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Unlocking Project Success: The Power of Measurable Metrics in Defining Requirements

Rolling Stones Imagined HQ
Rolling Stones’ Plaza Concept

You can’t always get what you want. But if you try sometimes, well, you might find, you get what you need. – Keith Richards, Mick Jagger

Let’s start with a bit of truth. The architect, engineer, and construction services sector struggles hard to deliver on their promises to Owners. 

Trust me, the Owner doesn’t want to hear, “You can’t always get what you want.”

I believe that building enclosure commissioning (BECx) was created to help fill the “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” void by documenting the Owner’s performance criteria and following through with the project to confirm that those criteria were finally met and delivered to the Owner.

Harsh Take: Isn’t that the same as saying that BECx is hand-holding the traditional AEC team to ensure they do their jobs? Yes, it is.

Truth be known, both expectations and the projects themselves have gotten much more complex. Even the largest AEC companies rarely have the in-house breadth of skill to accomplish all that is required without many consultants and experts. BECx is another means of serving the Client’s interests.

Focus on Documenting the Owner’s Project Requirements

The key point of this article (besides goofy Stones references) is that designers need to work with the Owner on every project to determine building enclosure performance requirements during pre-design – with or without the involvement of building enclosure commissioning. 

Documenting the Owner’s Project Requirements will provide a firm basis for design decisions. It will clarify and inform the design team of the Owner’s performance priorities and preferences for the building enclosure.

This will influence material selection, construction techniques, and overall design strategies to ensure the final enclosure meets the written goals.

This document in Building Enclosure Commissioning is called an OPR. Outside of BECx, it can exist under any number of names.

Fundamental Point: Your documentation of the Owner’s Project Requirements should include verifiable metrics! 

Do not use vague descriptions or generic project goals whenever possible. Here is an example of how describing performance requirements is typically done and an example of a better, measurable way.

Non-measurable examples:

  • Building materials should be kept dry to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

What is dry? Each material has a different moisture tolerance; to make things worse, few material manufacturers want to share a definition of “dry” for their products.

The proposed lighting program shall account for latitude and provide adequate light in the winter months.

Who defines “adequate?” Are you unintentionally leaving the design to others?

Measurable examples:

  • Minimum insulation values for roofing shall be R-30.
  • Windows shall be AAMA Certified AW-60.

Including measurable metrics is an actionable step to improve your project delivery process that you can begin executing today! 

Don’t be overwhelmed by the work of documenting measurable metrics. Focus first on the low-hanging fruit by adding measurable metrics to areas within your technical strengths.

What Do I Get Out of all this Extra Effort?

Benefits to Designers: Designers can innovate confidently, knowing their plans align with the Owner’s vision while adhering to industry standards and sustainability goals. This clarity fosters creativity and precision, leading to designs that resonate with the Owner’s objectives and stand the test of time.

Also, the original design is much easier to defend from nuisance substitution requests and proposed scope changes when created from a well-developed OPR that genuinely represents the Owner’s vision for the building enclosure requirements. (The Owner’s engagement and commitment will determine the overall success.)

Advantages to Owner: Well-captured performance requirements mean their investment materializes into a structure that meets, if not exceeds, their expectations in functionality, aesthetic appeal, and longevity. A building that aligns with the Owner’s vision directly impacts its value and the satisfaction of its occupants. It also ensures that the building’s performance aligns with the Owner’s long-term goals, be it energy efficiency, sustainability, user comfort, etc.

Impact on Contractors: Clarity in the Owner’s requirements translates into a smoother construction process for contractors. It minimizes misunderstandings, reduces the likelihood of change orders, and optimizes resource management. This clear direction is invaluable in adhering to project timelines and budgets, making the construction phase more predictable and manageable. It’s a roadmap that guides every step of the construction journey, ensuring alignment with the envisioned outcome. The short answer is that it reduces risk.

But Why is the Process so Hard?

Diverse Stakeholder Interests: An OPR must balance the needs, expectations, and priorities of various stakeholders, including the Owner, future occupants, maintenance staff, and even the community. Each stakeholder may have different requirements and expectations for the building’s performance, aesthetics, sustainability, and cost. Aligning these diverse interests into a cohesive and mutually agreeable document can be complex and time-consuming.

Technical Complexity and Detail: Building enclosures involve intricate details and various materials and systems, such as roofing, waterproofing, and exterior walls. Documenting requirements for these components demands a deep understanding of technical specifications, performance standards, and best practices. Ensuring that the OPR is both comprehensive and technically accurate requires specialized knowledge. It can be daunting for design teams without extensive experience in building enclosures. Building Enclosure Consultants are often brought in to assist.

Evolving Technologies and Standards: The construction industry continually evolves, with new materials, technologies, and building standards emerging regularly. Keeping abreast of these changes and incorporating them into the OPR can be challenging. The design team must be current with these advancements and able to predict their suitability and longevity for the project in question.

Budget and Time Constraints: Design teams often operate under tight budgets and schedules. Developing a thorough OPR requires significant time and resources, which can be difficult to manage alongside other project demands. Balancing the depth and detail of the OPR with the practical constraints of time and budget can be a delicate task.

Future-Proofing and Flexibility: An effective OPR should address current needs and anticipate future use, technology, and regulatory environment changes. This requires a forward-thinking approach and an understanding of long-term trends in building design and use. Designing for flexibility and adaptability while maintaining the integrity of the original project vision and requirements adds another layer of complexity to the OPR creation process.

Summing it Up

In the realm of AEC, understanding and capturing the Owner’s performance requirements isn’t just a good practice; it’s the cornerstone of excellence.

It ensures that every stakeholder, from the designer to the contractor, is marching to the beat of the same drum – the Owner’s vision. The benefits are clear: projects that meet and even exceed design, functionality, and efficiency expectations.

The message to AEC professionals is loud and clear: prioritize understanding and capturing the Owner’s requirements. It’s not just a pathway to success; it’s the only way to build legacies that stand the test of time.

Self-Architecture

Elevate | Innovate | Cultivate | Discover

Welcome to 2024! Embarking on a new year is a time to reset, refocus, and redefine your path to individualized success. To set the stage for a year of growth and achievement in both your personal and professional life, consider incorporating measurable metrics into your own life.

Reflect and Evaluate

Begin by looking back at the past year. What did you accomplish? Where did you face challenges? This reflection isn’t about dwelling on the past but about understanding it.

Recognize your strengths and areas needing improvement. This self-awareness is a powerful tool for setting meaningful goals. Self-awareness is a superpower!

Set Clear, Achievable Goals

Goals are the compass that guides your journey. Make them SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, or make them FAST: Frequent discussions, Ambitious scope, Specific milestones, and Transparency – call them what you will – just make them!

Instead of vague aspirations, craft clear objectives and measurable metrics. For example, rather than saying, “I want to be more successful in my career,” specify what success looks like for you. It could be learning a new skill, earning a promotion, or expanding your professional network.

If you struggle moving forward, try starting with micro-goals that move you in the right direction while being easier to achieve. I have supercharged achieving my goals by breaking them up into bite-sized actions. Use the success to build momentum and confidence.

Develop an Action Plan

Dreams become achievable when broken down into steps. For each goal, create a roadmap of actions. If your goal is to improve health, your plan might include regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine health check-ups.

Career advancement could involve attending workshops, networking, or taking on challenging projects. Use the results of your reflection during step 1 to be honest with yourself about your goal setting.

Again, micro-goals within your action plan might make your goals feel less overwhelming.

Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Challenges become opportunities for growth with this mindset. A growth mindset believes that smart work and dedication can develop skills and intelligence. When you encounter obstacles, use them as stepping stones to learn and improve.

This mindset will be your ally in both personal development and career progression. This step is definitely easier to say than it is to do!

Remember that most of your challenges will be just a season in your life and won’t be there forever. Learning and growing from the challenges can be the silver lining!

Regularly Review and be Prepared to Adjust Your Goals

Life is dynamic, and so should your goals. Regularly review your progress. Celebrate your successes and understand your setbacks. Be flexible. Adjust your plans as needed. This agility will help you stay aligned with your objectives even as circumstances change.

Don’t let missing a goal derail you. Reset and keep going forward the best you can.

Remember, the journey of self-improvement is lifelong. Commit in 2024 to show up for YOU! Set aside some time to focus on you and your success each day. Don’t languish in the background of your own life.

It’s about progress, not perfection. Regardless of how small, each step forward is a step towards a more fulfilled and successful you. Stay committed and consistent even when you don’t feel motivated, and you will transform your aspirations into realities.

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