Client Focus

One focus: The Client. Integrated specialties: Architects, Contractors, Developers.
Our comprehensive understanding of the construction and glazing industries positions Division 8 as a valuable asset to you. By evaluating each of the primary stages of your project from a Design/Assist, Design/Build and Value Engineering perspective, we can maximize efficiencies and help you create, not only your ultimate wall system, but a seamless overall project, from start to finish. Our single focus is you the client, and we bring our experience in the three studies of architecture, contracting and development to the table to deliver complete satisfaction.

Drawing on our architectural experience.
Our understanding of the architect’s role is key to easing the request for information (RFI) process. Our establishment of appropriate project-specific systems and development of concise system specifications (not generic) ensures that there will be no delay in the bidding to clarify the documents.

Value engineering (VE) consists of maintaining the architect’s intent by utilizing similar systems or changing the configuration of the façade to accommodate a more typical condition.  By doing this, the aesthetic intent is substantially maintained and the construction manager (CM) is afforded the ability to remain on track with their guaranteed maximum price (GMP).
    
Committed to contractors.
Division 8’s business development and estimating department spends approximately 70% of its time focused on Design/Assist and Design/Build projects.  Once we agree to move forward, we typically spend between 6 months and a year of dedicated teamwork developing the construction documents (CD).  One of our strong points is being able to walk the line between what the architect accepts as structurally and aesthetically sound, and what the CM or contractor has promised the owner or developer based on their GMP.

Developing relationships.
Constant communication with each player in the process, combined with a complete understanding of how each part must work together, is key. We insist on total transparency.

Once systems are in place we enter into construction documents phase.  Our role during 25%-100% CDs is mainly for the benefit of our client, the CM.  Once each phase of CDs come available, we are required to check them for accuracy based on all the previous discussions during the design development (DD) phase. Very often, the architect is entering additional scope that has not been accounted for, therefore jeopardizing the GMP. 

Our oversight in this ensures that all work through to 100% CDs, is money accounted for.