DESIGN FIRST

On our path to achieving this level of service, we recognized that the old systems for project delivery were bulky, costly and slow. Rapid computer advancements and innovation in construction methods had outpaced the traditional architectural studio. We had to re-think how we worked to deliver the highest standard of work, at the best value, to our clients.

​Using lean planning tools, we have developed a highly efficient system for project delivery that is fast, affordable and above all, thorough. Using this  "design first" system, we focus on early project goals with the client and end-users to establish realistic design concepts, that include detailed layout and equipment coordination prior to involving engineering. This process allows us to avoid costly idle, and often wasted hours, and expedite projects into construction. Speed to Drawing = Speed to Market.

THE JDC DIFFERENCE

​Traditional architectural delivery is based on Schematic thru Construction drawing phases of design. This "datum" of activity divides design meetings across several weeks, giving the owner ample time to consider designs and make changes between each meeting. It also allows the architect to send their designs to BIM specialists to get 3d CAD models in the background for the coming coordination.

Using "lean" systems of process improvement, we found that there was a lot of waste in this antiquated system. Owners often didn't use, or even need the time between meetings to make changes. The hand-off of design sketches to Revit specialists in remote offices were an opportunity to overproduce 3d models, that were not fully used, meanwhile the designers & engineers burned idle hours towards the project budget.

These "wastes" were driving long schedules, higher fees, and not really giving the owner any value.  In 2014, on a volunteer project in Egypt, we led a 7 story hospital design in 10 days. The difference? We held half day design meetings for 5 days straight. We found that users are motivated to provide input on a daily basis, and we exploited the computer's ability to produce quick concepts, without wasting time on so-called "BIM" models. This approach has revolutionized the way we design. ​