Elements of Design by ParsCo Construction

Elements of Design with ParsCo Construction

It’s no secret that when ParsCo Construction designs a space many factors come into play. Some of the biggest factors that come into the process are the elements of design. If you do your research on aspects and elements of design, you will know that six significant elements of design are outlined and strongly emphasized. However, just to give you a better idea of what all goes into the intricate process of designing a new space, we’ve broken down the six elements of design into two parts.

 

The first part of the elements of design with ParsCo Construction:

 

 

Beauty, Form and Rhythm.

§             Beauty: The age-old saying “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” comes to life when ParsCo Construction transforms a mere piece of space into something that truly captures the eye. Many factors go into making a space or area beautiful such as scale and proportion. Paying close attention to detail and keeping functionality in mind, ParsCo Construction is able to expose beauty in just about any project.

§             Form: Being able to create a structure that is not only beautiful but also acts as a functional structure is an important element of design. ParsCo Construction is able to create dramatic and breath-taking structures that also have a high level of functionality.

§             Rhythm: The element of rhythm includes various factors such as repetition and spacing. ParsCo Construction keeps rhythm in mind when working on a project in order to accent and highlight even the smallest of details in a space.

 

The second half of design elements and how ParsCo Construction succeeds at exemplifying them in every project are as follows: 

 

 

Light, Place, and Materials.

 

§             Light: Taking control of light and how it effects spaces is a specialty of ParsCo Construction. Whether it’s daytime or nighttime, light is constantly playing into an area and should be carefully considered when planning out projects. Designing spaces to play up natural light as well as using lighting techniques to highlight your home after the sun goes down are considerations ParsCo Construction always pays attention to.

 

§             Place: Being considerate of the atmosphere surrounding your home or other space should always play a large role in the planning process. While you do want your home or space to be a sort of haven from the rest of the world, you also want it to blend nicely with the environment surrounding it. ParsCo Construction pays close attention to the exterior as well as the interior of a home or space to ensure that it all comes together as one whole piece.

 

§             Materials: Last, but certainly not least, are the materials. The idea of materials should not be thought of in a construction sort of way, but more as a vehicle in which beauty, form, light, rhythm and place are all delivered through.

 

Rest assured that when you work with ParsCo Construction, all of the important aspects of design will not only put taken into consideration, but will shine through in your final project. Contact ParsCo Construction today to learn more about beginning a new project.

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ParsCo, LLC

P.O. Box 12862

Pensacola, FL 32591

O:  850.696.7656

F:   850.390.4943

Visit us on the web at www.parscoconstruction.com

This communication, including attachments, is confidential, may be subject to legal privileges, and is intended for the sole use of the addressee. Any use, duplication, disclosure or dissemination of this communication, other than by the addressee, is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete or destroy this communication and all copies.

 

ParsCo Varco Pruden Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings Benefits

ParsCo's & Varco Pruden Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings Achieve Your Construction Goals At Lower Cost

ParsCo Pre-Engineered Metal Building Systems can meet or exceed the functional requirements for your facility at significantly lower cost when compared to traditional construction. When selecting a building system, it is important to carefully consider these and many other factors:

• Initial cost
• Schedule
• Life-cycle cost
• Maintenance costs
• Aesthetics
• Structural requirements
• Flexibility
• Availability
• More…

Our dedicated ParsCo Team can guide you through the process of selecting the system that is right for your application.

The Advantages of ParsCo's Varco Pruden Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings

In addition to significantly lower cost, the proper use of ParsCo and Varco Pruden Pre-Engineered Metal Building Systems provides a host of other advantages when compared to conventional construction, including:

• Faster delivery & installation – shorter overall project schedule
• Enhanced quality – reduced maintenance (especially for roofing)
• Flexibility in design – building systems are customized for your specific application

Experience & Expertise You Can Count On

The ParsCo Team has decades of experience with both metal and concrete building systems. The group focuses exclusively on the proper integration of these systems into all of our construction projects.

ParsCo is an Authorized VP Builder and has constructed metal building single projects as large as 225,000 SF. We've managed the design and construction of more than $500 million in construction dollars over the past fifteen years. 

ParsCo Construction

Office: 850.696.7656

Fax: 850.390.4943

Visit us on the web at www.parscoconstruction.com

Check out our blog at parscoblog.blogspot.com

ParsCo's Design/Build Delivery Method

One of the most important items that Owner's neglect to consider when starting a new project is what type of "delivery method" is best.  This is a unique question and depending on the project and the circumstances, the answer may be different. An increasingly popular method that ParsCo has used on numerous occasions is the "Design Build" delivery method.  The hallmark of a design/build project is where a single firm is responsible for both design and construction of a project. The design/builder contracts directly with the subcontractors and is fully responsible for the delivery of the project.

ParsCo's typical design/build approach is to have the owner select a design/builder/ CM working on a professional fee basis who can implement many of the advantages of construction management along with design/build such as:

• Early project cost guarantee
• Open book exposure of subcontractor costs
• Optimal scope change advocacy on behalf of the owner
• Shared savings with a guaranteed maximum price option

This eliminates any concern that the owner may have with splitting contract responsibilities, by creating CM/builder and designer with capabilities tailored to the project. Design/build is best suited for clients who want the simplicity of a single source or have new or renovation projects that are highly schedule driven so it can most readily fast-track if required.

 

 

 

Primary Benefits of Design/Build:

• Single point of responsibility for design and construction
• Fastest schedule delivery
• Early identification of guaranteed cost

Some of the other positive advantages of the 'design and build' procurement approach are:

• speed of delivery from concept to completed building. There is normally a much quicker delivery time than for traditional procurement. In its simplest form, design and build allows work on site to begin earlier (that is before the design is fully complete) than under traditional forms of contract, because of the level of design control given to the contractor. Normally, the design and build procurement approach allows programmes and budgets to be more easily met and the speed of construction is also often quicker;
• single point responsibility. The contractor is responsible for the design and the construction. Therefore the client should have a single point of responsibility and liability against the contractor. This is more advantageous than the traditional forms of contract where the client has entered into separate construction and design agreements. A common problem with the latter approach being that if a claim is made, the contractor, architect or other design consultants may argue over the extent of their own individual responsibilities. Consequently, there is less likelihood of claims being made by the contractor in respect of the split responsibility of design, and the contractor will be unable to make a claim for late design instructions being issued (other than for changes subsequently made by the client);
• acceptance of design. Because the contractor is responsible for the design and the construction, the contractor and his/her supply chain are involved in the production of the design to be used, and hence 'buy in' to that design. Also, it follows that the design is more likely to be 'buildable' than may be the case under other procurement methods;
• novation of design. There is normally the facility for the client's own designers to be novated to the contractor. This approach has several perceived benefits, including; the client may have used those designers many times previously and will be happy with the quality of their work; the design team is likely to be more attuned to the client's requirements; the design team can continue with the contractor where they left off with the client; and some clients believe that through the novation of their own designers they (in effect) have an independent voice in respect of the contractor's subsequent design intentions;
• cost certainty. It is generally the case that, as the contractor can use his experience and expertise in providing a design that allows him to buy goods and services which allows him to obtain the best buying margins, the design and build procurement route can be more cost effective and can provide more cost certainty - provided, of course, that the client does not continually change the brief;
• there is less client management/consultant involvement required post contract, and this therefore results in lower management costs and lower consultants' fees;
• unless a contract states otherwise, the law implies a duty of fitness for purposes on a design and build contractor. This is more onerous than the normal duty of 'reasonable skill and care' imposed on a design consultant. Of course, often the contract does state otherwise, and the contractor's design obligation is limited to a duty of reasonable skill and care. One of the reasons for this is that most professional indemnity insurance policies do not cover for a fitness for purpose obligation.

 

 

 

 

Disadvantages

There are always negatives to any delivery method.  Some of the disadvantages of the 'design and build' procurement approach are as follows:

• the initial price may be higher as the contractor may build into his price a 'risk premium';
• post-contract variations can be more expensive, and it is often more difficult to monitor the additional charges raised (particularly where works are priced on the basis of a specification and drawings - for example);
• the client has less control and influence over design matters;
• inflexibility. There is only limited scope for the client to make changes to his requirements once the client's requirements and contractor's proposals have been agreed otherwise the cost consequences may be prohibitive. If the client does not have a firm and robust set of client's requirements he may be given a design that he did not want, or may be required to pay considerably more to obtain the design that he did require;
• there may be a conflict between the client's requirements and the contractor's proposals unless both documents are carefully checked. This conflict can be obviated by making it clear in the contract which document takes precedence;
• design quality. Because it is often perceived that the contractor is driven by price rather than by design standards, it is often considered that the design and build procurement route is not the appropriate route to use where a high quality design is required, unless a robust specification is included within the client's requirements;
• the question of the quality achieved can be an issue because of the lack of control that the client has over the architect. The architect acts for the contractor not for the client;
• the lack of independence of the architect. If the client wishes to take independent advice on design issues following the building contract being entered into, the client will have to pay additional fees.

 

 

To learn more about Design Build Delivery or how ParsCo Construction can help you select the best way to complete your next project please feel free to contact us!

 

ParsCo Construction

"Serving the entire Gulf Coast Region"

Office: 850.696.7656

 

Visit us on the web at www.parscoconstruction.com

 

Check out our blog at parscoblog.blogspot.com

 

Construction Science

An interesting thought crossed my mind today while meeting with a client and numerous subcontractors for a new project as we considered and studied the design for a new project: Is construction a science?

When I returned to the office I looked up the definition of "science" and found:

sci·ence  

/ˈsīəns/

Noun The intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural...

Synonyms knowledge - learning - lore - skill  After reading this I realized that construction is indeed a "science". There is a methodology and it requires skill, knowledge, and a clear understanding of the systems requires to complete the project.   This being true does this mean that all builders could be considered "scientists"? Most people feel like tackling small projects around their house makes them a "builder" but can they construct a high-rise building? Is there not a level of expertise when it comes to building and constructing a project? ParsCo has constructed high-rise projects with over 28 floors and exceeding 280 ft in height. With over $500 million in construction experience, wouldn't it be prudent to trust ParsCo with your next project, no matter the size?   Just a thought.... If you are in need of "construction scientists" contact ParsCo for the best and greatest skill and experience level for all your construction needs.

ParsCo Construction

Office: 850.696.7656

Fax: 850.390.4943

Visit us on the web at www.parscoconstruction.com

Check out our blog at parscoblog.blogspot.com

Construction Defects

ParsCo completed a project last week for a high-rise condominium development that was only 6 years old but riddled with latent defects. ParsCo was diligent in assisting the client in formulating a plan to address the issues, and completed the work to everyone's satisfaction. This recent project brings to light that so many beautiful projects here along our Gulf Coast may have hidden defects. This brings us to the question:  What are construction defects?

In construction and engineering projects the nature and type of defects can vary dramatically, as can the point at which they become apparent. At one end of the scale minor defects can easily be corrected before the building is handed over to the client, while at the other extreme significant defects may occur long after the original work has been completed and require extensive remedial works to fix. If you believe your building has construction defects, contact ParsCo for a free survey and assessment. 

Defects can arise because the work was not carried out in a 'good and workmanlike manner' in accordance with good practice or a particular design, or because the wrong materials have been used – matters which would usually be the responsibility of the building contractor and its supply chain. Alternatively the designer could be at fault, because a particular design is not working in the manner that it should. In the frequently used design and build scenario, the contractor would normally have primary liability for both types of failure – although it may have consequential claims against its designers and supply chain.

On one view identifying a defect should be easy: something has usually not been provided in the manner that it should have been, the foundations of a building could crack and subside, the air-conditioning units fail or the roof leak. However, in considering 'defects' as a matter of principle, work may be defective even if it has been carried out with all due skill and care but it fails to meet a particular specification. For example, brickwork may be erected correctly but the wrong type or colour of brick could have been used in breach of planning permission. This usually is averted during construction through the submittal process but many times contractors don't follow procedures and overlook these requirements. 

Potentially difficult arguments can arise where work has been carried out incorrectly by the contractor but the architect or engineer's design is also at fault. In these situations, the contractor may deny liability on the basis that even though the work was carried out defectively, it did not cause the damage complained of.  An Owner will not be as concerned as the contractor and architect to get to the bottom of exactly who is at fault for that as long as it can claim against one or both of the parties and both still exist.

It is often important to distinguish between patent and latent defects. 

A patent defect is one that is detectable either at or before apparent practical completion or during the defects liability period. In the past, the courts have held that patent defects must be apparent on inspection but need not necessarily have been seen by the people carrying out that inspection. By contract, a latent defect is one which has been concealed in the works and may not become apparent for many years.

ParsCo Approach

Whether something is defective will often depend not so much on whether it is completed competently from a workmanship perspective but on the precise standard and specification to be met. Similarly, if specific tests are to be passed these will need to be provided for contractually, and consideration given to whether damages should apply in the event of failure. Careful consideration should be given to whether the work is defective or whether the issue is due to lack of maintenance or damaged due to normal wear/tear even. Regardless, engaging ParsCo to review the issues is our best step to determining  a clear assessment and what risks the defects may hold.

If a defect occurs within a defects liability period under a contract then in all probability the client will be entitled to have the contractor to correct the defect. In some forms this is the case even if it is not clear that the defect is the contractor's responsibility, although the contractor will be entitled to payment if it is proved the defect is not one for which is it responsible. Even if the defects liability period has ended the original contractor will in the vast majority of cases remain liable in damages.

Contact ParsCo if you believe your project has a construction defect.  

ParsCo Construction

Office: 850.696.7656

Fax: 850.390.4943

Visit us on the web at www.parscoconstruction.com

Check out our blog at parscoblog.blogspot.com

MSU Davis-Wade Stadium Progress Photos - May 2013

Construction on Phase 1 of the Mississippi State University Davis-Wade Stadium Addition continue. 

 

 

 

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ParsCo, LLC

55 South A Street

P.O. Box 12862

Pensacola, FL 32591

O:  850.696.7656

F:   850.390.4943

Visit us on the web at www.parscoconstruction.com

This communication, including attachments, is confidential, may be subject to legal privileges, and is intended for the sole use of the addressee. Any use, duplication, disclosure or dissemination of this communication, other than by the addressee, is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete or destroy this communication and all copies.

 

Tropical Storm Hurricane Andrea - Construction and Disaster Recovery Services

Gulf Coast Disaster and Construction Services by ParsCo Construction for the Tropical Storm Hurricane Andrea

It is hard to believe that the storm season started with a named storm already this year in 2013. If you are in need of insurance appraisal, storm remediation, and construction/disaster services contact us immediately. 

If the storm hasn't impacted you, contact us to learn more about our disaster services program so you can have piece of mind and know that ParsCo is ready to respond when you do need us. 

Don't be like many other businesses and homeowners that wait and react once a storm devastates your property. Act now! Contact us today to find out how you can be prepared for the worst!

ParsCo Construction

Office: 850.696.7656

Fax: 850.390.4943

Visit us on the web at www.parscoconstruction.com

Check out our blog at parscoblog.blogspot.com