In construction of health and well-being spaces, healthcare systems have always placed a focus on schedule, budget and design. However, new construction in the healthcare field is being approached more intentionally, with construction teams considering the finer details of how staff and patients interact with the facility daily; patient and staff flow, amplified infection control, comfort of each patient and their families, specialty centers, floor layout and aesthetics, advancements in technology, medical equipment planning and more influence the design and construction of these facilities from the inception of the project.
In an industry where the time from project concept to project completion is paramount to when health professionals can start treating patients, Jeff Taggart has found that a design-build approach is adaptable and conducive to the changing needs of the market. The true essence of a design-build approach is based in collaborating early and often to help expedite schedule, control cost and create innovation. With a construction team engaged early and working closely with the design team and owner, better informed decisions are made that influence the outcome of the project. This allows the team to focus on the highest quality of care for patients and an intuitive place for staff to perform life-changing work.
With the recent changes within the health and well-being market, certified design-build professionals are in high demand. Taggart is one of the two most recently certified Design-Build Professionals in the state of Michigan through the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) – both of whom are on the Rockford team. DBIA serves as the foremost industry leader in training and certifying design-build experts.
Since becoming certified, Taggart has had access to likeminded people and resources that promote design with patient care at the forefront of their minds – and all available resources are necessary during this time. “With recent challenges in the supply chain for materials, labor shortages and ability to execute projects quicker and with more cost certainty,” Taggart said, “design-build mitigates those challenges well.” He believes practitioners are needed that are well-versed in how to drive an entire team towards the end goal of healing the community.
From hospitals to research labs, pharmacies, dental facilities and more, engaging a design-build professional at the onset of a project significantly benefits the project owner. A design-build approach results in added value through collectively working with the key department leads as the team works flexibly and congruently from pre-construction, design, to construction. The team collaboratively distinguishes project needs, timing, key drivers to the project success and other factors while also establishing a plan that expedites the project delivery. This creates more cost certainty, all of which equates to a quicker turnover of the project, allowing the healing space to start seeing patients and generating revenue sooner.
As the approach to healing patients continues to evolve, Taggart believes so will our approach to constructing these facilities. While beneficial to the owner, design-build has lasting value for both staff and patients alike. With a design-build approach, each team member collectively determines the project needs and plans the schedule and central objectives necessary for facilities to provide state-of-the-art care within their communities.
