Planning & Scheduling This course introduces the concepts of Critical Path Method (CPM) for scheduling, typically performed with Primavera or Microsoft Project software; however, students will develop a CPM network by hand to understand what the scheduling tools and computer applications are doing. Sample computer reports will be shown and discussed. A schedule has value if it is used.
October 8th, 2019 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Course Fee: $350/Member $400/Nonmember Questions? Call 248-972-1133 Register online at WWW.BUILDWITHCAM.COM/CAMTEC-CLASSES/
Estimating This course provides an overall knowledge of construction cost estimating from the standpoint of a General Contractor or Construction Manager. It will focus on procedures for basic quantity take-offs and pricing for most construction divisions from Earthwork to Electrical. An overview and demonstration of estimating tools and software will be conducted throughout the class. Review of types of estimates required throughout the construction process.
October 16 - 18, 2019 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Course Fee: $575/Member $625/Nonmember Questions? Call 248-972-1133 Register online at WWW.BUILDWITHCAM.COM/CAMTEC-CLASSES/
Project Cost Management This course provides a thorough presentation of the principles used in Project Management. Participants receive instruction in effective management of projects to enable them to remain competitive and successful in today’s construction environment. The project environment is discussed, as well as tools to plan organizational response to work. Project management implementation is explained including the effective management of resources. It is not enough to effectively manage others, tools and tips are provided for managing one’s daily schedule, and responding to emergencies on the job. Progress collection, control, and performance measurement is explained. Projects rarely go according to plan – strategy and tactics are explained to manage project change, and effective project closeout is discussed.
October 8th, 2019 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Course Fee: $150/Member $200/Nonmember Questions? Call 248-972-1133 Register online at WWW.BUILDWITHCAM.COM/CAMTEC-CLASSES/
DIRECTORS
Joshua Barney JJ Barney Construction
Jeffrey Chandler PUBLISHER EDITOR
Valenti Trobec Chandler, Inc./VTC Insurance Group
Kevin Koehler Diane Sawinski
Matthew D. Cramer
Mary Kremposky McArdle
Stephen Frantz
Joseph Coots
Michael Green
Dee Cramer
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Motor City Electric Co.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
John E. Green Company
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE
Roy Jones Cathy Jones
Frank Jonna Jonna Companies
Tricia S. Ruby
DIRECTORS OFFICERS Chairman
Ruby + Associates
Commercial Contracting Corp.
Vice Chairman
Kerlin Blaise Blaze Contracting
Vice Chairman
Erik Wordhouse Edwards Glass Co.
Treasurer
Samuel Ruegsegger III The Christman Co.
President
Paul Stachowiak
Kevin Foucher
Kevin Koehler
Integrated Design Solutions, LLC
CAM MAGAZINE EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Gary Boyajian Division 8 Solutions, Inc.
George Dobrowitsky Walbridge
Daniel Englehart Peter Basso and Associates, Inc.
Dennis King DMKING Consulting, LLC
CAM Magazine (ISSN08837880) is published monthly by the Construction Association of Michigan, 43636 Woodward Ave., P.O. Box 3204, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302-3204 (248) 972-1000. $24.00 of annual membership dues is allocated to a subscription to CAM Magazine. Additional subscriptions $40.00 annually. Periodical postage paid at Bloomfield Hills, MI and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER, SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: CAM MAGAZINE, 43636 WOODWARD AVE., BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48302-3204. For editorial comment or more information: sawinski@BuildwithCAM.com For reprints or to sell CAM Magazine: 248-972-1000
Sanford (Sandy) Sulkes International Building Products, Inc.
Amanda Tackett Consultant
James Vargo Capac Construction Company, Inc.
Copyright © 2019 Construction Association of Michigan. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. CAM Magazine is a registered trademark of the Construction Association of Michigan.
4 CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019
“The Voice of The Construction Industry®”
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
22
AIA-MI DESIGN PERSPECTIVES 14
The Value of Mentorship
CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY 18
Why Modernizing Expense Technology Is Critical for Builders & Contractors
INSURANCE • BONDING 22 26
Understanding Your Insurance Coverage Surety Bonds: Managing Subcontractor Risk
SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION 30
Lessons in the 21st Century Classroom
36
Top Trends in School Construction
30
CONSTRUCTION HIGHLIGHT 42
Bringing Eastern Michigan University’s Strong Hall into the 21st Century
DEPARTMENTS 7 12 49 51
Industry News Safety Tool Kit Product Showcase People in Construction/ Corporate News
53 53 54
Construction Calendar CAM Welcomes New Members Advertisers Index
42
ABOUT THE COVER Stantec and Clark Construction renovated Eastern Michigan University’s Strong Hall originally built in 1957. The building’s design features reinforce the geology, geography, physics, and astronomy programs housed in the building: Light fixtures in the atrium suggest planetary orbits, and travertine walls create the illusion of a cross-section of geological strata. Photography Credit: Justin Maconochie Photography
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Congratulations to the 2019 AIA Detroit Building Award Winners Architectural Honor Awards / Building PLY+ St. Mary Chapel
“Design vocabularies and light reflections bring a peaceful and optimistic feeling, creating an atmosphere of poetry. A cross is “borrowed” from the existing nearby hospital and as a result, the sculptural volumes become abstract objects which successfully harmonize spiritual and cultural traditions.” Architect-of-Record: PLY+, Ann Arbor MI General Contractor: Granger Construction
Architectural Honor Awards / Small Project
N E W S
Et al. Collaborative + Collaborative Design 8869 Avis
Detroit Center
HED Aaron Friedman Marine Hydrodynamics Center
“A drab circulation space is successfully reinvented to activate the study of naval design using captivating back-lit historic imagery and finely detailed wood and glass exhibit boxes.” Client: University of Michigan General Contractor: Brix Corporation
“This community headquarters is a comprehensive small project that considers the relationship between place and its community stakeholders as a critical component of the architecture…” Client: Inside Southwest Detroit General Contractor: Michigan Alterations & Construction Services
inFORM Studio Pewabic Pottery Expansion
Architectural Honor Awards / Interiors SmithGroup LinkedIn Detroit Office
The IMI team of architects, engineers and construction experts offer:
“A large-scale, cohesive interior that achieved a harmonious balance between a bold corporate identity and soft intentional areas that provide reprieve from the buzz of the communal work spaces.” General Contractor: L.S. Brinker Architectural Photographer: Justin Maconochie
Visit us online at www.BuildwithCAM.com
“This monolithic box allows the occupant to experience the exterior as voyeur allowing provocative peeks as what is an otherwise ordinary structure. The continuous shift of pulling and pushing the masonry creates a phenomenological condition where commonplace materials transform the building’s envelope from static to kinetic…”
• Project-Specific technical consultations • Project trouble shooting for designers and contractors • Pre-Construction Conferences for masonry review of best practices and code review • Jobsite visits, observation and troubleshooting • Review of Plans and Specifications • Technical Guides and Details • New Product and Constructability Research • Building Codes and standards development • Contractor College for Union Contractors, providing technical and business management strategies.
For more information please contact:
International Masonry Institute Maria Alvaro | AIA, LEED AP BD+C
General Contractor: Sachse Architectural Photographer: Jason Keen
Director of Industry Development & Technical Services malvaro@imiweb.org
Office: 248.449.2689 www.imiweb.org CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019
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Architectural Honor Awards / Sustainable Design
ROSSETTI Louis Armstrong Stadium
Stantec Architecture Inc. Strong Hall Renovation
“The most sustainable building is often the one that's already there. This project shows how mundane existing buildings that might otherwise be torn down can transformed into attractive and efficient places for people.” Client: Eastern Michigan University General Contractor: Clark Construction Company
“Nothing can be more delightful than a welcome breeze--but instead of simply drawing "well-intentioned arrows," the design team used computer simulation to develop an approach that provides comfort beautifully.” Client: United States Tennis Association General Contractor: Hunt Construction
SmithGroup + Ennead Architects University Biological Sciences Building & Natural History Museum
“Like an accordion being pulled apart to let in air, this design divides its massing into three clear blocks and pulls them apart to let in light, drawing people together.” Architect of Record: SmithGroup Design Architect: Ennead Architects Client: University of Michigan General Contractor: Barton Malow 8 CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019
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Architectural Honor Awards / Technology SmithGroup Emory University Hospital Bridges
“Simultaneously quiet and bold, this is an elegant solution stitches together a campus of buildings divided by a busy road, showing the power of datainformed design to use materials efficiently and beautifully.” Client: Emory Healthcare General Contractor: McCarthy Building Companies
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Architectural Honor Awards / Urban Design SmithGroup Urban District Plan
“A vision of downtown that respects the scale and communal nature of the city, at its core. Through process and design the plan leans into the values of open space planning while integrating a distinct design voice that supports both large scale and smaller scale intimate opportunities for community members to address the city.” Client: DTE Energy Engagement Partner: Interboro Visit aiadetroit.com/building-award-winners for more details and photos.
Constructech Reveals the 2019 Constructech Women in Construction In its fifth year, Constructech magazine’s 2019 Women in Construction recognizes the women who are the most successful women working within the construction industry, aptly leveraging technology, all while working on some of the most successful projects in the world. Winners were chosen by a group of their peers within the construction industry. “The Women in Construction are true examples of stalwartness in an industry that is primarily dominated by men,” says Peggy Smedley, editorial director of Constructech magazine and president of Specialty Publishing Media. “These forward-thinking women are aspiring for more than just paycheck. What makes them truly stand out is how they inspire all women to persevere and are dedicated to helping the industry thrive as a whole.”
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The 2019 Women in Construction are: Carrie Arnold, Fluor Corp. Brandi Baldwin, Missouri Dept. Transportation Tracy Bell, Tilson Elizabeth Calder, Suffolk Construction Adrienne Carlson, Faith Technologies, Inc. Rebekah Casey, Brasfield & Gorrie Amanda Comunale, Victaulic Valan Daniel, Gray Construction Nicole Darling, Ryan Companies Sarah Ebeling, CPPI Dana Erdman, Bulley & Andrews, LLC Liz Fronduto, Power Design Inc. Kelsey Gauger, Suffolk Construction Kally Gibbs, Haskell Jennifer Giese, Faith Technologies, Inc. Jackie Guttman, The Ruhlin Co. Susan Heinking, Pepper Construction Alloy Kemp, Thornton Tomasetti Melissa Kershner, Aurora Contractors, Inc. Mona Kharouba, Suffolk Construction Courtney King, Ryan Companies Megan Koch, Marsh Construction Constance Lai, Grunley Construction Co., Inc. Jennifer Landau, Landau Building Co.
of
Pamela Diane Lankford, Eastwood Homes Allison Lewis, Gray Construction Ashley Martin, Flintco, LLC Zoe McBride, Thornton Tomasetti Nicole McElroy, Leopardo Companies Rachael Montosi, Kaplan Construction Kelly Olson, Western States Equipment Co. Sheryl Palmer, Taylor Morrison, Inc. Anne Roark, Power Construction, LLC Gabrielle Robitaille, Flintco, LLC Gianny Romero, Flintco, LLC Adrienne Sherwood, Grunley Construction Co., Inc. Marie Speakman, Suffolk Construction Kaitlin Veenstra, Ryan Companies Jarka Vonder, PS&S Patricia Waller, Gannett Fleming Debbie Watt, Shawmut Design and Construction Cristine Winchester, Flintco, LLC Taylor Wright, T&M Equipment Julie Wright, Porter Davis Homes Tamara Yang, Balfour Beatty US The 2019 Women in Construction winners were honored at a reception and dinner in August, closing the first night of annual the Technology Days Conference. This dinner also honored the first annual Female Heavy Equipment Operators.
ELECTRI Announces Safety as Top Priority for Addressing Opioid Crisis ELECTRI International, the Foundation for Electrical Construction Inc., is taking a close look at the opioid crisis facing the construction industry. According to a 2017 study, construction workers are among the most susceptible to opioid abuse, second only to food service industry employees. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates the total “economic burden” of prescription opioid misuse in the United States is $78.5 billion per year, clearly costing every firm money and threatening lives. At a recent ELECTRI Council roundtable discussion, participants agreed that safety is the top priority for the workforce, employers, and customers. Contractors, working with the support of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), have adopted drug testing policies to address safety concerns and to focus on the treatment and rehabilitation needs of their employees. While drug testing policies do exist, they vary according to adoption by local jurisdictions. Many NECA members have drug-free work zone policies in place. These often have procedures to refer workers to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and rehabilitation. These policies can allow for the administration of panel tests. However, the medical review officer can only offer a simple “compliant/noncompliant” response to the test results, due to privacy laws. Council members acknowledged the importance of a nationwide adoption of H.R.6, “SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act.” This is now Public Law #115-271 and has a strong policy governing opioid prescriptions as well as language for establishing an advisory committee to address opioid use in the workplace. Visit https://electri.org for links that contractors can use to learn more about the new law and read more from the CDC on ways to address the opioid crisis in the workplace.
Little Caesars Arena Achieves LEED Silver Certification The Ilitch organization, in conjunction with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), announced recently that the award-winning Little Caesars Arena in The District Detroit has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification. LEED, the most widely 10 CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019
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used green building rating system in the world, provides a framework to create healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings, and is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement. Since its opening in September 2017, Little Caesars Arena has welcomed more than 4 million guests to its ticketed events. Arena representatives say that they are committed to improving guest experience through environmental stewardship using LEED and achieved certification by implementing specific initiatives that include, among others: • An erosion and sedimentation control plan approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) • Efficient water fixtures in the multi-purpose arena that have reduced the use of p otable water by more than 40 percent • The use of 20% recycled materials in the building’s materials • An Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) roof, which reduces the need for daytime lighting while offering the benefits of natural light • A ventilation system that meets the standards for indoor environmental quality • Lighting controls for 100 percent of its building occupants and 100 percent of its shared multi-occupant spaces Little Caesars Arena has also achieved several other certifications and accolades indicating a commitment to service and community. In November 2017, just two months after opening to the public, Little Caesars Arena was awarded SAFETY Act Certification, the highest level of protection awarded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
3M™ DBI-SALA® Twin-Leg Nano-Lok™ Edge and Twin-Leg Nano-Lok™ Wrap Back Self-Retracting Lifelines Recalled 3M Fall Protection issued an immediate stop use and product recall of the 3M™ DBISALA® Twin-Leg Nano-Lok™ edge and the Twin-Leg Nano-Lok™ Wrap Back Self-Retracting Lifeline. These Twin-Leg Nano-Loks are used as part of a personal fall protection system that connects two self-retracting lifelines/devices (SRLs/SRDs) directly under the dorsal D-ring of a worker’s harness. The Twin-Leg Nano-Lok edge is intended to be anchored at foot-level, is designed for sharp and/or leading edge applications and incorporates an energy absorber. The Twin-Leg Nano-Lok Wrap Back is intended for wrapping around an anchor and incorporates a similar energy absorber. 3M has determined that in a fall and under certain conditions, the energy absorber of these devices may not properly deploy, which could expose the worker to serious injury or death. Although there have been no reports of accidents or injuries associated with this issue, these products must be removed from service immediately. Visit www.nanolokedgerecall.com/Docs/RecallNotice.pdf for more information. Visit us online at www.BuildwithCAM.com
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Safety Tool Kit EXCAVATION SAFETY -
REGULATIONS IN FOCUS
By
Jason Griffin
CAM DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND SAFETY SERVICES
n the construction industry, excavation is a necessity. We excavate to form footings and foundations, to place underground utilities, to repair and maintain infrastructure, and also to install new services. The hazards that are faced during excavation work are manifold and vary with the conditions present at each work site. In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Center for Construction Research and Education (CPWR)’s quarterly report targeted the Focus Four Hazard of Caughtin/Between information, indicating that just over 40 percent of the fatalities caused by material engulfment was related to excavation work. Excavation injury and illness rates have been on the rise, prompting Federal OSHA to launch a National Emphasis Program to help manage these rates. MIOSHA has also launched a state emphasis program targeting excavation work. It is no mystery that excavation work is dangerous and that a collapse is one of the primary hazards for workers on an excavation project. In my experience as both a MIOSHA CET Construction Safety Consultant and my more recent involvement as a trainer and consultant for CAM, I am often surprised at how little contractors know about the rules that govern excavation work. In Michigan, we have MIOSHA’s CS Part 9: Excavation Trenching and Shoring, which governs excavation work here in our state. OSHA has 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P which is their excavation standard. There are significant differences between the standards including differing sloping guidelines, benching diagrams, requirements for tie-backs for shoring systems and, in Michigan, the need to have a qualified person on the jobsite for ongoing inspections of the excavation. The differences in the standard are extremely important, and employers engaging in excavation work should be knowledgeable about both standards. OSHA’s standard includes the methods to be used for soil classification, which should be the basis for the selection of the protective
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systems used for worker safety. Also, manufacturers of shoring and excavation equipment rate their equipment to the OSHA system, requiring users to have at least a passing familiarity with the system to use the equipment correctly. Soil classification is required in both the MIOSHA and OSHA standards for excavation work. Unfortunately, many contractors do not formerly test the soil using the methods described in the standard. Often, they rely on their field experiences or trust that the person who set the system up knew what they were doing. I have seen several excavations that used a combination of systems, often used incorrectly, to provide a false sense of protection to workers exposed to the hazards. When using protective systems like benching, shoring, or shielding, it is required that soil classification be done. This classification is used to define the parameters of the protective system’s capabilities for the soil type, depth, width, and duration that the excavation will be open. It is also important to verify the location of existing utilities as they can have an impact on the system selected. Manufacturers of shoring equipment often have tabulated data for their systems that must be maintained on the jobsite along with the directions for the safe use of their equipment. Employees should be trained on how to use this equipment effectively. When using protective measures described in both standards, it is important to note that the methods described are only good to a depth of 20 feet. Once an excavation exceeds this depth, the protective system Visit us online at www.BuildwithCAM.com
used must be designed by a registered professional engineer. This is not the only time an engineer may be required as other conditions such as surcharge, weight of nearby equipment or structures, and space considerations can exceed the parameters for a particular system’s use as described in the standard. The MIOSHA excavation standard is less descriptive of the protective methods to be used to protect workers and places emphasis on having a qualified person responsible for the selection, inspection of, and maintenance of the protective systems in use. If you are not familiar with the standards relating to excavation work or need some refresher information, I would strongly recommend that you visit the resources that I have included in this article. Worker training is essential for foreman and laborers working in these environments. I would also recommend that inspectors who occasionally get into excavations to verify connections also get training on how to recognize and avoid the hazards. I would challenge anyone reading this article to get in their vehicles and go for a drive. Look for the excavations in your area and see if they are compliant with the information you find in the resources below. For more information on excavation safety, please feel free to contact me at safety@buildwithcam.com.
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Resources: MIOSHA Excavation and Trenching Initiative Page: https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7154-89334_11407_15317-483898--,00.ht ml OSHA Trenching and Excavation Resource Page: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/trenchingexc avation/index.html OSHA National Emphasis Program Directive: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/e nforcement/directives/CPL-02-00161_0.pdf Center for Construction Research & Education (CPWR) Trench Safety Resources: https://www.cpwr.com/trench-safety CPWR Construction Solutions: (Select Excavation & Demolition) http://www.cpwrconstructionsolutions.org /work/
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The Value of
Mentorship
By Spencer Jaskiewicz, AIA NCARB LEED Green Associate aise your hand if you have been able to succeed solely through your own knowledge, skill, and work ethic.” Imagine sitting in Ford Field during a sold-out crowd and a speaker made this request; I doubt there would be a single hand raised in the stadium. No one comes out of high school, college, trade school, or an apprenticeship knowing how to do everything they do today. The fact of the matter is that we are where we are because of the people around us who have shared their knowledge, gave encouragement, and pushed us to be the best version of ourselves! The word mentorship is a common one in any business. It is one of the “business buzzwords” that many preach but fail to practice. In today’s world, mentorship can be viewed as a drain on both personal and business time. In many situations where mentors and mentees are paired, the connection fails to materialize or grab hold due to conflicting personalities, lack of preparedness by one or both parties, and lack of an overarching goal for the pairing. With so many things that can go wrong, it’s easy to be discouraged as a mentor or mentee, but the benefits from a great mentorship far outweigh the potential negatives. Great mentorships can literally change the course of a career and life. Personally, mentorship has been immensely impactful in helping me achieve the success that I have had. I would be nowhere close to where I am today without mentors, both official and informal, helping guide, council, and encourage me. I’ve picked my mentors’ brains on everything from how to draw a detail, to guiding me on contract negotiations and client management, to handling a mistake that will undoubtedly cost my employer some money. I know my story on mentorship is not unique—far from it actually—which speaks volumes to the importance that mentorship plays in our lives.
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The best mentorship pairings are those in which both parties benefit from the relationship. In these pairings, the mentor and mentee each begin to recognize their own abilities and limitations, pushing each other to exceed expectations in both. In some cases, the script may be flipped, and the mentee might excel in an area where the mentor is limited, becoming the mentor for that certain item. One great example of this in the AEC industry would be the immense knowledge of construction and design technology platforms younger staff typically have in comparison to a more seasoned professional. Studies have shown that through recognizing their weaknesses, mentors and mentees have pushed each other to better themselves at a higher rate than those without a support system. Other studies have shown an increase in communication skills and increases in productivity. In some cases when mentors and mentees share a workplace, an increase in advocacy by the mentor for the mentee as well as by the mentee for the mentor has been shown! These are just some of the benefits of a great mentorship. The list of benefits individually to mentors, mentees, and businesses could fill the pages of a book the size of the Harry Potter series combined. With all these benefits, how can we make sure pairings succeed? Formal programs must recognize the personality factor in pairings - clashing personalities will kill a pairing before it has even begun. Formal programs must also have a way to recognize similar goals between potential mentors and mentees since these goals will be the bedrock of the relationship. Those in pairings that are within 10 years of age also have a tendency to be successful where there is a linear career progression. In architecture, pairings such as new grad with recently licensed architect, or a firm associate with a principal, generally have a higher rate of success. Informal mentor pairings tend to take the above into account as a baseline. As human beings, we naturally gravitate toward people who we get along with and have similar goals or have achieved a level of success we are working toward. Due to the natural way informal mentorships form, they have been shown to have a Visit us online at www.BuildwithCAM.com
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higher satisfaction rate and tend to create long-lasting relationships between mentor and mentee. It’s been said that in architecture that there is only one new architecture professional for every two retirees. We’ve heard for years, if not decades now, how we need more people to go into the construction trades. Lack of tradespeople is such as problem that popular TV programs are working to promote these fields. The PBS program This Old House now regularly showcases their young apprentices, and TV personality Mike Rowe has established the Mike Rowe Works Foundation, which promotes and provides scholarships for those going into the trades. The lack of new blood is causing labor
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shortages and skill gaps that will continue to be issues into the future. In the AEC industry, we can use mentorships to pass along our skill and knowledge to current young professionals as well as use it to build future generations. We can further build our future by promoting, supporting, and mentoring in programs for K-12 education, donating our time by regularly going to elementary schools to give talks and to get kids excited by promoting or running programs with handson activities. We can also encourage young people to shadow us for a day or a week and show them what we do on a day-to-day basis. We can also promote and support programs such as drafting, art, and building trades classes, which are being squeezed out
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as school budgets and curriculums get ever more restrictive. More visibility and knowledge of our craft will further our causes and produce a greater number of students who want to go into our professions. With the benefits mentorship provides to our personal growth, professional growth, and to the future of our professions, we all must actively participate as a mentor or mentee. Sign up today if your office has a program, or join one of the many professional and industry programs available. AIA Michigan’s student mentorship program is always looking for more mentors to pair with the large numbers of college student mentees they have. If your passion is K12, become a mentor in your local ACE (Architecture, Construction, Engineering) Program. If you don’t have access to a formal program at your office or organization, take the lead and create one or form an informal pairing with someone you look up to!
About the Author: Spencer Jaskiewicz, AIA NCARB LEED Green Associate, is a Project Architect and Associate at Stantec Architecture in Berkley. He graduated with his Master’s from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2015. Jaskiewicz specializes in taking projects from conception through completion, having worked with clients such as Carhartt, Little Caesars, Olympia Development, and Disney, among others. He regularly volunteers his time as a member of the AIA Emerging Professionals Committee, as Past Chair of Canstruction Detroit, and as President of the UDM Architecture Alumni Council.
Visit us online at www.BuildwithCAM.com
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Why Modernizing Expense Technology Is Critical for Builders & Contractors
By James Thomas, CEO, and Ryan Courtade, VP of Revenue Operations, Itemize Corp.
s a builder or contractor in the construction industry, you know that projects can come in waves. The winter season is generally slower than the warmer seasons, for example. You can go from only working on a project here and there to suddenly being very busy with several jobs at once. You’re in a boom period. Before you know it, the so-called “easy” part of your job is now taking up more time: managing expenses. It’s not so easy in a busy period, right? We get it: There are all of these raw materials that must be bought – and tracked properly – in order to get reimbursed by clients. But how can you do that if you don’t feel in control of your expenses and cash flow? How can you do that while swimming in paper receipts, invoices, and bills? Simple answer: you can’t. Many builders still manage expenses manually, yet there is an easier way. This is where smart technology can help – specifically, automated expense management technology. If you’ve used paper ledgers to manage expenses, you know it is a tedious and time-consuming task. Expense management tools, however, eliminate all manual entry, better organize and track expenses, and ultimately save you lots of time and money. It’s simpler.
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Now, you may already know about expense tools – but do you know if you’re using the RIGHT one? Is it tailored to your line of work as a builder? We’ll get to that. We tell you how this smart and easy-to-use business technology will help you manage your expenses and projects, and, ultimately, become more productive and profitable.
together. You can even upload paper documents through apps, and websites if you prefer. In the end, all of your purchase documents are in ONE place. Keep it simple and use your mobile phone for expenses. Hey, it’s something you already have on you, right? Why not use it to make your work day run smoother?
It’s mobile and goes with you to your job sites. Construction workers need tools and technology that can be used anywhere - plain and simple. Whether you’re working at a local site or hundreds of miles away from home, you’re frequently on the go. And when expenses start racking up, you don’t have time to go find the nearest computer or printer to track and submit expenses. This is why having expense management technology that can be used anytime and anywhere is crucial in this industry: it allows you to just do. How would this work? Picture this: Connect to your e-mail on your mobile phone or take a picture, and all of your expense documents automatically came
It’s straightforward to use – even with lots of raw material spend. Perhaps the best part for builders: it’s easy to use. We think that using expense management software shouldn’t be looked at as “yet another thing to do.” Instead, it should be something that is straightforward and allows you to focus on what really matters: your actual job. If you can operate a mobile phone camera, you can operate expense management tools. That’s the only training criteria. What really helps builders and those in the construction industry here is the ability to add project codes and notes. Tracking purchases is incredibly important in this line of work. You want to get reimbursed, right? And not only that – you want to be paid quickly, too,
Visit us online at www.BuildwithCAM.com
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we assume? Expense management technology can ensure this happens sooner rather than later. Here’s how: You don’t need to write, for example, “This is for the Martin Project” on a receipt. Instead, do things digitally: fill in the so-called “metadata” fields for each uploaded receipt so that you know which purchases trace back to which client and project. Then, at the end of each month or job, you can run a report where it will show you all of your expenses for a particular project. Photos of each receipt associated with it can also be viewed. Every purchase is accounted for and organized. As an added bonus, the best expense management tools do not require any vendor set up or onboarding. They also don’t need to know the layout of vendor invoices. It’s even better when there is no commitment involved (if you use a month-to-month service, for example). In the end, you need a system that does the heavy lifting for you – and with a ridiculously high accuracy rate. These kinds exist.
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About the Author James Thomas is the Founder and CEO of Itemize, a payments data company whose technology transforms receipts and invoices into structured information for commercial card data enhancement, accounts payable management, and employee expense tracking. Prior to founding Itemize, Jim launched MasterCard’s payments data and analytics business, applying behavioral analytics and mathematics to large payments data sets. Previously, Jim served as a vice president at First Manhattan Consulting Group. He has also held positions at Morgan Stanley and Booz-Allen and Hamilton.
You’ll save time and money. You will be much more productive with this business technology. As a builder, your time is precious. You’re busy purchasing and working with lots of raw material on a daily basis. You’re focused on your projects and going to job sites, and that’s how it should be. You shouldn’t have to spend so much time and energy on non-billable administrative tasks. It’s not time well spent. That’s why when we’ve seen those in the industry use expense management technology, we see them reap huge benefits. They get about a dozen hours back each month because that was once time used consumed in expense data entry and report production. We see them save money in the same month that they began using it (sometimes as high as $2,000). And we see them able to be more effective as builders. After all, your focus should be on your projects – not on some administrative task that smart technology can do for you. Visit us online at www.BuildwithCAM.com
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Understanding Your Insurance Coverage David R. Stechow, Partner, Plunkett Cooney Theodore L. Degenhardt IV, Associate, Plunkett Cooney By:
nsurance contracts can be complicated and lengthy documents you place in your filing cabinet after speaking with your insurance agent and receiving a copy of your annual commercial general liability (“CGL”) policy. However, it is important to understand what you’ve purchased. It’s easy to tell your insurance agent every year that your business needs to renew its CGL coverage. However, the desire for cheap premiums may leave you paying for your own attorneys and subsequent damages in the unfortunate circumstance if you are sued. After reading this article, you should have a general understanding of insurance coverage, and, importantly, additional insured endorsements.
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Insurance Basics Interpretation Insurance contracts are complex documents - where there are ambiguities, they are interpreted in favor of the insured and against the insurer. However, when the policy language is clear and unambiguous, the policy will be interpreted and enforced as written. The goal of the courts is to carry out the desired intent of the contracting parties, the insured and the insurer. Claims-Made v. Occurrence-Based Policies Under a claims-made policy, as the insured you are covered against any claims made against you during the dates the policy is in effect. Once that policy expires (“lapses”), the insured is no longer covered under that policy. Under claimsmade policies, it is important to continue your coverage to ensure coverage for any claims that may arise in the future. Under an occurrence-based policy, the insured is covered for acts of negligence that occurred during the time the policy was in effect. Carriers tend to maintain more expensive premiums for occurrencebased policies because they forever cover any incidents that occur while that policy was in effect. That is, it does not matter when the suit is brought, so long as the alleged negligence that is the basis for the suit occurred while the insurance policy was in place.
day and the spray paint blows into a nearby parking lot damaging parked vehicles. • Loss of Use of Injured Tangible Property Property damage includes the loss of use of property that has been physically injured. An example of loss of use of injured tangible property is where a builder is contracted to renovate an apartment that the landlord has leased the apartment to a tenant, and the tenant is scheduled to move in October 1. During construction, the builder accidentally causes a fire while drilling into the wall causing severe damage to the property. The repairs take several months, and the tenant does not move in until February 1. The apartment complex files suit against the contractor for both the cost to repair the damage as well as the lost rental income it would have received had the renovation gone to plan. In
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this case, there was loss of use due to physical injury to tangible property. • Loss of Use of Uninjured Tangible Property Property damage also includes the loss of use of property that has not been physically injured. For example, a contractor is in the process of constructing a building when a wall collapses. The local authorities rope off the area surrounding the construction site, including an adjoining business. While the neighboring business was not physically harmed, it was closed for a duration and lost business sales. When the business owner sues the contractor for lost income, the contractor should have coverage under its CGL policy for property damage it caused. Duty to Defend and Indemnify A CGL policy affords the insured two separate coverages: one, to defend the
Types of Property Damage In order to trigger coverage under either a claims-made or occurrence-based policy, there must be property damage or bodily injury caused by an occurrence. By definition, property damage includes three types of losses: physical injury to tangible property, loss of use of injured tangible property, and loss of use of uninjured tangible property. • Physical Injury to Tangible Property This is the most common type of property damage. Some examples are as follows: you are erecting a new building when debris falls from the project and breaks the window of a neighboring building. Or you are spray painting a building on a windy Visit us online at www.BuildwithCAM.com
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insured; and two, to indemnify the insured should damages be awarded to the plaintiff (“claimant”). The duty to defend arises “if the allegations of a third party against the policyholder even arguably come within the policy coverage. Polkow v Citizens Ins Co, 438 Mich 174, 178 (1991). This is true even where the claim may be groundless or frivolous. If there is any doubt as to whether the complaint alleges a liability covered under the policy, the doubt must be resolved in the insured’s favor. As for the duty to indemnify, should your insurance carrier decide to settle the matter prior to trial, your carrier will pay those damages. However, should your carrier not settle the matter, and the matter proceed through trial, there are circumstances wherein your carrier may not have a duty to indemnify the insured. For example, a court may find the contractor owes no damages to Plaintiff. On the other hand, a judgment may be for damages not covered by your insurance policy. For example, most insurance policies contain an intentional act
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exclusion. In a construction accident matter, where it is alleged that the contractor negligently dropped a piece of glass that fell and hit a bystander, the insurer is not obligated to pay the judgment should it be determined the individual worker intentionally threw the piece of glass at the plaintiff. Additional Insured Endorsements • Different Indemnification Clauses Perhaps one of the most important endorsements in an insurance policy, especially in the construction context, is the additional insured endorsement (“AIE”). The construction industry relies heavily on additional insured language as contracts almost always require the downstream contractor to indemnify those upstream of it, i.e., subcontractors as part of their contract with contractors typically must add the contractor and owner as additional insureds. The additional insured language, however, varies; some provisions only indemnify the upstream party from the downstream contractor’s negligent acts while other endorsements will indemnify upstream parties from their own negligence. It should be noted, though, that the broader the indemnification language, the more likely it is that a court will not uphold it. However, additional insured language indemnifying the upstream party for losses caused, in whole or part, by the upstream party should withstand a legal challenge. As will indemnification language that indemnifies the upstream party for losses “except for loss caused by the sole negligence” of the upstream party, i.e., owner or contractor negligence. • Recent Additional Insured Form and Issues The most recent Insurance Services Office (“ISO”) AIE has modified its application. The ISO serves insurers and other participants in the property/casualty marketplace with insurance lines services such as standardized text for insurance forms. Along with many other Visit us online at www.BuildwithCAM.com
insurance forms, the ISO provides standardized text for the AIE. There are many different AIE forms available, and the upstream parties should be cognizant of what AIE is being used. Depending on the language of the AIE form, the subcontractor, contractor, or owner may need to litigate its additional insured status. For example, one AIE form will only provide additional insured status “when you and such other person or organization have agreed in writing in a contract or agreement that such person or organization be added as an additional insured on your policy.” This language creates a potential exposure and coverage issue when a subcontractor and a contract have additional insured language for the contractor and owner, but there is no contract between the subcontractor and the construction manager or owner. In these situations, you must carefully look at your contract and AIE in order to determine what is necessary to ensure coverage. Conclusion It is important to review your CGL policy with your insurance agent, and it is equally important to understand the additional insured language in the contract documents and a CGL policy in order to avoid gaps in coverage that can be very costly should your business face a lawsuit. If your business has any issues in this regard, the attorneys at Plunkett Cooney have the expertise to help guide your business.
About the Authors:
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successfully litigated both jury trials and arbitrations. He has defended builders, contractors, management companies, manufacturers and suppliers. Many of these cases include property destruction or serious injury or death.
Theodore L. Degenhardt IV focuses his practice in various areas of complex litigation, including construction law, product liability, and fire- and propertydamage litigation. An experienced trial attorney, Degenhardt has appeared before state and federal courts in Michigan, defending litigation involving builders, contractors, management companies, manufacturers and suppliers.
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Managing SUBCONTRACTOR RISK Surety Bonds:
By Robert D. Heuer Vice President, Guy Hurley LLC he U.S. economy, and the Michigan economy right along with it, continues to provide work for our contractors and jobs for our citizens at a steady clip. So all the lights are green for commercial, industrial and institutional building contractors, right? Well, we all hope so. But among the ranks of surety bond underwriters, danger is lurking—the risk of subcontractor failure and the cascading troubles that may accompany it. There’s a certain irony here. Most prime/general contractors reading this would say, “Yeah, right, those trade contractors whose margins are a multiple of mine, I should be concerned about them failing? Fat chance!” Five or six years ago, prophets of doom (including myself) warned that, with the economic recovery gathering steam, there is a need to beware of the subcontractor who takes too much low-margin work and has a thinned-out balance sheet (that is, one with reduced net worth and working capital), where one false move, like one bad job, would trigger a failure, causing multiple defaults that could bring down the GC. Well, guess what? Those warnings were mostly wrong -- that did not happen in any widespread way, and hurray for that. Therefore one might take the latest “Watch out for…” alarmism with a grain of salt. With that disclaimer acknowledged, the following cautionary signs regarding managing subcontractor risk and the surety industry’s concerns about it can be given as many grains of salt as the reader cares to allot:
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I N S U R A N C E Pre-Qualification of Subcontractors It is certainly not news to be urging all contractors to systematically pre-qualify prospective subcontractors. We can all agree that instituting a careful process to vet subs before entrusting significant percentages of your contract scope to them—a method besides “Hey, you’re low. Here’s a contract”--is always a great idea. But how to structure an effective pre-qual system? These days, GCs frequently require prospective subs to furnish all or part of their most recent CPA-prepared financial statement. And while subs rightfully resist showing customers the “family jewels” of their financial picture and performance, most will comply. But exactly what does the prime contractor DO with that financial information? Here are a few suggestions of what you’re looking for the balance sheet portion of the financial statement (and by the way, don’t be surprised if a subcontractor or two adamantly refuse to comply):
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It is also critical to understand the remaining elements of a subcontractor’s working capital. To glance at a balance sheet and see $3 million in current assets and $2 million in current liabilities and decide that a million in working capital is plenty good enough is a mistake. Cash is always good…but entries such as the above described overbillings, underbillings, officer notes, inventory, and current portion of long-term debt can quickly turn that million into nothing—or even less, at least in the eyes of the surety underwriter. So, without drilling down deeper into construction accounting than I have already, just know that saying Working Capital = Current Assets minus Current Liabilities, and anything over a certain dollar amount = green light, is wrong.
Loss Paying Power A contractor may be able to operate on a shoestring if nothing ever goes wrong. You want a sub to have the financial wherewithal to withstand a significant setback and still complete their contractual obligation on your project. The setback may come in the form of a problem on your job, a hung receivable on another job, or the loss of a major customer. Surety underwriters preach that this loss paying power comes in the form of cash, working capital and access to bank credit. A solid cash position is always good, but recognize that in some cases the cash may just be “passing through” the sub’s balance sheet. You will need to analyze the working capital position (current assets minus current liabilities) to assess the likelihood of that cash being available if times get tough. If the sub has succeeded in front end loading certain projects with big mobilization billings or extended pay terms from suppliers, the cash and/or accounts receivable position may by countered with an “overbillings” entry in the liability section of the balance sheet. All this to say, you must analyze both the cash and working capital numbers in the balance sheet in order to get an accurate picture. Visit us online at www.BuildwithCAM.com
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A quick word about subcontractor safety pre-qual… Do you require all subs to submit their workers’ comp Experience Modification Rating (EMR) as part of your pre-qual? Good. Is that all you ask for? BAD! The EMR is a ratio of your sub’s Workers’ Comp loss dollars to its payroll dollars over a threeyear period that ended 12 to 24 months ago. In many ways, it’s ancient history! There is much the EMR does not tell you about a contractor’s safety efforts and achievements. You more than likely know what variables fuel your satisfaction or lack thereof in your own safety program. Apply those same variables to your sub. Ask for their most recent OSHA incident and frequency rates. Find out who’s in charge of company-wide safety, and communicate with him/her. Ask for a currentlyvalued multi-year loss run from their work comp insurer.
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To find information on bank credit, you will need to scour the “Notes” section of the CPA’s financial statement. There should be a note explaining the dollar value of the sub’s credit line and the security it’s based upon. Ideally the bank line is large, with little or no current borrowings. However most subcontractors, since they must make payroll on a weekly basis and pay for material and equipment promptly, whether they get paid promptly by their customers or not, will borrow on their line at least occasionally throughout the year. And mostly the line is secured by all corporate assets, including accounts receivable, and not infrequently by the personal guarantees of shareholders. So if a sub has borrowed most or all available credit, this can be a red flag, a sign of low loss-paying power.
Backlog A contractor’s balance sheet and profit/loss statement alone does not tell you how much work they have under contract to complete. The working capital and net worth ratios could be excellent, but if the contractor has three times as much work under contract to complete as they’ve ever had before (certainly possible in today’s robust economy) and they’re two superintendents down, they could be headed for a fall—even with a great-looking balance sheet. You should get anunderstanding of your sub’s backlog, and their capacity to complete it, before loading them up with your work. Alternative Tools to Manage Subcontractor Risk If the balance sheet analysis and financial statement scrutiny outlined above have sufficiently crossed your eyeballs, perhaps you’re thinking you should leave subcontractor pre-qual to the pros. Should you require subs to provide you with a performance and payment bond that will guarantee fulfillment of their contractual obligation to you and their payments to all subs “The Voice of The Construction Industry®”
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In recent years, Subcontractor Default Insurance (SDI)
has become an alternative tool for providing at least some of the benefits of the performance and payment bond. SDI typically becomes viable for the contractor whose annual volume exceeds $100 million, although the market is expanding to allow entry for some smaller contractors. and suppliers on their contracts? As a purveyor of such bonds, I, of course, would answer with a resounding “YES!” That said, while some GCs bond all subs over a certain dollar amount, most do not. The advantage of bonding a sub is that you offload all that analysis and decision-making to those who make their living at it. This is at a typical cost of a percentage point or two on their contract. If you inform subs bidding your projects that you will require performance and payment bonds, two good things happen: they put the price of the bond in their bid, and they get pre-qualified by their bond company. True, some subs may put the price of the bond in their bid without knowing whether they can bond the job or not. The solution to that is to require a bid bond from a surety, guaranteeing that if a contract is awarded, performance and payment bonds will be furnished. It must be acknowledged that bond companies do not always flawlessly fulfill the obligation triggered when you default a bonded sub, but it’s still good to know that you have the full faith and credit of the surety company backing up your sub in case of their failure. In recent years, Subcontractor Default Insurance (SDI) has become an alternative tool for providing at least some of the benefits of the performance and payment bond. SDI typically becomes viable for the contractor whose annual volume exceeds $100 million, although the market is expanding to allow entry for some smaller contractors. It comes with five- or sixfigure “self-insured Retentions,” i.e. deductibles, giving you significant skin in the game. Under SDI, you purchase an insurance policy that provides a dollaramount limit available to you to pay the cost of a subcontractor failure. You can Visit us online at www.BuildwithCAM.com
trigger that claim yourself and make those funds available. The cost is somewhat less than the bond premiums your subs would pay. But again, the first level of dollars of each claim will be paid by you. Most of the ENR Top 100 contractors have purchased an SDI product. But they also selectively bond key subs on a project, or subs they are uncomfortable assuming their portion of the risk. Management of subcontractor risk is one of if not the largest risk faced by the general or prime contractor on a project. This is true whether the economy is heating up, cooling off, or all-out “go-go.” Whether your preferred form of risk management is bonding them all, robust in-house pre-qualification, purchase of subcontractor default insurance, or a combination of the three, your ability to successfully manage that risk is a critical factor in determining your own fiscal wellbeing.
About the Author:
Bob Heuer is a partner with Guy Hurley, LLC, a CAM member independent insurance and surety agency located in Troy. Bob has spent 40 years writing bonds and insurance for contractors and has written and spoken to numerous construction and financial industry trade groups around the country. CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019
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PHOTO COURTESY OF AUCH CONSTRUCTION
Outdoor learning spaces are becoming more prevalent such as the Outdoor Learning Center for Grand Blanc’s Lillian G. Mason Elementary School shown above under construction.
Le sso ns in the 21st Century Classro o m By
Mary Kremposky McArdle, Associate
Editor
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or 111 years, AUCH Construction and its design partners have been building little red schoolhouses across southeastern Michigan and beyond. Over the past century, the one-room classroom grew into the mega-school districts that taught the children of the Baby Boom their A, B, Cs. Today, school districts are continually right-sizing to achieve the right balance of students and spaces. Over the last 20 years, the types of spaces have dramatically changed from assembly-line row seating in traditional classrooms to collaborative teaching spaces and media centers and now Knowledge Marketplaces and iCenters filled with varied and flexible furniture. Classrooms have broadened into interdisciplinary STEM and STEAM spaces as critical thinking, team-building and hands-on learning transcend mere rote memorization. (STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and STEAM is an acronym adding the Arts to STEM.) Grand Blanc Community School’s McGrath Media Center on the left and its Indian Hill Elementary School shown on the right showcase the flexible, collaborative and colorful instructional spaces of the 21st century schoolhouse.
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Today, the number of but offer parents the services of early childhood education a staff professionally educated in centers caring for infant and early childhood “students” as young as education. Demand for early three months old are childhood centers is strong. increasing across school “The center can typically support districts. More heavy-duty itself,” said Wunderlich. “In many traditional shop equipment, districts, they have a waiting list.” such as lathes and welding Early childhood centers aid booths, are becoming part school districts as well. “The of continually evolving centers are an investment in the STEM spaces. Higherfuture,” said Hamilton. quality security cameras are “Because of declining offering better safety and enrollments, competition among surveillance options, and districts is tremendous,” said different flooring materials McClelland. “Districts want to are lowering maintenance keep students in their schools, and operational costs. and if children make friends at One constant remains: Media centers are giving way to collaborative and varied spaces called Knowledge that young age, there is a higher AUCH Construction is Marketplaces and iCenters. West Bloomfield School District’s Doherty Elementary likelihood that those two families committed to its education iCenter is shown above. will stick with the district.” sector clients and maintains For the contractor, early windows became the norm,” said AUCH Project a deep knowledge of the building stock of school childhood centers that care for infants are Director Gerry McClelland. “Now we are taking districts from Avondale to Walled Lake, having licensed through an entirely different agency. those panels away and installing larger windows, built, consolidated and repurposed the districts’ These centers have a different set of standards, because natural light has such a positive impact facilities over the course of many decades. Being ranging from an increased number of egress on learning.” a mid-sized contractor, AUCH brings a high level Clarkston Community Schools has an outdoor of personal attention and commitment to each area devoted to classes for the building trades. project. In speaking of all the hard-working “We improved their outdoor assembly area, project directors, managers and estimators in its which is a large, fenced-in area with platforms education sector, AUCH President & CEO Vince large enough to build tiny houses,” said AUCH DeLeonardis says, “It’s not just a job; it’s a Vice President/Project Director Jeffrey D. passion.” AUCH’s experienced education team Hamilton, PE. “Students lay block, install identified seven different trends influencing structural wood framing and all the trade work Michigan school districts. necessary to build a small residential home. The Oakland Intermediate School District has a A Moment in the Sun: Outdoor Learning similar setup for the building trades as well.” Spaces Staring out the window and daydreaming in class Early Childhood Education: Baby’s First Day is almost a school tradition as the days warm and at School summer vacation nears. Today, schools are Add diapers and teething rings to the annual hunt offering outdoor learning spaces to make part of for school supplies in late summer. School the dream happen. “Mason & Reid Elementary districts are increasingly offering early childhood Schools have a fenced-in exterior patio off of centers staffed with professional educators. The their media center,” said AUCH Project Director centers serve children from three months to Donielle Wunderlich. “The patio has power and kindergarten -- and in some cases even younger. wireless for students to collaborate and do their Northville Public Schools has already completed schoolwork outside. The Grand Blanc School its center, and Livonia Public Schools has District has plans for several more outdoor renovated space for one as well. learning areas, possibly at different grade levels.” The Walled Lake Consolidated District is West Bloomfield is planning an interior currently planning a new dedicated early courtyard next to the art and music areas. childhood center facility. “Walled Lake is building Students can practice music in a courtyard that a dedicated child daycare wing on one of their opens into the iCenter on the other end. It’s all new elementary schools that currently is in the about fresh air, along with natural light, as large planning stage,” said McClelland. windows make a comeback in the classroom. The centers are not only convenient for parents “We used to have schools with large windows, who have children attending the same school, but for energy efficiency, panels and smaller Visit us online at www.BuildwithCAM.com
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points to the requirement to place the facility at grade on the first level. Preparing Students for Life: Full-STEAM Ahead Budding artists and engineers join forces in STEAM’s open spaces. This approach fuses science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics into an integrated curriculum that continues to evolve in school districts across Michigan. “It could include a makerspace where students think it, draw it, engineer it, 3D-print or fabricate it and then test it,” said Hamilton. The renovation of Meads Mill Middle School in Northville Public Schools produced a STEAM space. AUCH Construction removed a solid wall between an existing art room and a regular classroom to create a center core for the STEAM students to work together. “They have a dreamer space, an engineering area with computers, an art area, and a fabrication space positioned around the center core,” said Hamilton. Students can learn critical thinking and teambuilding skills, along with learning their own strengths. “It exposes kids to all the different elements of a project,” said Hamilton. “Some
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students will excel in artistic, conceptual thinking, others might do well at calculating and laying out the design and another might be better at fabricating or physically assembling something.” Taking STEM a step farther, Grand Blanc Community Schools, West Bloomfield School District and others are incorporating the more traditional woodshops and metal-working shops into STEM spaces. “Some of the early STEM labs in particular didn’t necessarily have a maker element,” said McClelland. “They had a worktable, for instance, but they didn’t bring fabrication into the STEM lab. Now they are bringing in fabrication, they are bringing in a lathe, and it is all part of this drive to connect the engineering more strongly to the end product. Dirty Lab is the name being given to these types of makerspaces.” STEM labs are prevalent across school districts, but along with Dirty Labs, new variations are beginning to appear, including larger and more hands-on robotics spaces. “At Northville High School, robotics will be housed in a large open space that can be subdivided into rooms,” said Hamilton. These types of spaces are called by different
names but “it’s basically all about having a more hands-on approach to science and technology, and exposing students to it early on,” said Wunderlich. “We are now seeing these types of spaces integrated in elementary schools.” All of these developments “are great for our industry,” adds Wunderlich. Students might be inspired to go into the trades, or if they enter the engineering field, “they will know how to build something,” added McClelland. “It won’t be just a theory.” Another trend is a stronger connection between industry and schools at the community college and higher education level. AUCH is currently renovating a vintage industrial building for Schoolcraft College in Livonia. “Schoolcraft is setting up the facility so that they will be able to partner with Alta Equipment’s Livonia facility located right next door,” said McClelland. “Alta will be sponsoring a sustaining scholarship with Schoolcraft to train students, and once they graduate, the students can literally walk across the parking lot and get a job.” According to Wunderlich, Home Economics is even making a comeback in some school districts, such as Grand Blanc Community
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Grand Blanc Community School’s Anderson Elementary School has collaborative spaces with flexible, mobile and varied furnishings.
Schools and Goodrich Area Schools, as part of a life skills approach that says, “I don’t want to just prepare students to go to college. I want to prepare them for life.” Furnishing the 21st Century Schoolhouse Given the sea change in learning spaces, the row seating of the 20th century classroom is becoming as antiquated as the little red schoolhouse of the 19th century. “It’s not the assembly-line classroom where all the desks are in a row, the desks are all the same, and all the students are sitting and doing the same thing,” said McClelland. Today’s flexible, mobile and varied classroom furnishings can be arranged in rows or rearranged into group configurations. “The classroom has varied heights of different types of seats, and it is not only in the classroom but throughout the school building,” said McClelland. Nooks or wide spaces in corridors are repurposed as collaboration areas with seating, monitors and plug-in ports for devices, allowing students to work on a project in what used to be non-usable space. For Crestwood High School in the rapidly growing Crestwood School District in Dearborn Heights, AUCH used an inspired strategy to create much-needed break-out and collaboration nooks in the corridors. “We took out old lockers and created bench space,” said Visit us online at www.BuildwithCAM.com
Hamilton. “We took the locker banks out, built the base of the locker bank up, and installed tile on the back wall to create nooks or alcoves. We are creating some of these bench areas on each floor of the high school’s three floors.” Over the last few decades, the school library has morphed into a media center, and now the media center has changed into collaborative spaces such as the West Bloomfield School District’s iCenter. Built-in bookshelves have given way to mobile carts and study cubbies to café tables. “They have made these spaces into a much more collaborative, live environment than the old ‘shhh’ library,” said Wunderlich. These new centers resemble a coffee shop. “We did a prototype for Meads Mill in Northville Public Schools in which we took their media center and created a space almost like Starbucks,” said Hamilton. “In portions of it, we moved all the stacks to one side, and then created break-out areas and break-out rooms for collaboration.” In many cases, prototyping gives teachers the opportunity to test these new collaborative learning spaces. “In both the West Bloomfield School District and the Grand Blanc School District, they did not jump into construction after passing their bond,” said Wunderlich. “Grand Blanc took the first year and we prepared prototype rooms. With these pilot rooms, the
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district both trained teachers and obtained feedback before committing to the final design. It’s great to try to deliver education differently, but you have to have teacher buy-in and input. The teachers try out the flexibility of the furnishings as well. When you have a district taking this prototyping approach, far fewer mistakes are made.” The contractor has more interaction with furnishings, because their job is to make sure power and data is available and that the conduit and floor boxes are as flexible as the moveable furniture. “The power could be in the floor or it could be up the height of the wall because a table might have the flexibility to adjust its height, requiring an outlet at an atypical location,” said Hamilton. McClelland adds, “The biggest impact on the contractor is the coordination and the schedule. We need to know where to place the outlets as soon as possible, and that is why the pilot rooms are so important from our perspective.” Controlling Operational Costs: LowMaintenance Flooring An increasing number of school districts have done their homework in selecting flooring with lower
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maintenance costs. More K-12 districts are opting for low-maintenance vinyl tile (LVT) as opposed to vinyl composite tile (VCT), a flooring staple of school facilities for decades. The considerable savings in floor maintenance costs offset LVT’s initial higher cost and its additional floor preparation requirements prior to installation. “Several times a year, maintenance staff has to strip, clean and wax the VCT floors of the school,” said Wunderlich who first began installing LVT in K12 projects in 2017. “Multiply this over an entire school district’s 20 to 25 buildings and the floor maintenance costs can be quite substantial over a five- to 10-year period. With LVT, all that needs to be done is to mop it and move on.” LVT migrated into the educational sector from the healthcare arena, the former more concerned with life-cycle costs and the latter more focused on infection control, according to McClelland. Both the West Bloomfield School District and the Clarkston Community Schools have opted for LVT throughout its K-12 facilities. “West Bloomfield High School has LVT throughout the building,” said McClelland. “The District has it in the corridors and classrooms of its elementary schools.” As of 2018 and 2019, VCT is not the unquestionable flooring of choice in K-12 schools, according to McClelland. Currently, “the use of VCT and LVT is split about 50/50 in K-12 schools,” added Hamilton. “The balance is made up with rubber flooring. It has a higher cost but a high wear-ability as well. “For AUCH, Walled Lake Central High School is the first school with a sizeable rubber flooring installation, including in its athletic, fine arts and music departments,” Hamilton continued. “Rubber flooring is also a corridor-only install in Pinckney High School that is using the rubber as a replacement for its corridor carpeting. Rubber flooring has started to migrate to other districts, including the corridors and classrooms of Northville Public Schools and the corridors in the Avondale School District.” Although rubber offers wear-ability advantages, floor preparation is more difficult for rubber than either VCT or LVT. “Rubber is more susceptible to higher moisture content,” said Hamilton. “If there wasn’t a vapor barrier underneath the slab, moisture naturally migrates through the slab. Even with older existing slabs that have been in place for 20 or 30 years, some additional preparation is frequently but not always needed. It varies depending on the location of the building and what issues are involved.” Safety: An Increase in Building Secured Entrances and Installing Security Cameras Advances in technology have made it possible for
school districts to greatly increase the number of security cameras in schools, because the digital storage capacity for images has greatly improved. “In Clarkston Community Schools, we have just about doubled the amount of cameras, because of this ability to store a larger volume of data and images,” added Hamilton. With more security cameras in use and at a more reasonable price, these watchful electronic eyes are being placed in more locations than the front entry. “Schools are now placing security cameras in receiving rooms and in places kids like to congregate,” said Wunderlich. Some school districts have chosen to connect security cameras to the local police and first-responders. Security cameras now have the ability to work with the PA system. “We haven’t seen this installed yet, but it is coming,” said McClelland. “If there is a fight in the hallway, for example, the system sends a voice over the PA system to intervene and no one knows whether or not an actual school authority is in the corridor or not.” The visual acuity of images is far greater as well. The grainy videos of the past have given way to higher-definition security cameras with color capabilities able to better monitor visitors and more readily identify intruders. Because of the security camera’s greater visual acuity, “cameras are now used to complement card access into buildings,” said Wunderlich. In other security developments, individual classroom access is segueing from keys to card access. “Some school districts, such as the Walled Lake Consolidated School District, have changed every single classroom door to card access,” said Wunderlich. “Other districts are moving towards classroom card access and keeping the buildings on scheduled access. This means all buildings remain locked for the majority of the school day other than arrival and dismissal.” Less commonly used are security films on glass that offer a measure of protection and bullet resistance. One school district has installed the film on front entry windows, according to Hamilton. Ballistic glass is a seldom-used strategy. “We are installing ballistic glass in a private school,” said Hamilton. “It’s made by only one manufacturer in the country located in California.” Secure entrances are a must in any school. Most districts have security cameras and a buzzer but some lack a secure entry configuration. Once buzzed in, the visitor directly enters the school corridors. These schools are now requesting the design and construction team to create an entry configuration capable of routing or steering visitors directly into the school office. “Schools want a vestibule or a sally port or some other way of forcing the route into the office,” said Hamilton. “The Voice of The Construction Industry®”
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Technology is assisting the quest for safety. Security technology allows schools to open or close building areas based on the door number alone, while simplified apps permit live viewing of specific cameras in specific buildings via any type of mobile device. “Some districts are paying for tilt zoom features so they can adjust the cameras,” added Hamilton. As construction manager, AUCH has increasingly taken on management of the security technology that was once the purview of the owner. “Because security technology is involved in every piece of mechanical, lighting, and door hardware access and cameras, it has to come along with us,” said Wunderlich. “We’re doing the pathways, and we have to understand how electronic hardware works and how to purchase it and get it installed properly.” One challenging area is updating the antiquated handicap push buttons. Clarkston Community Schools, however, is bringing this important piece of door hardware into the 21st century. “The actual door buzzer or card reader triggers the power to the handicapped push button,” said Hamilton. “It is the first time I have seen it.” Right-Sizing the Classroom A declining school-age population continues to lead to right-sizing of districts throughout Michigan. Frequent cycles of removal, consolidation and repurposing seem to be a fact of life. Several years ago, Walled Lake Consolidated School District conducted an analysis of its entire district, leading to the removal of two to three school buildings. Livonia’s Legacy Bond program resulted in the removal of 10 buildings, and Warren took down two structures. Currently, West Bloomfield is right-sizing its two middle schools and building a single middle school on Orchard Lake Road. “Abbott Middle School will be re-commissioned as a different use,” said McClelland. AUCH Construction’s decades of experience in constructing buildings throughout these districts, along with its in-depth knowledge of a district’s programs and building stock, provides invaluable insight and expertise in the right-sizing process. As construction managers, AUCH works with the architectural firm in conducting district-wide assessments of the buildings. The analysis examines both the existing conditions of the buildings and any possible re-purposing strategies for select facilities.
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West Bloomfield High School has an innovative STEAM iCenter as part of a wave of new teaching spaces.
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TOP
TRENDS PhotograPhs Courtesy of tMP arChiteCture
in
School Construction
eadquartered in Bloomfield Hills, TMP Architecture has been inspiring learners of all ages for 60 years. Since its founding in 1959, the firm has been focused on designing the finest educational buildings for academics, student life, the arts, sciences, sports and recreation, and health and wellness. TMP’s passion for lifelong learning continues today, successfully serving thousands of districts, colleges, universities and communities across the country. TMP Architecture offers its design perspective on the top current and future trends in school construction.
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Student Engagement Laura Casai, IIDA, LEED AP and Danielle O’Grady, IIDA, senior educational planners with TMP Architecture, share their perspective on student engagement: “Students are often the best indicators of what is needed in a learning environment. They are the users, after all. In an attempt to avoid pitfalls associated with relying on assumptions instead of facts, our designers often go straight to the source for meaningful feedback. “At Port Huron Schools, an empathetic design process was employed to engage students by soliciting their input both in furnishings specifications and color and finish selections. The students were introduced to the design through a professional presentation and dialog session. They were asked to try out physical pieces of furniture that had been brought to the school. We like to call this a “Furniture Fair”! Their opinions were collected, analyzed and ultimately integrated into the decision-making process. “From this specific example of student engagement, we learned that a small number of students expressed some hesitation over navigating among too many seating pieces in a typical classroom that provided for such ‘micro movements.’ Their commentary confirmed that all learners are DIFFERENT and should be accounted for in the decision-making process. This trend is two-fold, not only are we, as professionals, relying on accurate user information, but we are empowering the students to take ownership of the building and therefore their experience in it.” 36 CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019
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At Hull Prairie Intermediate School, the Student Learning Communities are divided by shared STEM labs.
Curricular Drivers Casai and O’Grady offer their insight into the curricular drivers shaping today’s learning environments: “In shaping the overall plan for a school, gone are the days of defaulting to rows of cookie-cutter classrooms connected with a double-loaded, straight hallway. Advances in modern curriculum mean that the activities required to foster student skills can be better supported by creativity in architectural planning, too! “One example is the planning format of Small Learning Communities. Approximately 80 to 150 students are teamed or grouped in a dedicated area of the building for most of their school hours. This cohort of students is supported by a variety of spaces depending on learning modalities and teaching methodologies. These spaces range from classroom-sized spaces and small group rooms to project studios and shared commons space. “The building becomes a system of spaces used in harmony to deliver a more dynamic, more active, and more authentic learning experience. This model also helps to cultivate more meaningful relationships between staff and students and students and students over time. “At Hull Prairie Intermediate School, the Visit us online at www.BuildwithCAM.com
Student Learning Communities are divided by shared STEM labs, spaces which also serve as meccas for meeting, making and project presentation. Traditional resources, such as the media center, are also reconsidered. Each Student Learning Community has a small “transient book area” housing relevant materials supplied through a partnership with the community’s local public library. The public library symbiotically provides a more vast and updated collection, while benefitting from an increased catalog circulation. New and modern curricular drivers demand creativity, both in planning and delivery.” Safety + Security TMP Architecture Senior Vice President Eduardo Blanc, AIA IA offers his design perspective on this compelling national discussion: “In the midst of a national debate over security in American school buildings, a third of U.S. parents fears for their child's safety. For safer schools, empathy and security aren't either/or choices - we need both. “While safety and security is a necessary driver of design choices for architects and designers, we cannot
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Each Student Learning Community at Hull Prairie Intermediate School has a small “transient book area” housing relevant materials supplied through a partnership with the community’s local public library.
forget that students, and their ability to learn, are the center of every school and therefore their educational needs should be at the forefront. Our focus and goals must be on creating safe spaces that support 21st century learning environments. “Safe and secure entry designs focus on a clearly marked front entrance, vestibule, and often, a direct pathway through an administrative area to gain access to the school. The challenge arises from the need to balance security features with design choices to create an atmosphere where students feel safe, secure, and welcoming. Welcome centers with “friendly supervision” include an electronic surveillance or door monitoring system, combined with architectural features, to create the entry pathway. At Jeffers Elementary, the front of the building provides a singular entry point, clear signage, and visibility to maintain sight lines. “Pairing the design of one main entrance with administration or guidance offices is key to monitoring all school visitors. In addition to a simple overall layout and easy sight lines, specifying proper hardware can control access into the school during school hours and after hours. There are several options for providing this first line of defense, including special keys, coded access, card readers, and even thumbprint readers. At Jeffers Elementary, the secure entry vestibule acts as the first line of defense, directing guests to enter the office before access to school building is granted. Additionally, specialty consultants evaluate and install cameras and recording equipment for surveillance throughout a school and in parking lots and along public walkways.”
FUTURE TRENDS Flexibility, Adaptability, Agility Blanc shares his insight into repurposing underutilized spaces in schools into dynamic learning environments: “Enrollment stability has been a challenge for many school districts in Michigan. After losing students over the course of the past 10 to 15 years, some buildings currently hold vacant 38 CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019
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educational spaces with no specific purpose. Where most see empty classrooms, unused storage areas, or outdated gymnasiums, others may see an opportunity for additional educational programs. These found spaces are great to develop into dynamic, multipurpose areas to fit 21st century educational requirements. Collaboration centers, small/large group meeting rooms, digital media studios, and enhanced technology learning studios are only the beginning. These new educational learning studios are stimulating, flexible, and adaptable for future program changes. The spaces are dedicated to the learning process, and allow teachers to facilitate students to engage their knowledge and skills through collaboration, project-based learning, and challenging activities. “Prior to renovating an underutilized commons area and out-of-date gymnasium, Detroit Country Day saw the opportunity to turn an apparently lost space into a found space. The renovation included spaces for a digital media studio,
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At Port Huron Schools, an empathetic design process was employed to engage students by soliciting their input both in furnishings specifications and color and finish selections. In what is called a “Furniture Fair,” the students were asked to try out physical pieces of furniture that had been brought to the school.
jewelry, metalworking, painting, drawing and robotics studios, as well as a commons area and a new black-box theater. The common areas are strategically located in the space to support collaboration, creation and presentation, allowing the program to flourish, giving new life to the space, and enhancing the learning opportunities for the students.”
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Sustainability TMP Architecture’s Senior Educational Planner Nandita Mishra, Assoc. AIA, ALEP, LEED AP sheds some light on sustainability’s importance in the school environment: “Schools are perhaps the most influential environment outside the home where young students experience rapid brain development and expansion in social skills. When looking to design learning environments that impact student success, it is important to consider the connection between student development and a sustainable environment. The economic and psychological benefits of introducing sustainable design within and around the schools include not only student well-being, productivity, and social
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relationships, but also reducing stress, illness and absenteeism, and improving student learning and engagement. “Sustainable design choices reduce negative impacts on the environment, while creating socially conscious educational facilities focused on student health, security and prosperity. Robust environments with plenty of fresh air, light and natural views keep learners active and engaged, while reducing costs and the school’s carbon footprint. Incorporating certain design choices, such as creating a building with more organic forms versus geometric shapes and using natural materials like wood grain within the learning environment, increases skills, participation, and productivity. “Hull Prairie Intermediate School takes sustainability to a new level by incorporating sustainability into the curriculum through their partnership with the Toledo Zoo on an initiative called Project PRAIRIE (PRAiries that InvigoRate Inquiry LEarning). As part of the prairie lands on the campus, the program offers students a hands-on learning experience. Purposefully positioned on the site are bioswales, comprised of native plantings and dotted with age-appropriate informational signage. Additionally, there is access to an outdoor learning studio with a solar pavilion to support additional investigative activities.” Technology Mishra offers an overview of how technology is changing educational methods and the design of school buildings: “Technology is evolving at a breakneck pace and influencing how we learn, live, and operate. Students’ ability to continuously learn, adapt, and think critically and creatively are being tested. Schools today are adapting by introducing more student access to interactive devices, providing easy Wi-Fi access, and enhancing curriculum to include classes on coding, among many other examples. However, when looking at how this trend will influence school design and future learning environments, a one-size-fits-all approach does not produce the best outcomes. As technology evolves, the following list offers ways in which this “The Voice of The Construction Industry®”
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trend can be adapted in the classroom: • Social media to share thoughts and ideas to help students stay up-todate, connect, and collaborate remotely with classmates and teachers. • Smart interactive textbooks to document and track student comprehension and provide one-onone tutoring when needed. • Data analytics to help students learn at their own pace and provide teachers real-time assessment data. • Online learning to provide flexible opportunities within the classroom and make learning available anywhere. • Gamification to simulate real-life problems and to create engaging learning experiences. • Virtual reality to create engaging learning experiences that promote discussion of concepts by experiencing it. • Smart classrooms, including digitally personalized desks, multi-touch surfaces, and interactive communication.
To improve safety and security, the front of Jeffers Elementary provides a singular entry point, clear signage, and visibility to maintain sight lines.
“Just as technologies are changing the way students learn and educators teach, it is also changing how buildings are designed. In order to facilitate visioning sessions, our team at Walled Lake Schools introduced virtual reality to help the owners experience the spaces and buildings before they are built. Additionally, Walled Lake implemented safety and security upgrades district-wide as part of an effort to enhance security, but also to enhance technology in all facilities. Upgrades included networkbased systems to maximize building security and smart sensors for site lighting to help reduce energy consumption. Wireless technology reinforces learning and teaching when buildings are safe, secure, and functional for all users.” Content Provided Courtesy of TMP Architecture
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Bringing Eastern Michigan University’s Strong Hall into the 21st Century
Strong Hall’s new atrium is dedicated to both social and study space.
Photo Courtesy of Justin MaConoChie PhotograPhy
astern Michigan University’s Strong Hall renovation and expansion project was a much-needed modernization of one of the most utilized academic buildings on the University’s campus. Built in 1957, the building lacked many of the 21st century accommodations today’s students are accustomed to expect, such as social space, flexible learning environments, natural light and modern infrastructure. EMU selected Stantec and Clark Construction to bring Strong Hall into the 21st century as part of the University’s third and final phase of a broad effort to educate students in science-related disciplines. Creating contemporary academic spaces and building systems became the resounding objective in planning and visioning the transformation of this dated building. Another major goal of Strong Hall’s renovation was creating a better connection to the adjacent Mark Jefferson Science Building, both visually and programmatically. On the interior, the project team expanded a narrow, dark stairway – the sole connection between the two buildings – making it grander, brighter and more capable of fostering interaction. Corridors and other non-programmed spaces were reimagined, creating even more social space to bring students together and to develop a sense of community. The exterior was designed to complement the Mark Jefferson Science Building’s vernacular and to create a complete holistic science complex. Expansive new window openings create connections to the exterior and outdoor views as well. New landscaping offers a dry riverbed and bioswale for use as alternative learning environments and as part of a “teaching” outdoor panorama.
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The Stantec-led programming and design process involved extensive workshops with user groups and students to generate a shared vision and reinforce the University’s guiding principles. The design team exceeded EMU’s renovation goals through the use of a highly participatory planning process, including early cost modeling. As a priority, a series of other tools helped the University visualize multiple aspects of the project before making essential decisions. These tools included: • In addition to the programs specifically housed in the building, the programming phase included a classroom utilization study taking into account campus-wide scheduling. • Individual lab programming guideplates were developed in a 3D computer model, allowing users to visualize the layouts more easily than 2D plan views. • Early cost modeling by building system showed that a partial demolition and addition were possible within the budget, providing additional usable academic and office space. The cost model was used to measure and guide design decisions throughout the design phases. • As the design developed, EMU was able to experience the building through virtual reality, evaluating different finishes and details in real time. • As a result of this process, the project not only transformed and renovated the existing 80,000 square feet but also built 20,000 square feet of the new addition. Schedule, Budget Challenges A key factor in the success of the project and the team’s ability to keep on time and on budget was the participation of Clark Construction in the design phase, as well as engaging design-assist subcontractors during the construction document phase. Incorporating subcontractor input in the design allowed for a head start in preparing submittals for construction. Visit us online at www.BuildwithCAM.com
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Because the project was funded in part by the State of Michigan, the overall project budget was fixed. Delayed state funding forced a reduction in the construction schedule, thereby requiring overtime that did impact the budget. As a step towards working within the shortened construction schedule, EMU elected to vacate the building. Swing space was created in the adjacent building. Construction Challenges Existing conditions: After careful evaluation, the age and obsolete condition of the building required Clark Construction and its trade team to completely gut the building down to the existing concrete structure. This allowed the demolition contractor, North American Dismantling Corp., to remove systems wholesale, and to expose all of the hidden conditions prior to reconstruction. However, the concrete structure posed many challenges that required ingenuity to resolve, including a low floor-to-floor distance that required unique supporting connections for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Removing weight from the structure allowed the team to install a new mechanical penthouse without requiring strengthening of the existing structure. This posed some challenges in and of itself because of the need to identify locations for the anchoring of new supporting columns. The team needed to scan for reinforcing steel prior to any drilling or coring to avoid the potential danger of severing any rebar that would destroy the building’s structural integrity. Poor masonry structure: Portions of the masonry were in such poor condition that these portions had to be removed. While some of the existing masonry was suitable in some areas, the construction differed so greatly from what was anticipated that the team had to create structural details on the fly to make the existing masonry perform in a more structurally cohesive way. Flooring: The old concrete had to be grinded and patched in many areas as the new design features exposed concrete that was not designed to be aesthetic CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019
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when Strong Hall was built in the late 1950s. Exterior building materials – brick and aluminum/glass curtain wall – were selected to harmonize with the other buildings of the science complex.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVE ROSE
Saving the Auditorium Structure: A portion of the existing structure was an all masonry auditorium, a structure made of three wythes of brick with no backup CMU or studs. This posed several challenges when making new doorways and supporting new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. To add further complications, this brick supported existing roof trusses. In order to maintain the structural integrity, the team reinforced these trusses and then added steel posts to a new structure above. Custom Ceiling: The custom Decoustics ceiling in the atrium was a truly unique design and functional feature. The ceiling was built in sections on the ground, pinned to the floor, and then lifted up in sections. The design consisted of irregular-shaped panels in an irregularshaped room located on a slope. Site Challenges on a Very Busy Campus: Located on the central part of campus, Strong Hall is one of the most utilized buildings on campus. The site was very tight and required constant diligence to maintain site safety because of students surrounding the site. The team had to work around the site’s one-way road and in the midst of a high level of pedestrian traffic. Overall, there were no interruptions to campus operations or safety incidents.
Photo Courtesy of Justin MaConoChie PhotograPhy
The most progressive changes to Strong Hall’s 60-year-old academic spaces were realized in the re-imagined lecture halls and auditorium, now offering flexible learning arrangements and tables with power outlets.
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A Design Mission Fulfilled The most prominent result of the Strong Hall modernization is the transformation of its aesthetic, programmatic, and environmental qualities, as well as increased accessibility. The project completes EMU’s goal of creating a stateof-the-art science complex that now offers a more complete circuit of spaces for students in the science program. The addition of high-level finishes in public spaces and daylighting throughout the interior breathed new life into the building. As a direct result of the upgrades, the entire building is handicapaccessible as well. Coupled with efforts to support a more diverse body of students, the building now offers a more inclusive “The Voice of The Construction Industry®”
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environment and better meets the University’s cultural aspirations. The building’s design features reinforce the geology, geography, physics, and astronomy programs housed in the building: Light fixtures in the atrium suggest planetary orbits and constellations; natural materials, such as copper panels and travertine walls, create the illusion of a cross-section of geological strata; views to the outside highlight the dry riverbed concept and its indigenous boulders; and a bioswale, filled with native Michigan plants, is a prominent feature of the landscaping. Altogether, the re-design of Strong Hall not only offers an inspiring learning environment for students but also showcases the character of the programs housed within its walls.
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space. A direct complement to academic program upgrades was the activation of nonprogrammed areas, such as hallways and social spaces, to promote interaction among students and the faculty teaching the various programs housed within the science complex. Open Space + Pedestrian Circulation Perhaps the most transformative component of the Strong Hall renovation is its new atrium dedicated to both social and study space. Housed in a new addition, the atrium’s open spaces offer a variety of seating and collaboration options for students, and serve as a major source of natural light within the core of the building. Expanding the narrow
Fulfilling EMU’s Mission Achieving EMU’s mission for the renovation of Strong Hall included elements of sustainability, safety, inclusion, accessibility, flexibility and durability. Sustainability measures were realized through upgraded MEP systems, increased natural lighting, various landscape improvements, and energyefficient fixtures. Safety was increased by incorporating active shooter preparedness technology into every classroom and a snowmelt system outside to prevent ice buildup on walkways. In other measures, gender-neutral restrooms and a mother’s room promote diversity, windows into the faculty suite provide an element of transparency and inclusion, the entire building was brought up to ADA standards, and classrooms were redesigned to offer flexible learning environments. Academic Program Requirements The most progressive changes to Strong Hall’s 60-year-old academic spaces were realized in the re-imagined lecture halls and auditorium, which now offer tables with power outlets and flexible learning arrangements. The auditorium went from step-tiers to just two platforms to better respond to different learning styles. Now every classroom supports group learning or breakout sessions, as well as traditional lecture, and some even double as event Visit us online at www.BuildwithCAM.com
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Housed in a new addition, the atrium’s open spaces offer a variety of seating and collaboration options for students, and serve as a major source of natural light within the core of the building. Photo Courtesy of Justin MaConoChie PhotograPhy
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Wall finishes were chosen to represent natural elements in a building dedicated to science-related disciplines.
stairway that connects Strong Hall to the Mark Jefferson Building improved circulation, and incorporating built-in bench seating in corridors alleviated the prior issue of students sitting on the floor waiting for classes. Campus Identity + Sense of Place Strong Hall’s programs are now honored in both subtle and obvious ways. Four light-panel displays present graphics relevant to each represented department; signage throughout showcases the various areas of study; and materials and fixtures were chosen to represent natural elements. New social spaces created by the atrium are inviting to all who pass through the building, while offering an engaging, aesthetic display of the programs specific to Strong Hall. Better connection to Mark Jefferson and vast new collaboration spaces, doubling as an interior passageway from one side of campus to the other, foster interaction among students while providing a place to identify with as a science student at EMU. Both Stantec’s and Clark Construction’s professional talents created contemporary and collaborative learning spaces in Strong Hall. EMU clearly appreciates the 47 CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019
expertise of both of these firms. “The team we enlisted to accomplish our vision understood our success factors and excelled in bringing together the various stakeholders and user groups with interest in Strong Hall’s modernization,” said EMU Director of Facilities, Planning, and Construction Scott Storrar. “They helped us realize where budget dollars would be best spent, optimizing the building’s footprint, and allowing us to include an addition in the scope.” Content Provided Courtesy of Stantec and Clark Construction
Project Team Owner: Eastern Michigan University Architect/Engineer: Stantec Construction Manager: Clark Construction Owner’s Representative: AECOM Trade Contractor List • Asphalt Paving – Nagle Paving Company • Audio Visual – TEL Systems • Concrete – CI Contracting • Demolition – North American
Dismantling • Drywall & Ceilings – Acoustic Ceiling & Partition Co. (ACP) • Electrical – Huron Valley Electric • Elevator – Detroit Elevator Company • Final Cleaning – Commercial Building • Fire Protection – John E. Green • Flooring – SCI Floor Covering • General Trades – Clark Contracting Services • General Trades – The Spieker Company • Glazing – Butcher & Butcher Construction Co. • Lab Casework – Detroit Tech • Landscaping – United Lawnscape • Low-Voltage Cabling – Wiltec Technologies • Masonry – Baker Construction Co., Inc. • Mechanical – Monroe Plumbing & Heating • Metal Panels – CASS Sheet Metal • Painting – Conci Painting, Inc. • Roofing – CEI Michigan • Seating – KI • Sheet Metal – Dee Cramer, Inc. • Sitework – Eagle Excavation, Inc. • Steel – Howard Steel • Tile – PMP Marble & Granite
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POWERFUL MEMBER SERVICES? CAM Online PlanroomSM Accurate up-to-date construction bidding information on state-wide projects. Access bidding information, blueprints & specs, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, via your computer. Call the CAM Marketing Department (248) 972-1000
CAM Safety Program Cost-effective assistance program for creating and maintaining a safe work environment for employees.
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Education (CAMTEC)
More than 6,000 copies of this comprehensive construction industry directory are distributed. Marketing opportunity through special classified section. Offered online and in print.
Variety of classes & seminars offered winter, spring & fall, taught by industry professionals.
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CAM Health Insurance CAM Benefit Program is the CAM sponsored package of group insurance coverages offering level-funded and fully insured Medical & Prescription Drugs, Dental, Vision and Life & AD&D benefits
Access to discounts on a wide range of products, including office products, safety products, facility equipment and breakroom products, furniture, technology, printing/promotional products and more! Call Lynn Swain at (248) 724-6186
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Construction Federal Credit Union
CONSTRUCTION FEDERAL Full Service - 5 Star Credit Union CREDIT UNION Celebrating 40 Years of Service.
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Bowling, sporting clays, golf outings, CAM Connect, and more.
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New car & truck purchasing & lease program helps Members get the lowest possible price.
In an agreement with VisiCom Services, Inc., save up to 17% per hour on computer consulting & support. Call Pat Casey at (248) 299-0300
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Discount fleet purchasing or leasing on all makes & models of cars, trucks, cargo vans & construction trailers.
CAM members receive complimentary consultations and 50% off on a Comprehensive Wealth Management Plan for business and family members. Call William Jeffrey at (248) 723-6400
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Sunoco Fuel Card
Special 10% off. Call 800-SLEEPLQ and ask for the Construction Assoc. of Michigan discount or visit LQ.com and use promotion code MCGRPI
There’s no need to overspend on fueling and managing your company vehicles – especially when there are smart ways to save with Sunoco.
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The best place to find great talent or enter that perfect job is just a click away! Job seekers, employers, post and search resumes, reach targeted candidates, and more.
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Preferred Fleet Program
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CAM Career Center
A CAM Membership benefit for union contractors employing Carpenters, Cement Masons, Laborers or Operating Engineers in Southeast Michigan. Call Jim Oleksinski (248) 972-1000
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Wireless Provider Contact us for all of your Internet and phone needs, tailored to the construction industry, both temporary and permanent options available. Members receive an exclusive discount. Email Mike Chutorash at sales@metrowireless.com
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Sprinter Van Discounts As the first choice for large van customers, the Sprinter Cargo Van is one of the most spacious available. CAM members can leverage the buying power of the association and qualify for incentives in excess of retail pricing – up to $5,000!
Call Sales at (248) 244-8942
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P R O D U C T
Waterproof Liner wicks any penetrating moisture away from the foot while also allowing for breathability in the process. Per Iron Age Footwear, masons, precast workers, construction tradesmen, and any other worker who deals with lime and fly ash will appreciate this innovative work boot that will keep concrete and mortar out while elongating the life of their boots. For more information, videos, and reviews the Immortalizer, visit of www.ironagefootwear.com/immortalizer.
Iron Age Footwear Introduces the Immortalizer Work Boot Series Iron Age Footwear recently introduced its innovative Immortalizer work boot series. According to the company, the Immortalizer is the first and only boot to feature mortar- and lime-resistant leather as well as the Muckraker™ outsole cleaning system. These features revolutionize footwear’s fight against leather and rubber creasing, cracking, delaminating and splitting created by concrete and mortar. The Immortalizer Composite Toe Work Boot comes in a 6” lace-up and 10” Wellington version. Both models offer Iron Age’s own Bootbed™ durable memory-foam footbed. The crack-resistant leather, tested in the lab and on the feet of bricklayers and precast workers at job sites, is attached to a rubber slip-resistant outsole with “easy clean” grooves. Each version comes with a Muckraker™ metallic cleaning tool that scrapes wet mortar and mud out of the grooves, allowing for a much longerlasting outsole. Also helping to keep water away from the feet of tough concrete workers is an abrasion-resistant toe guard that wraps around the top and side of the toe. On the inside of the boot, a Hydrotex ® Visit us online at www.BuildwithCAM.com
Bosch Power Box Jobsite AM/FM Radio/Charger/Digital Media Stereo with Bluetooth® The Bosch Power Box PB360C jobsite radio/charger/digital media stereo features Bluetooth® technology to connect to the user's smart device (with a range of up to 150 feet) and stream Internet radio and stored music. This portable, high-performance, weatherresistant entertainment system delivers 360° enriched stereo sound. Its four-way speakers and a subwoofer provide outstanding sound quality in all directions. It is durable, with an aluminum/rubber roll cage and a weather-resistant design. The portable radio features a powered USB port. The Bosch Power Box can be powered by Bosch 18V Lithium-ion batteries or plugging into a 120V outlet. A built-in battery charger will charge the user's Lithium-ion batteries as well. The PB360C also features four 120V power outlets for connecting tools or other devices. Visit www.boschtools.com for more information.
S H O W C A S E
Lincoln Electric Releases Its 4th Generation of VIKING Welding Helmets Lincoln Electric® has launched the next generation in professional auto-darkening welding helmets. The new VIKING™ 2450 and 3350 Series welding helmets feature 4C® optics, innovative headgear to improve comfort and a low-profile external grind button to increase productivity. The new X6 Headgear™ contours to the operator’s head to evenly distribute weight across six key contact points. This improves balance, eliminates pressure points and provides a personalized fit for maximum comfort. The addition of a new external grind button allows the operator to switch quickly between weld to grind mode without having to remove their helmet or gloves. This significantly reduces operator downtime while offering additional safety benefits. Both the 2450 and 3350 Series helmets feature Lincoln Electric’s industry-leading auto-darkening lens. Visit www.lincolnelectric.com for more information.
Recyclable Cylinder Program for the Industrial Hygiene and Environmental Markets PortaGas by Praxair® offers quality gas mixtures and regulators in cylinders that are reusable and sustainable. Backed by rigorous quality control processes, the innovative products are more compact than standard cylinders, eliminate HAZMAT liability, are easy to return, and eliminate steps associated with standard cylinder disposal. A new mobile app allows customers to scan a QR code on the cylinder labels and quickly retrieve and email to their desktop computer ondemand electronic Certificates of Analysis
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(eCOAs) and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for each cylinder. Each cylinder comes with a prepaid return-shipping label. Once the cylinder is empty, strip off the shrinkwrap to reveal the prepaid FedEx return label and hand it off to your shipper. There are no disposal fees and no return fees. Visit http://www.praxairwelding.com for more information.
toughest applications while being the fastest carbide-tipped reciprocating saw blades on the market. According to Milwaukee, these new blades will deliver fifty times longer life over standard bimetal blades and two times faster cutting than other carbide blades. The Ax with Carbide Teeth features optimized carbide tipping technology, and a fast, aggressive 5 TPI blade design allows for the fastest cutting in nail-embedded wood and a wide range of material. In addition, the product features Milwaukee-patented Nail GuardTM and Fang TipTM. Nail Guard allows the user to Rip Nails Not Teeth, delivering extreme durability. The Fang TipTM provides the fastest plunging on any wood cutting blade on the market. The Ax with Carbide Teeth is optimized for cordless reciprocating saws delivering over 25 percent more cuts per charge. Visit www.milwaukeetool.com for more information
Larson Electronics Offers Vapor-Proof LED Drop Lights
Milwaukee Tool Introduces Sawzall® The AX™ with Carbide Teeth Saw Blades Milwaukee Tool’s AX™ with Carbide Teeth is engineered to deliver long life in the 50 CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019
According to Larson Electronics, vaporproof lighting is ideal for any location that frequently encounters harsh or extreme conditions such as extreme temperature fluctuations, high humidity, dust, and water. These types of environmental conditions require a ruggedly built light featuring waterproof construction, tight seals, and durable enclosures. Larson offers a wide and varied selection of vapor proof lights, including single drop lights and string lights. Options available for the lights include different cord lengths, cord
reels, Lexan globes, different colored LED bulbs, and different voltage options. Vapor-proof lights from Larson Electronics feature tight seals that prevent even water vapor from penetrating the fixtures. Visit www.larsonelectronics.com for more information.
DeWalt 20V MAX* Threaded Rod Cutter Kit The Threaded Rod Cutter (DCS350) is capable of quickly and cleanly cutting a range of threaded rod sizes including 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" mild steel coarse thread rods and ¼”and 3/8” stainless steel coarse thread rods. The four-sided, rotatable, cutting die allows you to cut the three different sizes of threaded rod with the same tool just by rotating the cutting dies to the size you want to cut. The unit doesn't create chips or sparks while cutting, providing a burr-free cut to easily thread on fasteners without having to clean the threads. The Threaded Rod Cutter increases control by eliminating fast moving cutting blades or wheels which can bind up when cutting or trimming threaded rod. The speed of the tool allows for efficiencies and achieves up to 350 3/8" cuts on one battery charge. The unit includes a bright LED work light, a forward/reverse/lock off switch, and a hang hook. For more information, visit www.dewalt.com.
“The Voice of The Construction Industry®”
P E O P L E
Attorney Ryan P. Bourjaily is the newest member of the Trusts & Estates Practice Group of Plunkett Cooney – one of the oldest and largest law firms in the Midwest. Bourjaily Bourjaily, who recently joined the firm as an associate in the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, focuses his practice on litigating probate, trust and estate matters. He represents a range of clients in claims involving alleged breach of fiduciary duty, undue influence, lack of mental capacity, fiduciary removal and surcharge, as well as will/trust contests. He also advises clients regarding trust and estate administrations, protective proceedings and estate planning. Gail Ritchie has been promoted to human resources operations manager for the Rudolph Libbe Group. Ritchie joined the Rudolph Libbe Group in 2016. A Society Ritchie for Human Resource Management senior certified professional (SHRM-SCP), she holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus in organizational development from the University of Toledo. She also serves as a board member of the Northwest Ohio Human Resources Association. Mike Sousaris has accepted the position of account manager with Rudolph Libbe Group’s northeast Ohio office in North Ridgeville. In this role, Sousaris will focus Sousaris on growing customer accounts and developing new opportunities. He joined the Rudolph Libbe Group as a safety team member in 2014, most recently serving as safety manager in the northeast Ohio office. Danielle O’Neal, AIA, NCARB, Associate of TMP Architecture, Bloomfield Hills, was named a 2019 AIA Michigan Young Architect. This award is given to individuals under 40 years of age, recognizing their proficiency and exceptional accomplishments in the field Visit us online at www.BuildwithCAM.com
of architecture. O’Neal has taken on a lot of roles for her 16 years of architectural experience. O’Neal is also committed to volunteering her time to support and give back to O’Neal the profession. She was named as AIA Detroit’s Volunteer of the Year in 2012. TowerPinkster Architecture, Engineering, and Interior Design recently announced that they have promoted Design Architect Shawn Parshall, AIA to Principal. Parshall Over the past 14 years, Parshall has participated in the design and execution of hundreds of TowerPinkster projects, including work with Kalamazoo Public Schools, Coldwater Community Schools, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Ascension Health Borgess, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kalamazoo, and the new Veteran’s Homes in Grand Rapids and Southfield. The Michigan Society of Association Executives (MSAE) Board of Directors has selected Larry Merrill as MSAE's president and CEO. Larry has served the Michigan association Merrill industry for over 39 years, beginning his career with the Michigan Townships Association in 1980 and serving as its executive director from 2000 until his retirement, earlier this year. Most recently, Larry has worked with Public Policy Associates as a senior consultant. Fusco, Shaffer & Pappas, Inc. Architects and Planners, Ferndale, is pleased to announce Joseph Loskill as one of the newest shareholders. Loskill has over 38 years Loskill of experience in architecture, with an extensive background in Healthcare, Retail and Multi-Family Housing projects. As a
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Project Manager, he specializes in largescale Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living and Memory Care Facilities along with Housing projects ranging from Market Rate to Supportive Housing and Homeless Housing developments. Fusco, Shaffer & Pappas is also pleased to announce Scott Kelley as one of the newest shareholders. Prior to FSP, Kelley received his education from Ohio State Kelley University and the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London. He has over 25 years of dedicated experience in the architecture and planning industry. As a Project Manager, Kelley completed projects specializing in Multi-Family Housing, Healthcare and Historic Restoration. Daniel Haezebrouck has also been named as one of the newest shareholders for Fusco, Shaffer & Pappas. Haezebrouck has over 15 years of experience in the Haezebrouck architecture field. As a Project Manager, he has completed projects specializing in historic renovations, housing, and healthcare. Haezebrouck works alongside clients, designers, contractors and municipalities to meet project goals. Daniel also maintains the role of a BIM Coordinator and IT Director for the firm overseeing the operation and implementation of the newest technology. MetroNet Inc. recently hired Chuck Muller as the company’s new Safety Manager. With more than 30 years of experience in damage prevention, Muller will be spearheading all safety Muller and damage prevention efforts in each state that provides MetroNet services, including Michigan. Muller joins MetroNet’s industry-leading safety team, which operates a comprehensive safety program focused on construction damage prevention and employee and contractor safety. CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019
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AIA Detroit is pleased to announce 16 scholars selected for the third year of its leadership development opportunity. This program guides scholars through an intensive, team-driven series of workshops on topics selected to develop and refine a broad set of leadership skills essential to early career advancement and broader community impact. The 16 scholars named to the 2019-2020 Cohort of the AIAD CKLDP are: • Matt Biglin, Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects • Stephanie Bonderczuk, Saroki Architecture • Alex Froehlich, Norr Architects • Charles Hass, Integrated Design Solutions • Charles Harris, SmithGroup • Wenching Ding, Gensler • Spencer Jaskiewicz, Stantec • Kyle Keaffaber, krM Architecture • Chris Lattimer, Quinn Evans Architects • Nichole McNamera, Thomas Roberts Architects • Ellen Moore, TMP Architecture • Jade Pyman-Stansbury, Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber • Kevin Rosenberg, Jeffery A. Scott Architecture • Katy Rupp, Ghafari Associates • Michael Shuell, NSA Architects, Engineers, Planners • Ernesto Whitsitt, Neumann/Smith Architecture
Corporate News
For the second year in a row, The Christman Company has made Crain’s “Fast 50” list, which is the result of an annual survey of the fastest-growing companies in metro Detroit. Per Crain’s, “you'll see the fingerprints of many of the trends shaping our business lives: the 52 CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019
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construction boom fueled by rising real estate prices and downtown Detroit's resurgence; entrepreneurial expansions; and big acquisitions that offer overnight growth.” CAM member companies Colasanti (tied at #15), Devon Industrial Group (tied at #15), Alta Equipment Company (tied at #20), Spence Brothers (tied at #20), Motor City Electric (#26), LaFontaine Automotive Group (#30), Frank Rewold and Son (#34), The Macomb Group (#37), Auch Construction (#42), and Oliver/Hatcher Construction (#42) also made the 2019 list. For the full list and detail, visit https://www.crainsdetroit.com/specialreport/fast-50-2019-southeast-michigans -fastest-growing-companies.
Doeren Mayhew, a certified public accounting and advisory firm with locations in Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Texas, Switzerland and London, has been recognized by Construction Executive as a Top 50 Construction Accounting Firm. For this ranking, Construction Executive reached out to hundreds of accounting firms throughout the United States with dedicated construction practices to determine who the leaders are based on the construction practice revenue generated. Coming in at number 19 on the list, Doeren Mayhew reported $8.6 million in revenue from its construction practice last year. Today, Doeren Mayhew serves more than 400 construction companies ranging from general and specialty construction contractors, to home builders and manufacturers. The firm’s dedicated Construction Group based out of the firm’s Troy and Houston locations, is made up of more than 25 professionals. J.D. Candler, Livonia, celebrated the company’s 140th anniversary in July with a gathering of staff and industry colleagues at the M1 Concourse. Attendees enjoyed a strolling dinner, entertainment, and an M1-Dodge Hellcat thrill ride on the M1 Race Track. Founded in 1879 as Candler & Wrench, the
company was originally a hardware company but also did furnace work, jobbing repair and sheet metal work. In 1910, James D. Candler incorporated the business and renamed it J.D. Candler Roofing Company. The company’s attention eventually turned entirely to roofing and sheet metal. By 1928, the company was using about a million pounds of asphalt roofing materials and 50,000 pounds of sheet copper a year. The company has worked on some of the largest buildings in the Detroit area over the years, such as the Ford Motor Company, the Packard Motor Car Company, Michigan Central Rail Road, Fisher Body Corporation, Fisher Building, and the Masonic Temple.
Oakland University has selected architecture and design firm Stantec, Berkley, to provide comprehensive design and engineering services for the $40 million expansion and renovation of its South Foundation Hall. One of the oldest buildings on the main campus, the building is home to core classrooms for incoming students. As part of the project, the existing 55,000-square-foot building, built in 1959, will be renovated to upgrade and/or replace all mechanical and electrical systems, information technology, and audio-visual systems. An addition will be built to further transform the building into a 21st century learning environment with technology-centered classroom and collaboration spaces. Stantec’s scope of services includes staging analysis, building programming, building and systems design, construction documentation, bidding support, and construction administration, with construction set to begin in spring 2020 and substantial completion in fall 2022. “The Voice of The Construction Industry®”
S E P T E M B E R C O N S T R U C T I O N
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Please submit all calendar items no less than six weeks prior to the event to: Diane Sawinski, Editor: sawinski@buildwithcam.com
CAM Golf Outings 2019 September 30 – Warwick Hills Country Club, Grand Blanc This is CAM’s last golf outing of the season. Watch for the 2020 golf schedule in the spring—and get your registrations in early!
2019
September 10, 2019 Fall Sporting Clays @ Hunters Creek CAM members enjoy a day of networking and a test of their shooting skills. For more information, visit www.buildwithcam.com. September 14-17, 2019 National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Convention & Tradeshow, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas This NECA event includes a job fair, product demos, leadership sessions, educational workshops, and a closing performance by Cirque du Soleil. To register, visit www.necaconvention.org. September 17-19, 2019 Glass Build America, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta The glass and fenestration industry gathers to discover new business opportunities at the largest annual glass, window and door expo. For more information, visit glassbuild.com. September 19, 2019 Boy Scouts Building Connections Networking Event, Lexus Velodrome, Detroit A unique opportunity for informal business and social interaction while supporting the Scouting program for area youth and their families. For more information, visit www.buildwithcam.com. September 19, 2019 AIA Detroit Celebration of Architecture, Eastern Market, Detroit AEC and design professionals gather at this annual event featuring exhibits, food trucks, live music, and networking. Takes place during the Eastern Market After Dark event. To register, visit aiadetroit.com. September 19-22, 2019 American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC) Conference, Westin Chicago Northwest, Chicago This ASCC conference brings together contractors and concrete industry professionals. To register, visit www.ascconline.org.
CAMTEC Classes Mon & Thu Sept 9-Oct 28 Sept 10 Sept 10-13 Sept 11 Sept 11 Sept 12 Sept 17 Sept 17 Sept 18 Sept 19-20 Sept 24 Sept 25 Sept 26
Printreading for Residential & Light Commercial Construction Cost Estimating of a Construction Change Order OSHA 510: OSHA Standards for Construction First Aid, CPR, AED Prevailing Wage Compliance Mitigating Contract Risk Respiratory Protection – User Training Respiratory Protection – Administrator Training IT Lunch & Learn – Data Loss Disasters and How to Avoid Them Fall Protection – Competent Person Training Project Management & Supervision Part 690: Respirable Crystalline Silica Construction Liens & Payment Bonds
WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS Appel & Associates, Inc. Fraser
Armor Tough Coatings Holly
Bloomfield Construction Bloomfield Hills
Arista Truck Systems Inc. Grand Rapids
Atas International Clinton Twp.
Civiltech LLC Canton
Visit us online at www.BuildwithCAM.com
Halligan Electric, Inc. Flint
CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2019
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Ace Cutting Equipment & Supply .................41 Aluminum Supply Company .........................11 Aoun & Company, P.C...................................31 Auch..............................................................32 Blevins Sanborn Jezdimir Zack PLLC ..........54 Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union Local 2................................................16 Butcher & Butcher ........................................45 CAM Administrative Services .........................3 CAM Affinity ..................................................48 CAM Comp ...................................................21 CAM Magazine Advertising ..........................40 CAM Newsroom............................................46 CAM Tradeshow .........................................IBC CAMTEC......................................................IFC Capital Insurance Group ...............................24 Connelly Crane Rental Corp. ..........................8 Construction Bonding Specialists, LLC........23 Containers4Sale, LLC ...................................37 D.A. Alexander & Company, Inc....................19 DiHydro Services ..........................................17 DKI International ...........................................25 COR K TOW N DET ROI T
The Road Forward BID PREPARATION | CONTRACT NEGOTIATION | MEDIATION CLAIMS MANAGEMENT | LITIGATION, ARBITRATION AND APPEALS
Doeren Mayhew ............................................10 DTE Energy ..................................................BC Facca Richter & Pregler, P.C. ........................28 G2 Consulting Group ....................................38 GD Top Notch Cleaning Service Inc .............35 Guy Hurley, LLC............................................27 International Masonry Institute .......................7 Jackson Associates, Inc. ................................8 Lee Industrial Contracting...............................4 Michigan Construction Protection Agency ...37 North American Dismantling Corp ................43 Nuggett Leasing, Inc.......................................9 Oakland Insurance ........................................39 Performance Line Tool Center ......................33 Plante Moran PLLC.......................................15 Spartan Specialties.......................................29
BLEVINS SANBORN JEZDIMIR ZACK PLC A Winning Legal Team Specializing in Construction Law Visit us at bsjzlaw.com
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Talent Investment Agency.............................20 Testing Engineers & Consultants ..................54 VTC Insurance Group .....................................5 Zervos Group ................................................34
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