The overwhelming majority of individuals charged with implementing support functions at design and construction firms do not come from a technical background.These individuals are often at a disadvantage when performing their job function - specifically when they attempt to communicate with clients and co-workers.Yet these people are often asked to write proposals, communicate with clients, and prepare presentations that can lead to millions of dollars of revenue and potential profits - or not.
Through a group instruction format, support staff will receive an industry primer from industry experts. Led by TRINIUM's President, William R. Long, PE, LEEDAP - a technically-trained member of the building profession who also spent many years in support functions at both design and construction firms, the program also features guest consultants, each with more than 20 years of industry experience.
The program - named after a series of reference books being authored by Mr. Long, Learning to Use Flying Buttress in a Sentence - is based on the following six modules that lead attendees through the design and construction process, the roles and responsibilities of various team members, and the various materials and systems used in the building industry. A summary of each of the modules is provided below.
This program is effective in multiple formats - a single eight-hour, in-house session; two four-hour, in-house sessions; or a public webinar series.
Design and Construction Process - This module provides an overview of the design and construction process. Topics covered include the various phases of the design and construction process, the roles and responsibilities of the various participants in the building process, the types of contractual relationships found in the building industry, and the timeline for a typical building program. Extensive examples of each are provided.
Roles and Responsibilities - Architect, Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer - The roles and responsibilities of a project's architect, civil engineer, and structural engineer are provided. Specifically, the interrelationships of each of these team members are profiled. Their role in terms of client responsibilities, systems design and detailing, interfacing with other consultants and construction oversight are explained in depth. Additionally, technological influences on each role are analyzed. Visual examples of all materials are utilized throughout this module.
Roles and Responsibilities - Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing Engineers, Specialty Consultants - The roles and responsibilities of a project's mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, and plumbing engineer are provided. Additionally, the roles of various specialty consultants are explored. These include geotechnical engineers, lighting consultants, acoustical consultants, and landscape architects. Interrelationships between each of these team members are profiled and their roles in terms of client responsibilities, systems design, interfacing with other consultants and construction oversight are explained. Visual examples of all materials are utilized throughout this module.
Roles and Responsibilities - Construction Manager, General Contractor, Specialty Contractors - The roles and responsibilities of a project's construction manager, general contractor, and various specialty contractors are provided. Additionally, the related roles of Owner's Representatives, Program Managers, and Project Managers are explored. Interrelationships between each of these team members are also profiled and their roles and responsibilities during both the preconstruction and construction phases are explained in depth. Visual examples of all materials are utilized throughout this module.
Building Systems - Architectural, Civil, and Structural Systems - In this module, the various systems used by the architect, civil engineer, and structural engineer are reviewed. Wall systems including masonry, curtain wall, EFIS, and metal panel are compared and contracted. In addition, various foundation systems including spread footings, piles, and caissons are reviewed. Finally, structural systems including bearing wall, precast concrete, structural steel, and poured-in-place concrete are compared. There is extensive use of visual examples during this module.
Building Systems - Mechanical, Electrical, and Specialty Systems - In this module, the various systems used by the mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, plumbing engineer, and specialty consultants are reviewed. Components of mechanical systems including heat pumps, VAV boxes, rooftop air handling units, and boilers are reviewed. Components of electrical systems including generators, panel boxes, and transformers are also reviewed. Finally, elements of specialty systems including acoustical components, theater rigging, lighting systems, and security systems are also discussed. There is extensive use of visual examples during this module.
