| Project Green featured in Ann Arbor Business Review |
|
Integrated design for green projects gains traction By Dan Meisler Michigan Business Review (734) 302-1721, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it http://www.mlive.com/ The Michigan construction industry is starting to adopt elements of one of the key parts of LEED certification, the design charrette, by bringing together multiple disciplines at the early stages of project planning. The concept of design charrettes or integrated design - having architects, builders, owners, engineers and even brokers in the same room while planning a project - is gaining traction. It's essentially a requirement for LEED certification, but it is also showing up in industry groups and individual company initiatives that seek to provide clients with an easier way to go green. Ann Arbor is home to two examples - the Sustainable Solutions Alliance, a group of four LEED accredited professionals in different fields, and a new green think tank being put together by J.S. Vig, a Taylor-based construction company. The Sustainable Solutions Alliance consists of a builder, Ryan Stoianowski of Willis Construction in Saline; a broker, Patrich Jett of Grubb & Ellis; architect and planner Tom Covert of Atwell Hicks; and Dan Jacobs, an architect with A3C Collaborative Architecture. Stoianowski said the idea is to help educate clients and make their projects simpler to execute. "It just gives us a streamlined process to work with clients," he said. Another plus is that the members, all of whom have experience with green projects, don't have to spend time educating other professionals. "It makes it more difficult when you have to educate other disciplines you're working with," Stoianowski said. Jett added that the effort can counteract some misinformation - what he called "greenwashing" - about the expenses of going green. "We view ourselves as a best-in-class team," he said. "If you don't have a team that's experienced, it costs you time and money." The J.S. Vig program, dubbed Project Green, is meant to be a think-tank where clients can come to be educated about the best practices in sustainable construction, said CEO Joe Vig. "What we're really trying to do is simplify things," he said. "There is an overwhelming amount of information available to commercial building owners and professionals." The initiative - to be housed in an office near the University of Michigan football stadium - will also involve weekly videos posted to the Web of discussions among groups of professionals zeroing in on best practices in a certain area. "If we can identify what those best practices are and simplify the process for owners, there will be a much broader number of owners receptive to implementing these strategies," Vig said. "The overwhelming benefit of collaboration is education and to identify best practices." Jim Newman, managing partner at Newman Consulting Group in Birmingham, said it was "very smart" for the two Ann Arbor groups to promote collaboration across disciplines. Newman's company includes architects, HVAC experts, an interior designer and an engineer, and he said integrated design has been pushed to the mainstream by the LEED process. "Some did it that way all the time anyway, but the were probably in the minority," he said. "LEED has forced everybody to do it." Early collaboration on a project often results in cost savings, Newman said. For example, if it's decided that more efficient types of windows or insulation can be used in a building, that could reduce the size of the heating and cooling equipment rooms that are required. That type of interdisciplinary cooperation is exactly what the U.S. Green Building Council is trying to accomplish, said Linda Frey, executive director of the council's West Michigan chapter in Grand Rapids. "That's what its all about," she said. "It gets people out of their silos and can define a building in the whole system, not just heating or lighting." |
news/events:
what others are saying:
“With its tremendously skilled, hard-working team, J.S. Vig Construction helped fulfill the vision that the City of Romulus had in mind when we set out to build the Romulus Athletic Center. Thanks to J.S. Vig, the Romulus Athletic Center is now a beautiful, award-winning and popular athletic facility that has become the jewel in Romulus' crown.”
Tim Keyes
City of Romulus
Tim Keyes
City of Romulus
“It has been a pleasure working with J.S. Vig on numerous projects over the past few years. They exhibit professionalism and honesty in their work, along with a willingness to look at options and alternate approaches to make project happen and succeed.”
David Esau, AIA, LEED AP
Cornerstone Design Inc
David Esau, AIA, LEED AP
Cornerstone Design Inc
“ J.S. Vig is a company that is easy to work with because of their integrity. Our two firms have prospered from an over 30-year relationship, including many projects and personnel, which could not have happened without ongoing dedication to quality and honesty.”
David Zanely, LEED AP
Wilkie & Zanley Architects, A Sidock Company
David Zanely, LEED AP
Wilkie & Zanley Architects, A Sidock Company
“I have enjoyed over a 20-year relationship, built on honesty and professionalism, with J.S. Vig Construction Company.”
John Wilkie, AIA
Wilkie & Zanely Architects, A Sidock Company
John Wilkie, AIA
Wilkie & Zanely Architects, A Sidock Company
“J. S. Vig Construction Company has built over 500,000 sf for Avis Farms. We have found their staff and subcontractors to be honest, creative and responsive in meeting our aggressive project goals.”
Trish Kalmbach
BOSC Equities
Trish Kalmbach
BOSC Equities
“…Simply one of the most organized and talented construction teams that I have had the pleasure of working with in 25 years.”
Greg Heil
President, Heil Partnership
Greg Heil
President, Heil Partnership
“J.S. Vig Construction Company is honest, efficient, responsive, and completes each project with the client's needs in mind.”
Jerry Reinhart
President, Pomeroy Investment Company
Jerry Reinhart
President, Pomeroy Investment Company
“While this was an extremely difficult project in terms of phasing and working around our children, the employees of J.S. Vig did an outstanding job!”
Kurt M. Sebaly M. Ed.
Pentickton Center for Blind Children
Kurt M. Sebaly M. Ed.
Pentickton Center for Blind Children
“Through the entire pre-construction and warranty phases, your people have been responsive, professional, and cost-efficient. I would welcome the opportunity to recommend your firm and look forward to working together in the future.”
Larry Reed
Metavante Corporation
Larry Reed
Metavante Corporation
