is more economical.
• Can we consolidate the special structural requirements into certain zones within the building to save money?
• How can we design the initial building to better facilitate future expansion or other needs that change over time?

Bottom line: each requirement and design decision will affect other parts of the building or operation.

Our goal is to help guide the team—client, architects, engineers and contractors—to a mutual understanding of the true building requirements, then work together to give you an efficient, cost-effective building that truly works for you.