Project Team Beats Budget, Programming, Coordination and Host of Other Challenges to Complete Complex Build-Out for New Owner

While not every job gets off to a perfectly smooth start, when DPR began preconstruction last April on a project to build out the new San Diego headquarters for tenant Combichem (now DuPont Pharmaceuticals) and project owner/developer, LMC Shoreham Investments, the obstacles facing the project team quickly stacked up.

Among the challenges that unfolded early on:

• Relocate the project to a new site to meet the owner’s programming and space needs;
• Accommodate a “fluid” design process throughout construction;
• Revise the areas to be built out, after construction had already begun, to meet budget constraints;
• Work alongside another general contractor, who was constructing the building’s shell and core;
• And of course, complete the job within the original schedule with zero defects.
• “We knew we would get the job done, but it quickly became evident the kinds of hurdles we faced,” says DPR Project Manager Scott Carriveau. “With all of the changes that had transpired on the job, zero defects was a goal none of us knew for sure would be attainable. It took a tremendous amount of work to get there, but ended up being a great experience.”

The first major obstacle presented itself just 45 days from the scheduled start of construction, when the client discovered it needed to secure a new site that better fit its space and program requirements. The challenge was to mesh the original site plans and budget into the new building. “There was a large amount of time and effort put in upfront, taking the programming from the original location and adjusting it to fit into the new building, rather than having to start from scratch,” Carriveau says.

In addition, design documents were nearly complete and construction just 30 days out when Combichem requested major revisions from the architect, Carrier Johnson. And, budget-dictated changes relating to what portions of the space would be built out created a “constantly evolving job,” according to Carriveau. Incorporating the changes and keeping rework to a bare minimum was no small feat. The team accomplished it through constant communication with subcontractors, close attention to detail, and by bringing extra on-site staff on board to assist with everything from MEP coordination to permitting and project closeout.

Finally, managing the buildout at the same time that another general contractor was constructing the shell and core added another layer of complexity to an already difficult job. “This was a challenging project from a budget standpoint, and because there was a different general contractor doing the shell work, a lot of coordination was required. DPR did a good job with that, along with controlling the work of the subcontractors,” says Chris Manahan, Facility Manager for DuPont Pharmaceuticals.

“Coordination efforts between the shell contractor and DPR as the tenant improvement contractor was a critical focus. I consider it a big success that DPR could do that,” adds Chip Owen of Sutter Assets, who served as the owner’s representative.

Delivering a zero defect project in spite of the challenges drew the biggest accolade from the owner, who held a special dinner at project completion to recognize and reward everyone’s hard work.

“List of Reasons Why Everyone Should Use DPR Construction for Their Projects.”

Lee Chesnut from Combichem, who was a guest speaker at the DPR company meeting, took a page from David Letterman’s book, when he came up with his own “List of Reasons Why Everyone Should Use DPR Construction for Their Projects.”

Among the reasons:

• They do actually exist to build great things.
• Their project managers don’t get upset, no matter how many times you change their scope of work. (I think they actually like the changes and challenges.)
• They have superintendents who will “get the job done,” no matter what!
• They print their own currency, and I think its legal.

And the number one reason why everyone should use DPR for their projects:

• They use a lot of really cool blue tape!