QAQC - Not Just a Milestone Task
September 12th, 2023
SUMMARY
In the fast-paced world of project development, the importance of a thorough and comprehensive Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) process cannot be understated. While computer-aided design tools have become invaluable and have revolutionized project design and delivery, they do not eliminate the need for a robust QA/QC process.
In the past, manual drafting allowed more time for review and coordination, but with compressed schedules and increased pressure on design teams, the need for a well-orchestrated QAQC process is more important than ever.
THE CHALLENGE
Competitive fees, compressed schedules, and the misconception that computer-designed projects are flawless pose significant challenges.
Each and every project is unique, no matter how similar they may seem. The complexity of coordinating a multi-discipline solution requires careful thought and orchestration; no small task. In the days of drafting with pencil on vellum or ink on mylar, the process was slower, there was more time to think, review, focus, coordinate, and implement QA/QC, but now, time is compressed.
However, an integrated architectural and engineering (A/E) firm like SIGMA7 has an advantage over traditional siloed relationships between architects and consulting engineers in the development, documentation, coordination and QA/QC of a project.
WHY IS THIS A BENEFIT?
Our office consists of architects, mechanical and electrical engineers. A significant benefit of an integrated A/E firm lies in the fact that everyone is on the same team, sharing the same goals and interests. This contributes to how and why our teams can develop, design, and deliver better solutions for our client’s projects.
While there are a multitude of elements and components that contribute to the development of a successful project, we believe that Open and Immediate Communication, Eyes-on Project Development, and a Constant and Ongoing QA/QC Component are key elements of a well-coordinated project and QA/QC plan.
Open, Immediate, and Honest Communication
As everyone is on the same team, communication is spontaneous and without delay – the message can be transmitted across desks not across town. The likelihood of ‘telephone game’ distortions of a directive or message is eliminated. Ideas, questions, and clarifications can be easily and openly discussed.
There is no need to wait for the next meeting or conference call. Discussions are organic, naturally occurring, and without finger pointing or blame. The sharing of ideas and information can occur anytime and anywhere, during a lunch break, in the elevator, or over a cup of coffee in the pantry.
Direction and focus is easily maintained. This ensures that missteps due to misinterpretation or misunderstandings can be addressed immediately, not when the next evolution of documents is issued.
QA/QC isn’t just about finding mistakes, it is about preventing them.
Eyes-on Project Development
Having multiple pairs of consistent architectural and engineering professional’s eyes on our documents throughout the project process is another advantage of an integrated firm. The same team members stay with the project throughout the project’s evolution, from commencement to completion. The project develops organically -- progressing and evolving sequentially and simultaneously across the disciplines. The traditional hand-off from architect to mechanical engineer, and finally to the electrical engineer is eliminated, resulting in better coordination and fewer unforeseen issues. This level of understanding and coordination significantly enhances the project development, coordination, and QA/QC process.
Our project teams are accustomed to reviewing, commenting, and coordinating the work product from commencement to completion. Our architects are knowledgeable of engineering, the engineers likewise. This insight lends itself to mutual understanding, respect, awareness, and cross discipline coordination as well as embellishing the project development, coordination, and QA/QC process. You cannot effectively coordinate something that you have no familiarity with or simply do not understand. As an example, a single thin line on an engineering drawing can be a 96”x32” trunk duct or a bank of 6” conduits with a large turning radius. Oversights or misunderstandings like these can result in a potentially expensive oops during construction.
The outcome of an eyes-on effort, is a coordination and QA/QC process, that is a naturally occurring seamless component of the design and document development process. When a potential issue or concern is identified, it is quickly conveyed to all and immediately resolved. The process accomplished without blame or shame.
Identifying issues and coordination missteps are more easily corrected when identified earlier in the project development and documentation process. Early identification and timely correction eliminates costly construction changes and corrections. It is more cost effective to correct a drawing than refabricate structural steel member or re-route mechanical infrastructure.
Constant and Ongoing QA/QC Component
Project coordination and QA/QC should be a constant and ongoing component of the project process, commencing at the onset of the project, long before the review of the final construction documents.
The project kick-off meeting should clearly identify stakeholders, convey the client’s project goals, mission, and objectives. A communication plan and process established and identified. Project phases, their durations and deliverables, along with the overall project schedule should be clearly defined and understood by all members of the team. Subsequent internal job progress and client meetings are an excellent ongoing opportunity to refocus, refresh, and reestablish these criteria with the team. This is particularly important when dealing with larger projects that have big teams, multiple outside consultants, lengthy phases and an extended project duration.
Many architects and engineers complain that there is never enough time to, ‘put down the pencils,’ and perform a standalone QA/QC review. However, QA/QC can be an integral, ongoing, and seamless part of the project and documentation development process, while remaining as a milestone task on the project schedule.
By integrating coordination and QA/QC into the ongoing project process, coordination and QA/QC becomes second nature, ensures long term success, and is no longer viewed as a distraction from the task at hand.
A single attempt at Coordination and QA/QC as a standalone milestone task may be effective in some cases; however, it is an unlikely strategy for long term success. A continuous and ongoing Coordination and QA/QC process is a long-term strategy that naturally lends itself to the evolution of a project, its development and progression over time and ultimately its success.
CONCLUSION
A robust QA/QC process is critical in today's fast paced project development. Integrated A/E firms have a strategic advantage, allowing for open communication, better coordination, and an ongoing project QA/QC process. By recognizing and embracing the importance of an ongoing QA/QC process and integrating it into the project development timeline, costly mistakes can be avoided, and project success can be achieved.
ABOUT US
SIGMA7, a full service integrated architectural and engineering firm, provides professional services to clients in the public and private sectors. Our clients are Fortune 500 ranked organizations in the technology, insurance, banking, and financial markets.
Still curious or want to learn more about SIGMA7, our integrated A/E approach, or see how we can assist you and your team?
Please visit SIGMA7design.com, email us at contact@sigma7design.com, or call our office at 212 779.7100 we are here to listen, answer your questions, and would like to learn more about you and your organization as well.
