ARCHITECT: AB DESIGN GROUP, LONGWOOD, FL

DEVELOPER: INTERVEST CONSTRUCTION, KISSIMMEE, FL

LOCATION: KISSIMMEE, FL

CLUBHOUSE: 26,000 SQ FT

HOTEL/CONDO BUILDINGS: 114,000/Building (15 Buildings Planned, 2 Built)

MY ROLE: DEPARTMENT MANAGER - LARGE PROJECTS CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION

A 600 Unit Hotel Suites/Timeshare Resort with a 26,000sq ft  2 story Clubhouse 4 miles from DisneyWorld Orlando.

 I was specifically hired at AB Design Group to oversee CA for this Project, as well as develop and implement the Large Projects Construction Administration Department for AB Design Group.  Installed in a large office adjacent to Wally McKie, the lead Architect for the project, we worked hand-in-hand throughout construction and closeout of the project.  When I came on board, this project was just a couple of holes in the ground, and there was no established framework in place for the firm to handle projects of this scope and duration.  With 2 interns at my disposal on a part-time basis, I embarked on creating the Large Projects Construction Administration Dept for AB Design Group. 

My responsibilities included all aspects of CA for the project, the highlights of which are as follows:

1)  Coordinate all Architect/Contractor/Developer communications and correspondence.

2)  Review and prepare responses to all Building Dept, Planning and Zoning, and other regulatory agency reviews and comments, including the design, preparation and issuance of any Drawing or Specifications Revisions required.

3)  Review and respond to all contractor Requests for Information/Clarification, including the design, preparation and issuance of any Drawing or Specifications Revisions required. 

4)  Review, comment on, and forward contractors Requests for Payment to the Owner with recommendations and evaluations of work completed.

5)  Attend weekly meetings with the Owner, Contractor, and Subcontractors regarding Progress of Work.  Review and comment/approved meeting minutes.  Attend any special meeting as required to resolve construction/contract issues.

6)  Attend Contractor and SubContractor pre-construction meetings as required.

7)  Conduct weekly Field Inspections of the work during progress.  Identify and advise the Owner and Contractor of the results of such inspections and any concerns arising therefrom.

8) Conduct Special Inspections and reports as required by the Buiding Code by the Architect, and coordinate Special Inspections  and reports required by the Architect's consultants. Coordinate and keep records of any Special Inspections performed by Consultants hired by the Owner.

9)  Review and resond to Shop Drawings submitted by the Contractor, forward to Consultants as required, and update any changes required by approved Shop Drawings to the Project Drawings, and issue revisions as may be required.

10)  Review Change Orders initiated by all parties to the Contract for Construction, evaluate for impact on the Project Budget, and the Contract Drawings/Specifications, and make recommendations to the Owner.

11)  Maintain complete and accurate recordkeeping of all aspects of the construction progress.

12)  Perform inspections and prepare punch lists during Project Closeout as required to ensure completion to the satisfaction of the Owner.

13) Coordinate with Contractor and Consultants to ensure commisioning of Building Systems.

14) Coordinate with regulatory agencies to receive Occupancy Permits and Permit Closeout as required.

The responsibilities above hit the highlights of the myriad issues that are involved during Construction Administration, but it reflects how my days were constantly busy for the 15 months or so of construction and closeout for this project.

In addition to actually performing the responsibilities for CA for this Project, I was also developing standards, required forms, etc. for the Department as a whole for use on future projects.