PRODUCT CONSULTING
TRC assists with workable design solutions through technical research, knowledge, and experience.
Taking part in product research helps the team effectively determine suitability of a product for specific project conditions. This early work with architectural teams allows input and direction on appropriate materials for a project type and can help keep the project budget realistic and increase its profitability.
SPECIFICATIONS
TRC provides a variety of technical architectural specifications for a wide variety of projects and products. We also provide master guide specification preparation, document reviews, technical research for traditional design-bid-build projects, design-build projects, as well as owner-builder projects.
Specification services include preliminary project descriptions, outline specifications, and project manuals. While we have used firm specific master specifications for projects, we maintain our own master specification based on other commercially available master systems and our experiences on hundreds of projects.
EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS
TRC understands the need for continuing education. Subjects ranging from specification practices to construction contract administration and the design-build process have been presented to many audiences around the country. Seminars of any length can be presented to promote technical competence, or articles of in-depth research on specific topics of areas of interest can be researched and presented in either written or oral presentation.
PEER REVIEWS
Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) services may take the form of an interdisciplinary coordination review, an architectural technical review, or both.
Interdisciplinary coordination reviews verify that the architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical disciplines have accommodated the work of each discipline. For example, the above ceiling spaces are examined at perceived “pinch points” to verify that there is sufficient room to accommodate beams, ductwork, mixing boxes, lighting and fire protection systems. The reflected ceiling drawings for each discipline are reviewed for conflicts. Chases and slab openings are reviewed to verify proper alignment.
Architectural technical reviews include coordination of the specifications and drawings for technical sufficiency, consistency of terminology, and cross references of items/products used in the design. The review includes checking section, elevation, and enlarged plan drawing tag references to verify the correct detail number and sheet number is referenced. The building envelope is reviewed to verify adequate type and numbers of details, compatibility of materials, and weathertightness of design.
Reviews are often held at several milestones. A review at the end of Design Development (QA) endeavors to make sure that appropriate products have been selected for detailing during the construction document phase. A review immediately prior to document completion (QC) verifies correct detailing and allows suggestions for improvement.
Prior to beginning a review, a kick-off meeting is often held, but not mandatory, to allow key members of the project team to present an overview of the project. During the review, areas of deficiency and conflicts are identified for the design team to resolve. The drawings and specifications are “redlined” and a summary report is prepared highlighting the major findings. A debriefing session may also be included to present the findings to the project team.
Our experience reveals that the items addressed in a peer review adds value to a project that usually saves time during construction due to fewer RFIs and incorrect construction.
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