Focus in

Owner / Developer

Phases

Image c/o: StructureCraft

Advice

Understand all aspects of the process, starting with the design, detailed design, and the fabrication model, all the way through to installation. If there are any parts not fully understood or covered by you or your team, hire expertise to fill the gaps as early as possible.

Advice

Design Bid Build can often be too formal if everything runs through the contractor. It is simpler if, for example, the engineer can talk directly to the architect. A carefully worded RFI can be helpful.

Advice

For private projects, and early fixed pricing, use a modified design build or design assist (= design build but with a formal tender). Spec loads, performance, preliminary sizing and connections, etc. and go out for a price at that point.

Advice

Avoid locking in to a product for the wrong reasons by hiring (or having on the team) the person with the most knowledge of mass timber: a structural engineer. Ask them for advice on the right product for your application.