Precision in the process: Successful construction, from design to completion

Let’s face it, it’s all in the procedure. As with everything else, a thorough procedure is the grease to any analog mechanism. Though the procedure may vary depending on the type and size of the project, there are steps that remain constant for a successful project:

Defining objectives :

Scope of work, methodological approach.

Preliminary studies :

Definition of the construction project, feasibility study and consultant selection procedure.

Project study :

Preliminary design.
Detailed design.
Authorization procedure.

Competitive bidding :

Invitation to tender, bid comparison and selection proposal.

Implementation and construction :

Execution drawings.
Construction execution.
Commissioning and completion.

It is not necessarily a linear process but all items must be followed thoroughly to complete a project successfully. The items above can be extended further to showcase the complexity of the procedure, for instance:

Project study :

Preliminary design :
Data collection and analysis.
Drawing to appropriate scale.
Rough estimate of costs.
Detailed design :
Design development at various appropriate scales.
Definition of quality standards.
Design and detailing principles.
Cost estimates.

Authorization procedure :

Legal administration.
Coordination with cantonal building authorities.
Adaptation of small projects.
Permit application file.

Competitive bidding :

Invitation to tender, comparison of bids and selection proposal:
Adaptation of plans for tender documents.
Tender document.
Comparison of filled offers.
Selection proposal.

This small exercise can give us a glimpse of the complexity that goes into a successful project. Understanding these principles allows us to custom-fit a procedure to any type or size of project. Precision in the procedure remains the simplest way to efficiently control the multitude of variables that come with every project.

A.H. 07.2023