Archive

How to Work with a Design-Build Team

Our objective in creating design-build teams is always unity. When a team of people form to execute huge construction projects, it is critical to have everyone on the same page. The design-build team knows the scope and parameters of each project so there is no question about the goals to

Clash Detection: The Cost, The History, and New Technology

When you think about all the components that must come together to complete a building project, it can often challenge the most seasoned architects, engineers, and developers. How is it that plumbing doesn’t intrude on ductwork? Or that beams don’t crash through walls? Well, experienced pros help, but they rely

3D Printed Buildings Will Change the Design-Build Landscape

Previously, we discussed 3D printing on the VIP Structures blog. The 3D printing market is expected to grow significantly over the next decade. According to MarketsandMarkets, the 3D printing market is expected to be worth 32.8 billion USD by 2023. Between 2017 and 2023, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR)

Do We Expand or Build New? Should We Own or Lease?

Major construction is a complex, risk-laden venture that involves the expenditure of large sums of capital and demands constant attention to achieve success. An owner embarking on a construction project must make a number of important decisions regarding expansion or building new. If a new facility is the way to

Why Every Space Needs an Occupancy Sensor

Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important for both newly designed buildings and existing ones, as the average commercial building in the U.S. wastes 30% of the energy it consumes. Whether the push for efficiency is incentive-based or a push to meet the more stringent energy code requirements, buildings are now

Historic Tax Credits Benefit Architects, Engineers, and Construction firms

In our digital world of immediate gratification and “get-it-now” mentality, it’s good to know that things of the past still have value. When you think about news that is outdated the minute it is released, it’s encouraging to see that some things that have endured the test of time still

5 Examples of Green Building in Engineering

As more and more owners feel a responsibility to build sustainably, green building design and construction is becoming more of a common practice in mixed-use and commercial construction. Green building goes beyond just installing solar panels or recycling. True green building requires using a whole building approach to provide greener

A Guide to Medical Office Space

VIP Structures has been heavily involved with medical office space since 2004 when it purchased a then-vacant property at 1304 Buckley Road (Syracuse) with the intent to develop it into a Class A medical office building. After undergoing complete renovations, the space is now a successful medical facility with 96%

The Importance of Building Condition Surveys

Developers, property owners, landlords, investors and others with vested interest in commercial properties can be vulnerable to flaws and problems in existing buildings. Prior to purchasing, renovating or building, conducting a building condition survey will delineate immediate and potential problem areas so that informed decisions can be made and priority

What is the Best Time of Year to Start Design-Build Projects?

There is really nothing quite like the excitement of breaking ground on a new design-build integrated project. After months of planning, managing, and anticipating, the launch of a new structure signals the culmination of expertise and integration. But when is the best time to get started? This depends on the

Top Engineering Trends for Building in 2017

Large construction projects, historic building renovations, and new mixed-use development garner a lot of attention. The visual appeal of both the exterior design and interior design of these massive projects are marveled at by tenants, stakeholders, and the community alike. Downtown revitalization projects, like the Pike Block, breathe life back

How Workplace Design and Settings Impact Office Productivity

One of the main purposes of commercial buildings is to provide healthy, comfortable, and productive environments for employees. In an integrated design-build project, it is important to keep the focus on the end-goal, which is developing an occupied space. A workplace design-build firm must also create spaces which stimulate productivity

8 Basic Costs of a Design-Build Project

In these days of cost containment and short timelines, there is increasing pressure on design and construction companies to deliver quality builds quickly. They must also take into account budgets and associated costs with a design-build project. An experimentation with various forms of project delivery methods has seen the design-build

Shovel-Ready Sites Give Builders, Developers and Owners a Competitive Edge

Cities all across the country are in fierce competition to attract new businesses, expansions, and relocations because of the jobs and tax base that come with them. The goal is to attract enterprises that will complement and supplement communities. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate with a competitive

Growing Interest for Living in Downtown Syracuse, Occupancy Stands at 97%

The growth of mixed-use development and residential shifts towards urbanization and downtown living have been closely monitored trends over the past decade. There are a number of benefits to developing properties of this type that include integrated management and financial incentives. A growth in interest in downtown often helps revitalize