We’re huge believers in early contractor involvement (ECI) because we’ve seen the value it adds at every step of the design and delivery journey. The certainty it provides is particularly valuable for complex and sophisticated builds that have the potential for extensive variations over time. Read more about the ECI process in our blog.
Early contractor involvement done right
Concept design
Preliminary design
Developed design
For tender
How ECI adds value
When it’s done well, ECI has the potential to secure a better result for all parties because the client and designer receive input on buildability and value engineering while they’re still in the design phase, reducing the risk of surprises and cost over-runs during the build. Here’s how getting our team involved early adds value through each phase of a typical ECI process.
Concept design
- Through value engineering, we make cost-saving recommendations in relation to building footprint, location, procurement, material selection and more.
Preliminary design
- We draft a preliminary construction sequence to suit the design requirements.
- We propose a construction site setup plan to best suit the existing site or land conditions.
- Using our in-house BIM, we build preliminary multi-discipline coordination models.
- We feed back to consultants to finetune the design and suggest cost savings.
Developed design
- Buildability analysis allows us to work with consultants to make the design more efficient.
- We provide detailed coordination and clash detection advice during the detailed design process.
- We identify commercial procurement gains through value engineering and provide in-depth pricing.
For tender
- We provide a documented summary of value achieved through value engineering and buildability analysis.
Q&A
Q: How is the role of Engineering Manager important in ECI?
A: As Engineering Manager I’m responsible for engineering and all its components, including ECI contracts, preconstruction methodologies, procurement support and temporary work designs. I have been with the Cassidy team since 2013, as Project Engineer and then Construction Manager, so I understand the differing needs and priorities of clients across a range of sectors. My hands-on experience in the concreting trade, coupled with my training as a structural engineer, give me a unique practical perspective on problem solving and the detail of how a building actually comes together.
Q: How does Cassidy’s ECI capability add value for your clients?
A: ECI is becoming an ever-more-common aspect of our work. It enhances our ability to deliver the complex, challenging projects that Cassidy Construction has built its reputation on. I work closely with our ECI, BIM and estimating teams to provide engineering solutions for current projects and facilitate more accurate tendering for future projects. Together, we come up with methodologies and programmes that save our clients time and cost. This approach provides our clients and ourselves with confidence that there won’t be any surprises during the build phase.
