By Evan Williams, Cambridge Companies
May 30, 2016
Learn the importance of assembling the right design team for solid waste projects.
Identifying the need for a new project is a necessary first step for any development project. Although, how is a rough idea translated into a completed facility? Many professionals are needed to gather documents and approvals to move to the construction phase. In addition, team members will vary based on the type of project and requirements of the local community. No matter the size of the team, communication is critical to the success of the design phase. One person on the project needs to be the connection between all parties. Typically, this person is the lead architect or the design-build firm since they manage team members and work close with the owner.
In most cases, projects will involve the following:
- Environmental Permitting
- Owner Representatives
- Lead Architects, Structural Engineers and MEP Engineers
- Civil Engineers
- Legal Departments for zoning and land use issues
- Public Community Engagement
- Local Building and Planning Departments
- And an Experienced Design-Build Construction firm
How this team gets assembled and how well it functions is key to project execution and efficiently completing the process. The areas of critical performance for these teams include:
- Land Use and Zoning
- Community Engagement
- Site Planning
- Environmental Permitting
- Construction Documents
- And Project Execution
Environmental Permitting
A critical part of any solid waste project design team is the Environmental Permitting Consultant (EPC). In addition, the EPC must have extensive experience with solid waste permitting. Their experience moves the project through the process and offers valuable guidance on which design approach will be most acceptable to the permitting authorities. Their experience also helps forecast reasonable timelines and warnings against typical pitfalls. A depth of experience with solid waste projects is also valuable to properly troubleshoot and address project-specific complications that can arise to keep the project on track.
Read the full article on Waste Advantage Magazine
