Day Two
Wednesday, May 14 2025
07:45 am Check-In
8:15 am Chair’s Opening Remarks
Breaking Down Internal & External Silos
8:20 am Improving Collaboration Between Owners, Designers & Contractors to Deliver Constructable Designs, First Time
Synopsis
- Collaboratively developing a shared Project Execution Plan inclusive of a BIM Project Execution Plan
- Developing a robust QA/QC process to minimize design errors and omissions
- Ensuring that the design development process aligns with owner’s requirements for operations of the facility
- Engaging contractors early-on in the design development process to catch constructability issues before they occur
- Bridging the gap in understanding between trade contractors and designers to ensure design intent aligns with field realities
9:00 am Panel: Understanding Contractor Expectations & Requirements to Streamline Design Services Offered
Synopsis
- Ensuring equal authority of stakeholders from project onset to ensure buildings meet code requirements
- Collaboratively managing project schedules to avoid instances of non-approved product installations
- Exploring the design interface with contractors under different project delivery methods and boosting understanding of this in design teams
10:10 am Morning Refreshments
Track 1: Quality Program Leadership
Developing Team Expertise
10:40 am Case Study: Exploring the Role of Gensler’s ‘Realize’ Program to Identify & Nurture Future Technical Leaders
Synopsis
- Evaluating candidates for both technical expertise and alignment with company values and culture
- Providing training to build soft skills and increase knowledge of project development fundamentals
- Establishing internal networks to build connections with senior staff firm-wide
11:20 am Instilling a Quality First Mentality Into Other Business Functions to Improve All Client Deliverables
Synopsis
- Demonstrating the link between Quality and overall organizational performance
- Discovering ways Quality is impacted by non-client-facing functions
- Breaking down departmental silos to create shared Quality goals among leaders and teams
Track 2: Technical Design Quality
Enhancing Cross-Stakeholder Collaboration
10:40 am Communicating the Value of Quality to All the Stakeholders to Build in Time for QA/QC
Synopsis
- Uncovering the benefits for clients and design teams when time for Quality is built into the schedule
- Justifying the time and cost of building QA/QC into project design framework
- Including time for feedback loops in the project schedule to foster continuous improvement
- Linking design schedules with construction schedules
11:20 am Improving Architect-Engineer Collaboration to Identify Structural & System Limitations
Synopsis
- Outlining the nuances between technical considerations for vertical and horizontal markets
- Analyzing project-specific touchpoints where collaboration is needed
- Ensuring effective consultation during the design of nonstandard details
12:30 pm Lunch Break
Leveraging Modeling Software
1:30 pm Leveraging Digital Tools & Modeling to Provide Real- Time Technical Support
Synopsis
- Understanding how to use modeling software to check technical accuracy
- Developing software add-ons to perform application-based auditing on models
- Incorporating education into design software to provide just-in-time quality support
2:10 pm Audience Discussion: Governing Data in Data-Rich Models to Inform Accurate Decision Making
Synopsis
- Understanding the data parameters associated with 3D models and their value in informing clients and contractors
- Building QA/QC into data-rich BIM models to ensure the integrity and Quality of embedded data
- Selecting tools, software, and processes to structure and modularize data in models
Interpreting Code & Compliance
1:30 pm Holding Stakeholders Accountable to Life-Safety Compliance in Design Over Cutting Costs
Synopsis
- Incorporating life-safety into technical education of emerging design professionals
- Understanding fire risks in material choices and how to mitigate them
- Ensuring contractors are aware of the safety implications of not adhering to design choices
- Holding contractors accountable to building as the designs indicate
2:10 pm Equipping Designers with Skills to Interpret & Apply Code Effectively on Projects
Synopsis
- Prioritizing code review before starting design to minimize time-consuming revisions and redesigns
- Navigating code and understanding what sections apply to certain design scopes
- Fostering continuous education on code comprehension and application
2:50 pm Afternoon Refreshments
Integrating Technology Into Design Workflows
3:20 pm Panel: Forecasting the Future of the Design & Construction Industry to Future-Proof Your Firm’s Operations
Synopsis
- Exploring emerging trends in construction and their impact on design workflows
- Setting your firm up for success to deal with increasing levels of AI and automation in the industry
- Aligning designs with increasing regulatory requirements and codes regarding sustainability, health and safety