SERVICES
DESIGN-BUILD
Design-Build is a unique method of project delivery in which the architect and the contractor act as a unified team and are under the same single contract to the client. This approach creates a synchronized work flow from conceptual design to construction completion.
The idea behind the Design-Build model of construction may seem obvious, yet the benefits of working with a true Design-Build firm such as Devcon goes well beyond the basic concept of the architect and the builder operating under the same contract. By integrating in-house design and construction management since its inception, Devcon has developed a professional environment of collaboration and continual conversation between highly trained and experienced professionals. This communication style allows Devcon to produce quality projects in a shortened timeline compared to a traditional Design-Bid-Build project delivery method.
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This collaborative instinct carries over to Devcon’s long and established partnerships with hundreds of independent architects and engineers. Taking pride in the level of design provided by our own internal architecture and design teams, we are a qualified and dedicated resource for owners, developers, architects and engineers. As a result, we are often called upon to take a Design Assist role to support an independent architect or engineer with construction plans and documents.
PRE-CONSTRUCTION
Start with the end in mind. That maxim applies especially well to construction projects. For Devcon, THE END that we start with goes well beyond how a project will look silhouetted against a cloud-filled sky. For Devcon, THE END is the dream our customer had when the project was first conceived. How do we satisfy it? How do we improve it? How do we make the lives of those who will live or work in it better? Most of the answers are found during Preconstruction. In the early planning stages of a project, our design and construction departments will work with the client to develop drawings, budgets, and schedules while providing insight into the contributing variables such as materials and construction methods.​
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​Devcon professionals join the design phase early, bringing out team member expertise with respect to:
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Materials selection
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Construction systems
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Cost avoidance
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Scheduling
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The requirements of each project are unique, and we tailor the budgeting and planning processes to suit them. However, we typically produce four detailed budgets during Preconstruction:
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Budget 1 – schematic design phase
Budget 2 – design development phase
Budget 3 – 50% construction document stage
Budget 4 – 75% construction document stage​
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​Each successive budget informs the next and helps to shape the choice of materials, schedule, subcontractor selection and purchasing of items with long lead-times. Although construction is by nature a dynamic process, Devcon’s goal in every project's preconstruction is to lay the groundwork of the construction process in order to minimize disruptions as construction advances and completes.
CONSTRUCTION
We facilitate the overall coordination and oversight of our projects by orchestrating the construction site, the management of subcontractors and trades, and the communication between all involved disciplines and parties throughout the entire project timeline. Traditionally, a building owner or developer hires a general contractor to handle construction based on an architect’s plans. The general contractor provides cost estimates and schedules, manages the project, acquires all necessary permits, provides all necessary equipment, maintains the “site general conditions” such as trailers equipment, controls site access and security, and hires subcontractors.
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As a builder, Devcon self-performs the demolition, framing, carpentry and concrete work, so generally our subcontractors participate in the highly specialized MEP trades (mechanical, electrical and plumbing). As the general contractor, Devcon project managers and superintendents supervise the day-to-day on-site construction.
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For Devcon, the heart of general contracting is relationship management and communication. We need to know, understand and anticipate the needs of the building owner or developer, the needs of our client’s architect and engineers, and the needs of our own subcontractors and field staff. Keeping everyone on the same page, pointed in the same direction is the key to a successful project that achieves its scheduling and budgeting goals.
SELF PERFORM
As a builder, Devcon self-performs the demolition, framing, carpentry and concrete work, so generally our subcontractors participate in the highly specialized mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades (MEP). As the general contractor, Devcon project managers and superintendents supervise the day-to-day on-site construction.
SUSTAINABILITY
Devcon Construction has a full-time sustainability personnel in-house dedicated to finding cost-effective solutions and materials to fit any budget or level of certification on both the design and build side of our business. Our team of LEED accredited sustainability engineers interface directly with clients and consultants to coordinate certification strategy and documentation and work closely with on-site construction teams to deliver a wide range of sustainable building solutions in the field. They also specialize in researching product specifications, new sustainable materials, and construction methods that we can utilize to continue to meet any owner requirements and green building standards as the industry develops, while maintaining schedule, constructability, and budget.
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We pride ourselves on the completion of 300+ LEED projects and having 50+ LEED professionals within our design and construction groups.
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Devcon has participated in the Living Building Challenge on the Shoreline Creative Campus with our in-house sustainability team and achieved the Materials Petal for that campus.
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“The intent of the Materials Petal is to help create a materials economy that is non-toxic, ecologically restorative, transparent, and socially equitable.” International Living Future Institute.
BIM
Building Information Modeling refers to the process by which designers create a 3D digital representation of both physical and functional characteristics in a space using various tools and technologies. Devcon generally uses BIM to coordinate between multiple building disciplines. The integrated practice of Building Information Modeling (BIM) allows Devcon to develop a comprehensive, virtual working model of a project. It brings teams together, clarifies communication, ensures cooperation, and identifies problems in the virtual world before they become problems in the real world. Essentially, BIM offers in-depth spatial and property structure which is advantageous in the early stages of multi-disciplinary clash detection.
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We utilize a variety of software tools including NavisWorks which turns plans into 3D digital models that are fully compatible with systems used by our architecture and engineering partners. We aim to further Devcon’s technical capabilities through continuous innovation in digital design and construction.
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Going beyond the traditional three dimensions of height, width and depth, Devcon uses BIM for coordinated, expedited scheduling–that is, to control the fourth dimension of time/schedules–4D BIM. We also use BIM for extremely accurate budgeting, making cost the fifth dimension of the project–5D BIM.
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Finally, Devcon is invested fully in the ambition of BIM to become the standard tool for building owners to maximize the lifetime value of their properties. A detailed, up-to-date digital model can be used to test ideas for energy savings, alternative materials and wear patterns. Modern-day BIM technology allows us to break down even the smallest of data such as heat transfer or air pressure in order to consider all aspects of design and construction in the design process. With the sixth dimension of equipment and materials information added, 6D BIM becomes a living document that the building owner can use to reduce operational costs over the building’s expected lifespan.