Why Hire a Technology Consultant ?

Why Hire Us

The following considerations are presented as we generally address them chronologically per the project’s design and construction schedule.  However, please note that exactly when any particular services are provided will vary by project.     

1. Concept Design - Budget and Systems discussions, most often by owner request.  Having an expert to help make certain the vision's systems are within the budget earlier rather than later will eliminate surprises and potential delays.
2. Initial Site Visit & Report -  Scope verification requires a thorough review of the existing conditions for  renovation, restoration, historic or adaptive reuse projects.  The declared scope in a P.I.P. does not always have exact requirements for all systems.  Confirming the scope before kick-off avoids headaches and change orders later in the design process, or worse yet, during construction.
3. Kick-Off - Having  a technology consultant on board for the project kick-off aligns the technology design with the overall team design progress.  This creates the basis for effective and efficient coordination with the entire design team as the project progresses through design and into construction.
4. Design Schedule Adherence - Space planning (verifying space requirements,  restrictions and mandates) must be handled 1st whether the technology consultant is brought on board before the Schematic Design Phase or during the Construction Documents Phase.   The technology consultant  adds specific focus to the required technology  infrastructure and systems, including  forethought and coordination to account for potential issues that might not be addressed otherwise.  e.g. undersized MDF room, code(s) compliance, sub-system interaction/communication.   Designing becomes more efficient when addressed on the same schedule as the rest of the design team.  Bringing a technology consultant on board late in design  works  provided the low voltage pathways and spaces have been considered by others already on the design team.   If not, corrections may be necessary which can cause preventable excess coordination to correct, or even delays related to a required redesign.
5. Design Documentation Expertise - Documentation expertise for proper and efficient coordination with the entire design team whether using AutoCAD, Revit or BIM 360.  The better the design, the better the installation goes since a good design includes relevant notes regarding systems and installation.  An excellent design also helps prevent unnecessary change orders.
6. A/B Design Options & Add Alternate scope -  Some designs include multiple owner options for a final design.  This type of a design scenario will need to consider many variables (costs) since most alternate scope options are being evaluated in a cost/value environment.  The technology consultant can deliver expert and informed advice regarding these evaluations.
7. Room Layout considerations/Space Adjacencies - Audio visual considerations can be affected.  Identifying where the adjacencies matter is part of the technology consultant's job, the AV subject matter expert to be precise.   Learning of issues late can restrict options, or require adjustments with certain spaces or systems, each of which may come with an unnecessary cost.
8. Progress Coordination - Team  coordination meetings go a long way to resolving potential  issues before they become a problem.  Excellent communication and coordination throughout a design phase will solve or avoid a fair number of issues which may cost more when addressed later in the process.
9. Product Selections & OFE Equipment - A technology consultant can provide valuable knowledge and advise regarding the required/desired equipment.  If the systems are in scope of the technology consultant, advise regarding trusted installers, review of vendor RFPs, and assistance with definition of the systems in the RFP to assure 'apples to apples' comparisons are a few of these services.  
10. Permit & Bid Sets -   These sets often require specific expertise and time-sensitive coordination which the technology consultant can provide.  
11. Value Engineering - If the value engineering efforts move walls, remove walls or redesign spaces, the cabling infrastructure and specific end points  often require a redesign.   A good technology consultant can evaluate and make recommendations to provide the  total cost of ownership comparisons while future proofing the design as much as possible and desired. 
12.  Construction Administration -  Site visits during construction are valuable to confirm the project’s design intent.  Well timed construction administration visits can catch errors early by visiting the site to confirm the design intent is being followed correctly so that all systems work as designed and intended on opening day.
13. Procurement Management - If/when the owner or operator of a facility does not have the resources to conduct a thorough procurement process, a good technology consultant can provide that service.
14.  Vendor Installation Oversight -  Like the procurement process, the technology consultant can provide these services if the owner or operator does not have the resources to provide on site vendor installation oversight.
15.  Insurance -  The peace of mind that comes from hiring a company with decades of experience and a reputation of meeting or exceeding expectations from concept to and throughout the design process and  through construction to opening day.  That is, the technology you envision will work properly on opening day, absent delays, headaches or costs associated with corrections, oversights or unnecessary change orders.

Our company is led by seasoned professionals who carry industry designations such as RCDD, RCDD/NTS, CTS, CTS-D, and PMP, and we would each appreciate an opportunity to earn your business.

If you have a project that you would like to discuss with us, please contact us.