Project Planning
Projects
fail from focusing too much on the deal or on design
and construction. Our Integrated Facility Planning(sm)
process pulls together all the key issues of location,
design, and finance.
The key benefits of our thorough planning approach
are projects that are on
time, in budget, and free of conflict and, more
important, buildings which strengthen
market position, efficiency, recruitment and return.
1. Set objectives and scorecard
Begin with client education:
book, executive and board briefings
Create a statement of objectives to win early approval
Score alternatives for 1-page cost/benefit summary
2. Conduct location and site analysis
Consider the 3 location “layers” of
market, labor pool, transport web
Use GIS to map customers, competitors, demographics,
etc.
Create site evaluation matrix: visibility, access, zoning,
etc.
3. Create concept design
Provide the right level of detail to
establish costs and quality
Use industrial engineering to optimize workflows
Follow design philosophy: “American Architecture in
Ordinary Materials”
Use for competitive design/builder selection
Use to win project support and fundraising
4. Run financial analysis (including lease versus
own)
Create budgets for project and occupancy costs
Create financing scheme
Focus on core question: which project will return more in
the long run?
5. Create feasible alternatives
Develop 3 solid alternatives by their location,
design, and cost/financing
Consider the Do Nothing alternative
Refine alternatives by comparing to objectives in 1-page cost/benefit
summary
6. Facilitate and communicate
Record key decisions, assumptions, and information
Write concise document to help sell project to many audiences
The project is a visible opportunity for the CEO to lead.
