The Project Design Team
The project design team will coordinate and execute a school's high-performance construction or renovation project. The team's makeup will be determined by the size and nature of the project, and will also depend on whether a school uses the design-build process or the design-bid-build process.
The Design-Build Process
Under this approach, a school contracts with a designer-builder team, often a partnership between a general contractor and a design firm. That team designs the facility and then implements and manages the construction. This design-build process cuts out the lengthy process of bidding out the project to a general contractor.
The Design-Bid-Build Process
The design-bid-build process, on the other hand, begins with the selection of an architect, whose plan is put out for bid to general contractors. This process is lengthier but also gives the school more control over choosing the contractor.
When interviewing design professionals for the project, ask about specific expertise and experience in integrating energy and environmental considerations into school designs, and in working collaboratively on whole-building design. The whole-building design process depends on strong ongoing communication among the team members.
Team Member Roles
Following are brief descriptions of team member roles.
An architect designs buildings, additions, and major renovations. This team member merges the project's electrical, mechanical, and structural requirements into a schematic design that reflects the owner's vision. An architect is required for new construction but may be less involved in a smaller renovation project. Find out what questions to ask when hiring an architect.
A project manager may be hired to oversee the entire design and construction process and to coordinate the selection and management of the project design team. A project manager can be especially helpful in a renovation project that does not require extensive input from an architect. The project manager can be a real estate professional, an architect, or a school official, but needs to be involved from beginning to end to represent the school's interests.
A designer plays a key role in interior space planning as well as finishing and other details. Many designers also have expertise in a specific area, such as bathrooms or computer rooms.
A general contractor manages all facets of the construction — including hiring and supervising subcontractors, obtaining building permits, and scheduling inspections — in coordination with the architect and designer. Find out what questions to ask when hiring a general contractor.
An engineer, often hired by the general contractor, handles the project's electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems, including structure analysis and design.
The commissioning agent, often hired by the general contractor, tests the building's key systems to ensure they operate as designed and serve the needs of teachers and students. This testing includes features such as the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; the building envelope; and the electrical system.