Modelo Blog Article: “Design Manifestos”

Lauren Collier, Associate AIA, was recently featured on Modelo Blog’s “Design Manifestos” discussing her career path to Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) Manager. With over 10 years of industry experience, Lauren offers a glimpse into her professional journey – from making the decision to study architecture and interning with SSOE, to her evolution into the project execution realm. Now a key member in SSOE’s VDC initiative, she’s responsible for enforcing corporate BIM / VDC standards and developing innovative new technology strategies and processes. Continue Reading →

INFORM Magazine Article: “Front-End Loading for a Successful Capital Project”

Jens Ebert, PE, PMP, Senior Project Manager at SSOE, recently authored this article, which examines the phased approach to project execution referred to as front-end loading (FEL) and its many advantages. Also known as pre-project planning (PPP) and front-end engineering and design (FEED), the FEL approach to project delivery involves early project planning and engineering, so that design changes are easier and cheaper to accommodate, comparatively. FEL is very structured and can require more cost upfront, but projects are less likely to have issues or costly changes, and gives stakeholders an opportunity to make more informed decisions along the way. Continue Reading →

BOSS Magazine Article: “Facilitating a Culture of Global Collaboration with Technology”

SSOE Group is a leader in leveraging the latest technology to enable integrated and collaborative project delivery. SSOE Group was featured in BOSS Magazine, in an article highlighting the company’s technology strategy and culture — both of which are helping provide better solutions to clients. Driven by collaboration, SSOE is using innovative tools and customized applications to deliver high quality projects more efficiently, while working to maintain employee engagement along the way. Continue Reading →

ENR Magazine Article: “A Healthy Market Spurs Investment in Plants”

Firms being asked to play a bigger role in providing expertise Dave Sipes, Chief Operating Officer at SSOE Group, was featured in this article recently published in Engineering News-Record (ENR). The article highlights manufacturing, a particularly robust market currently, and the need within this market to improve processes — with an emphasis on output. Popular among manufacturers is integrated project delivery, a concept that focuses on collaboration and commitment among all parties, which is successfully executed with the help of highly evolved technologies like 3D modeling and laser scanning. Continue Reading →

ENR Article: “Design Professionals Must Embrace VDC to Improve Their Profession and Projects”

John Gill, PE, PMP, LEED AP, SSOE’s Director of VDC, was recently published in Engineering News-Record (ENR) discussing the topic of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). Gill has over 20 years of industry experience and was responsible for the implementation of SSOE’s VDC program. He writes on the many strengths the VDC framework has to offer our industry, and offers some tips for implementing a solid foundation on your next project. Continue Reading →

Design-Build Institute Article: “An A/E Perspective on Optimizing the Design-Build Strategy”

Matt Oberts, PE, LEED AP, Automotive and Industrial Division Facilities Manager at SSOE, recently published “An A/E Perspective on Optimizing the Design-Build Strategy” for Design-Build Institute of America. In his article, Oberts talks about design charrettes, which he defines as “an intensive, collaborative session that is held as early as possible in the life of the project.” This daylong assembly of project participants — from both the design side and the build side — sets the foundation for a successful project in which goals and objectives are understood, agreed upon, and ultimately achieved. Additionally, the design-build process itself becomes increasingly effective by employing the various components of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). Through early process planning, and optimal implementation of 3D/BIM technology and measureable benchmarks, a design-build project has the potential to exceed client expectations, regardless of whether the focus is schedule or budget. Continue Reading →