DLA capability brochure
excerpts
Project management: A too-well-kept secret?
Despite our reputation as cost estimators, we’ve come to realize that architects and building owners may not be aware of all we have to offer. Simply put, we are equipped to offer timely, well-researched advice on all matters pertaining to construction cost, scheduling. and protection of the owner’s interest.
As project managers, DLA works as an integral part of the design team, evaluating building concepts, site restrictions, and program requirements, and developing realistic schedules and budgets in line with the client’s financial resources. We provide an impartial and crucial early heads-up — and we continue to save our clients time and money as they proceed through design, contract negotiation, and construction documents.
We remain on board to evaluate bids, perform scheduling oversight, and monitor construction quality. Throughout the process, when the inevitable disagreements arise, our mediating skills help bring all parties closer to an equitable resolution.
You can choose to work with us throughout the life-span of your project, or select from our menu of services to augment the specialties of your in-house staff.
No room for wishful thinking.
Beginning a new project is an exciting prospect even for the most experienced institutions. Every building project begins with high-flying dreams and aspirations that soar beyond the mundane confines of time and budget.
For that very reason, we like to caution clients: Prepare to be disappointed. A budget-threatening program, contract disputes, multiple change-orders — there’s almost no limit to the frustrations that can bedevil the design and building process.
Which is why our proactive approach is so important. We’re involved in the design process as it happens, not just at the end of each phase. This continuous monitoring means far less time spent undoing mistakes and much greater flexibility — allowing decisions to be made at the speed your project demands.
Service that speaks to your experience.
Our proactive approach to information-gathering begins with an intensive study of the program, including the proposed use of materials, the engineering systems, and the site conditions. This study yields a budget cost plan based on actual costs for past projects of a similar type.
We are skilled at asking the questions that lead to a true understanding of a project’s scope. Our experience with a broad range of building types and our thorough knowledge of local markets enable us to give you information you may not even have realized you needed.
The accuracy of our information is rivaled only by the clarity with which we present it. We talk through the project from a construction standpoint of phasing and scheduling, breaking down information to clear-cut levels of detail.
Total integrity, steadfast quality.
Ask any architect or building owner to name the chief attributes of a first-rate construction cost consultant and the answer will be “accuracy, accuracy and accuracy.” At DLA, we know that informed decisions demand reliable figures. Our sterling record in assessing building costs speaks for itself.
We were among the first estimators in the U.S. to employ the now-standard “systems” format of cost reporting, allocating costs to each building system (structural, MEC, vertical transportation, etc.). The advantage is a huge increase in accuracy and clarity.
But we do more than simply spit out the numbers. Our forecasting ability is based on current, location-specific knowledge of the marketplace and broad experience with specific building types. While others may offer reams of unanalyzed empirical information, we are strategic thinkers, taking into account the many variables that may affect the project in the months and years to come.
We offer an unrivalled level of personal service: prompt, efficient communication, reliable information, the flexibility to meet ever-changing needs, When the going gets rough, we don’t mince words. Instead, we roll up our sleeves and do whatever is necessary to keep the project on track.
IT? It's second-nature by now.
We actually were the first company in the U.S. to measure building projects directly from CAD files, giving us a marked advantage in speed, accuracy, and consistency. Our proprietary Web-based project management software marshals every crucial piece of data, from schedules and minutes of meetings to logs of design drawing evolution. CADMeasure captures, organizes, and codes a comprehensive range of measurement functions and is fully integrated with DLA’s estimating software.
Mind-readers? Well, almost.
Most cost estimators can tell you what a drawing will cost to build. But by then it’s already late in the game. DLA staff can translate the sketchy information available in the pre-design stage into estimates that remain viable over time.
Clear communication is essential to our work. So we’ve developed interviewing techniques that ensure we fully comprehend all the conditions for contracting and construction, including existing standards and program requirements. We deliver our information to you in a comprehensive format that minimizes head-scratching. And we’re happy to answer questions, clarify details, or reconcile our findings with other estimates.
At DLA, we have a holistic view of the building process. We know how buildings come together, and we understand the pace and practices of the industry. You might even say we have an intuitive sense of the needs of architects and owners. From the beginning, we work as part of the team, helping to clarify and refine every detail of the project. Our overriding goal is to ensure that the funding is in place to meet the owner’s goals, so that the design process can begin.
Helping building owners every step of the way.
Information that seems to come out of nowhere does not inspire confidence. So we take the time to walk you through the logic by which we arrived at our conclusions. Our reader-friendly format gives you a clear picture of the whole project, with construction costs separated from total building costs. By sorting out apples from oranges, we make it easy to understand where the project’s dollars are and how to maximize your investment.
Our reputation rests largely on our work as pre-design and design phase consultants. But that’s just part of the picture. With experience in a range of bid-type and traditional delivery formats, we are equipped to help you make key decisions throughout the construction process. Of course, our viewpoint is completely objective; unlike construction firms, we have no vested interest in the project. Even after you open the doors, our facilities management service can provide value-conscious oversight.
And we understand how important it is to get quick answers to your questions. So we make it our business to return calls promptly. You enjoy the comfort-level of knowing that your decisions will be based on the most accurate information currently available.
Fully prepared, fast on our feet.
We have confidence in our numbers — for a very good reason! Our broad-based research into local market conditions, including extensive discussions with contractors, enables us to derive benchmarks from the local industry and economy. So we come to the job equipped with estimates and bid information based on multiple sources.
But we don’t just present the numbers — we help architects work through the costs and “charette” different solutions. We understand what’s defined in the plans and what needs a contingency. Skilled at forecasting the cost of materials through the life of the project, we also know how to turn on a dime when market conditions change. We have the flexibility to rapidly extrapolate cost repercussions and recommend viable alternatives.
DLA’s estimates are comprehensive (structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing). We develop construction budgets as a clear break-out from project costs, clarifying our numbers in concert with the rest of the team. And we’re sticklers for scheduling follow-through. We share the architect’s sense of urgency in responding to the owner’s requirements.
excerpts
Project management: A too-well-kept secret?
Despite our reputation as cost estimators, we’ve come to realize that architects and building owners may not be aware of all we have to offer. Simply put, we are equipped to offer timely, well-researched advice on all matters pertaining to construction cost, scheduling. and protection of the owner’s interest.
As project managers, DLA works as an integral part of the design team, evaluating building concepts, site restrictions, and program requirements, and developing realistic schedules and budgets in line with the client’s financial resources. We provide an impartial and crucial early heads-up — and we continue to save our clients time and money as they proceed through design, contract negotiation, and construction documents.
We remain on board to evaluate bids, perform scheduling oversight, and monitor construction quality. Throughout the process, when the inevitable disagreements arise, our mediating skills help bring all parties closer to an equitable resolution.
You can choose to work with us throughout the life-span of your project, or select from our menu of services to augment the specialties of your in-house staff.
No room for wishful thinking.
Beginning a new project is an exciting prospect even for the most experienced institutions. Every building project begins with high-flying dreams and aspirations that soar beyond the mundane confines of time and budget.
For that very reason, we like to caution clients: Prepare to be disappointed. A budget-threatening program, contract disputes, multiple change-orders — there’s almost no limit to the frustrations that can bedevil the design and building process.
Which is why our proactive approach is so important. We’re involved in the design process as it happens, not just at the end of each phase. This continuous monitoring means far less time spent undoing mistakes and much greater flexibility — allowing decisions to be made at the speed your project demands.
Service that speaks to your experience.
Our proactive approach to information-gathering begins with an intensive study of the program, including the proposed use of materials, the engineering systems, and the site conditions. This study yields a budget cost plan based on actual costs for past projects of a similar type.
We are skilled at asking the questions that lead to a true understanding of a project’s scope. Our experience with a broad range of building types and our thorough knowledge of local markets enable us to give you information you may not even have realized you needed.
The accuracy of our information is rivaled only by the clarity with which we present it. We talk through the project from a construction standpoint of phasing and scheduling, breaking down information to clear-cut levels of detail.
Total integrity, steadfast quality.
Ask any architect or building owner to name the chief attributes of a first-rate construction cost consultant and the answer will be “accuracy, accuracy and accuracy.” At DLA, we know that informed decisions demand reliable figures. Our sterling record in assessing building costs speaks for itself.
We were among the first estimators in the U.S. to employ the now-standard “systems” format of cost reporting, allocating costs to each building system (structural, MEC, vertical transportation, etc.). The advantage is a huge increase in accuracy and clarity.
But we do more than simply spit out the numbers. Our forecasting ability is based on current, location-specific knowledge of the marketplace and broad experience with specific building types. While others may offer reams of unanalyzed empirical information, we are strategic thinkers, taking into account the many variables that may affect the project in the months and years to come.
We offer an unrivalled level of personal service: prompt, efficient communication, reliable information, the flexibility to meet ever-changing needs, When the going gets rough, we don’t mince words. Instead, we roll up our sleeves and do whatever is necessary to keep the project on track.
IT? It's second-nature by now.
We actually were the first company in the U.S. to measure building projects directly from CAD files, giving us a marked advantage in speed, accuracy, and consistency. Our proprietary Web-based project management software marshals every crucial piece of data, from schedules and minutes of meetings to logs of design drawing evolution. CADMeasure captures, organizes, and codes a comprehensive range of measurement functions and is fully integrated with DLA’s estimating software.
Mind-readers? Well, almost.
Most cost estimators can tell you what a drawing will cost to build. But by then it’s already late in the game. DLA staff can translate the sketchy information available in the pre-design stage into estimates that remain viable over time.
Clear communication is essential to our work. So we’ve developed interviewing techniques that ensure we fully comprehend all the conditions for contracting and construction, including existing standards and program requirements. We deliver our information to you in a comprehensive format that minimizes head-scratching. And we’re happy to answer questions, clarify details, or reconcile our findings with other estimates.
At DLA, we have a holistic view of the building process. We know how buildings come together, and we understand the pace and practices of the industry. You might even say we have an intuitive sense of the needs of architects and owners. From the beginning, we work as part of the team, helping to clarify and refine every detail of the project. Our overriding goal is to ensure that the funding is in place to meet the owner’s goals, so that the design process can begin.
Helping building owners every step of the way.
Information that seems to come out of nowhere does not inspire confidence. So we take the time to walk you through the logic by which we arrived at our conclusions. Our reader-friendly format gives you a clear picture of the whole project, with construction costs separated from total building costs. By sorting out apples from oranges, we make it easy to understand where the project’s dollars are and how to maximize your investment.
Our reputation rests largely on our work as pre-design and design phase consultants. But that’s just part of the picture. With experience in a range of bid-type and traditional delivery formats, we are equipped to help you make key decisions throughout the construction process. Of course, our viewpoint is completely objective; unlike construction firms, we have no vested interest in the project. Even after you open the doors, our facilities management service can provide value-conscious oversight.
And we understand how important it is to get quick answers to your questions. So we make it our business to return calls promptly. You enjoy the comfort-level of knowing that your decisions will be based on the most accurate information currently available.
Fully prepared, fast on our feet.
We have confidence in our numbers — for a very good reason! Our broad-based research into local market conditions, including extensive discussions with contractors, enables us to derive benchmarks from the local industry and economy. So we come to the job equipped with estimates and bid information based on multiple sources.
But we don’t just present the numbers — we help architects work through the costs and “charette” different solutions. We understand what’s defined in the plans and what needs a contingency. Skilled at forecasting the cost of materials through the life of the project, we also know how to turn on a dime when market conditions change. We have the flexibility to rapidly extrapolate cost repercussions and recommend viable alternatives.
DLA’s estimates are comprehensive (structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing). We develop construction budgets as a clear break-out from project costs, clarifying our numbers in concert with the rest of the team. And we’re sticklers for scheduling follow-through. We share the architect’s sense of urgency in responding to the owner’s requirements.
client
Davis Langdon Adamson (DLA)
project
Capability brochure
audience
Architects, building owners
goal
To position this blue-chip cost consultancy as a full-service construction management company
Davis Langdon Adamson (DLA)
project
Capability brochure
audience
Architects, building owners
goal
To position this blue-chip cost consultancy as a full-service construction management company