Build a Team for Design and Construction

In September 2001, Richard led a discussion at the Crittenden GolfInc show in Pinehurst, North Carolina entitled, How To Build A Team For Design & Construction. The first item of discussion asked, “Design, permit, bid, and build – is it that simple?” Richard’s contention was that it is if you have the correct outlook and attitude about the process, the site, and the end result. Many times, the permit process is drawn out because of the need for a variance. In some cases, the variance is an absolute requisite, but in others it simply is a design decision. The value of that design decision must be valued against the time it takes to secure that permit. The big question is, “Will this design decision really benefit the bottom line?” Often times it won’t, but instead add valuable time to the development process.

Richard’s advice to the attendees was that proper planning up front is the key to a successful process and that finding the project’s niche will help evaluate if design decisions are worth a lengthy permit process. True minimalism (Designing with what you have) will always be more acceptable to the permitting agencies and will be an advantage in navigating the permit process quickly and efficiently. Controversial permitting issues must be evaluated prior to the design process and that will avoid making things complicated in most instances.

The remaining discussion points were what consultants were necessary for the project and at what point those specific consultants brought into the design team in the pre-design phase, design phase, construction phase, and upon opening. Generally speaking Richard’s philosophy is that expert advice is always better as early in the process as possible. This avoids crucial issues getting lost in the shuffle and also ensures that specific design decisions that everyone has fallen in love with do not become detriments to the success of the project. In short, the success of a project is not just in the final product, but in the journey. Economic use of one’s time as well as money can have more long-term affect on the success of one’s project than anything else.

Richard gave a variation of this talk at the Golf Inc Conference in May of 2002 held in Palm Springs, California.

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