Cutting-Edge Practices

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the process that goes beyond two-dimensional CAD by imbedding information into model components to create intelligent building systems that can be leveraged for increased productivity and project insight. Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) is the process that uses modeled content as a way to optimize project planning by mitigating risks and improving methodologies long before construction begins. By using highly technical BIM/VDC processes, we increase our team’s ability to visualize, analyze, plan and manage complex projects—on time and on budget. Through the implementation of these processes, we can increase our effectiveness as planners and construction managers. Ultimately, the client benefits the most from our use of these processes.Our BIM/VDC services include:

• Visualization
• Construction Sequencing
• Site Logistics & Safety
• Laser Scanning
• Trades Coordination
• Prefabrication & Lean Strategies
• As-Built Documentation
• Facilities Management

Project Specific Prefabrication™ (PSP™) is the process of building components of a project offsite while the core construction process is underway. Shook was a pioneer in the use of prefabrication on construction projects beginning with the award-winning Miami Valley Hospital Southeast Addition in Dayton, Ohio. While prefabrication has been used in the construction industry for a while, the growth of BIM has given us the ability for significantly greater utilization of PSP™. The benefits are many:

• Increased productivity
• Shortened schedules
• Better construction quality
• Less congestion on the project site
• Cleaner construction site
• Less delivery traffic
• Fewer parking issues, noise, dust and commotion

With 12 LEED Accredited Professionals on staff, we have taken part in sustainable design practices and technologies for well over a decade. All of our project personnel have been involved and are well-versed in LEED construction, with many of our projects having some type of sustainable or LEED requirement. These project elements can include geothermal systems, day lighting, use of environmentally safe materials and recycling of construction debris—just to name a few.

 

The following is a summary of our LEED projects that either have been completed or are currently under construction:

Value management is the practice of analyzing a planned project’s site, building and systems in order to capture efficiencies without losing function. Many firms talk about “value engineering,” which has become synonymous with cutting costs by sacrificing scope or quality. However, our approach is to use cross-disciplined teams to brainstorm and investigate different strategies that add value to the project—inclusive of lifecycle costs—while maintaining the form and function that the client desires. It involves using a value-based decision-making process in which the owner determines how to define “value” and “priorities” and then the collective project team works together to create strategies towards that end. For representative case studies, please contact info@shookconstruction.com.