Working with Fabricators
by Jonathan McGaha | November 30, 2016 12:00 am
A good architect-fabricator relationship helps projects run smoothly
When working on a project it sometimes is important to discuss a detail or design element with the fabricators involved with the project. A good relationship with fabricators is essential to the success of a project. And, fabricators are a great resource whenever a question arises about a project detail. To get some insight into and tips about the architect-fabricator relationship, we turned to the fabricators for advice on working together.
Know the Process
It’s good to know the process that you will be involved with as an architect, contractor, fabricator, etc., when creating a piece because there are many steps to creating something new such as blueprint reading, bidding, scope reviews, shop drawings and submitting contract awards. It is a back-and-forth negotiation to make the architect’s vision a reality.
Chicago Metal Supply, Chicago
Specifying Tested Panel Systems
Specifying a tested wall panel system ensures the wall cladding will withstand the wear and tear of the elements, specifically high winds, driving rain, snow-and-ice buildup, all while still allowing the wall assembly to breathe properly. A tested wall panel system also ensures the longevity of the building envelope and healthy sustainable structures.
Joel McKinley, Carter Architectural Panels Inc., Chandler, Ariz.
Paint Finishes
There are great differences in paint systems and finishes available to architects these days. When it comes to painted finishes, architects can choose from solid colors, micas, pearlescent, metallic and even faux natural finishes, like wood and stone. There are two-coat finishes, three-coat finishes, high-build options, clear coats and textured finishes to choose from. With the advent of rainscreen systems-fiber cement, phenolic resin, stone composites, terra cotta–there are a lot more color issues to be aware of.
Joe Creighton, president, SECO Architectural Systems Inc., Snellville, Ga.
Collaboration
At MG McGrath, we believe that it is critical to be involved in the earliest stages of a project, collaborating with the entire team from start to finish to develop a complete and functional design. Having successfully implemented desired systems on many projects contracted during the design phase, we found that this partnership not only helps eliminate many common coordination issues and avoid unforeseen problems in the field, but that it ensures the project’s completion on time and within budget.
MG McGrath Inc., Maplewood, Minn.
Design Efficiencies
During the design-assist process, MG McGrath’s first step is to work with the project owners, architects and construction managers to define the intent for the project and establish criteria for building life cycle, performance, system type and aesthetics. We will then complete a constructability review of the façade system to ensure it is cost effective and energy efficient, as well as provide component concepts to maintain or enhance the architectural design and performance. By utilizing key suppliers and manufacturers, we will prepare an accurate cost comparison of the interior and exterior façade systems, and architectural materials, and we will assist with value management options (i.e., system, material, finish and attachment method).
MG McGrath Inc., Maplewood, Minn.
A Reliable Resource
MillerClapperton has a long history of collaborating with architects and designers to help create unforgettable projects. With over 27 years of experience in the panel industry, we pride ourselves on being a reliable resource.
One key element that contributes to a successful project on our end is the relationship we create with architects early in the project. Being involved at an early stage allows us to act as experts and advisors on our panel modules, and provide guidance in our area of expertise. We acknowledge that architects have a large scope of work for the project, therefore we like to aid as much as possible in the specifics of our industry. MillerClapperton has a close relationship with many architects, Nicole Seekely, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, project architect at Atlanta-based Smith Dalia Architects, being one of them.
“When something comes across our desk that interests us, it’s great to have a resource to turn to, both on a conceptual and technical level,” says Seekely. “That’s where fabricators like MillerClapperton are a great resource to have. I can come to them with questions and we can come up with ideas for the best solution for the project. As architects, it’s so valuable to have someone so intimately knowledgeable about the product. It allows us to design better buildings. They want to want to help the architects. Better drawings make for better design. The more efficient architects can make a design, the easier it’s going to be for everyone in the end.”
If involved in early on, we can also assist in improving material optimization by educating the architects on how to reduce the overall panel count. For example, if we can maximize the panel size to reduce the panel count, then it affects drafting, the field dimensions, fabrication, and installing.
“Just by meeting with MillerClapperton alone, we were able to determine how we could cut 20 to 30 percent of the building’s cost for a major design element of the building while still achieving the material effects we wanted,” says Marc Johnson, project architect and associate, HOK, Atlanta.
Zeke Miller, president of MillerClapperton, Austell, Ga.
Don’t Limit Your Creativity
Architects should never limit their creativity because the manufacturers and contractors are there to help with the nitty-gritty of those practical applications.
Chicago Metal Supply, Chicago
Modeling and Specifications
Throughout the course of our projects, MG McGrath utilizes virtual design and construction (VDC) technologies to analyze project life cycles prior to groundbreaking. Recently, more than ever, our team is taking VDC technology to the next level, developing new capabilities to deliver custom solutions with greater accuracy and efficiency for the most complex architectural designs.
Our team uses and receives ongoing training in Revit, AutoCAD, 3dExperience (CatiaV6), and Rhino. By integrating our resource loaded fabrication and installation schedules using VDC technology, we are able to automate many processes and coordinate data that allows us, and our project teams, to understand a project digitally prior to being built.
We control the fabrication and installation of every project by self-performing as much of our work as possible. In doing so, we are able to include all that is necessary for the project within our model, allowing us to make modifications quickly throughout the design process, and to regulate the accuracy, schedule, and quality of each step of the project. All of this is done in-house by our project team.
The use of VDC to support digital prototyping equips us with the insight and tools to more efficiently and cost-effectively plan, design, and construct buildings, spurring design innovations across the architectural and construction industry. MG McGrath has been able to model the most complex designed systems in their entirety and, through collaboration with other team members, we have been able to incorporate field dimensions back into our building model and then deconstruct the components to fabricate entirely off of the model. With this technology, we have been able to successfully work through difficult design elements virtually, identifying the necessary steps to overcome an obstacle before encountering unforeseen problems in the field.
MG McGrath Inc., Maplewood, Minn.
Panel Sizes
Whether metal composite material-terra cotta, phenolic resin, aluminum plate, factory insulated or even just profiled sheet metal panels–all panel systems have size/dimensional limitations that designers should be aware of prior to utilizing a product in a design. Generally speaking, the more standard panel dimensions that can be utilized, the less costly the materials tend to be. Also, it’s virtually always less expensive to install fewer panels, parts and pieces versus smaller, more numerous pieces.
Joe Creighton, president, SECO Architectural Systems Inc., Snellville, Ga.
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