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Blog written by Josh Baysinger, Findorff Virtual Construction Manager

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‍The way organizations do business is changing. In today’s digital age, information is easily accessible and digestible, requiring organizations to change the way they communicate. At Findorff, we are experiencing this firsthand. Our in-house Virtual Construction team has helped us adapt, allowing us to view what a space may look like before a shovel hits the ground.

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Not so long ago, having digital plans in our hands through a tablet was mind blowing. We could virtually manage a building’s construction without pages and pages of blueprints. Digital plans are still part of our job, but we have evolved. Today, virtual construction is comprised of innovative practices, ranging from building information modeling (BIM) to augmented reality (AR), helping us coordinate building systems and analyze data.

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To make this possible, we strategically leverage our top five virtual construction methods, which are:

  1. Look at virtual construction from different perspectives: Findorff’s virtual construction team is comprised of a diverse group. Our team has registered architects, licensed drones pilots, video-game technology experts, and those with direct field experience. Such expertise offers various insights into the construction process.
  2. Follow an integrated process: Through BIM and cross-functional collaboration, our data has a role in budgetary decisions, concept visualization, safety awareness, and field production. By integrating all steps, we are able to educate owners and facility staff about their new spaces.
  3. Use virtual construction throughout all project phases: From preconstruction to project turnover, virtual construction plays a major role. Early on, we create realistic visualizations that help building owners understand their facilities in terms of form and function. By the time construction is underway, we perform everything from sequencing studies to coordinating mechanical systems. This ensures our projects run efficiently and on schedule. Even after punch lists are complete and owners are ready to occupy their facilities, our team uses various tools to help building owners operate and manage their spaces.
  4. Create added value through technology: In today’s digital age, technology is king. By utilizing tools such as drones and advanced software, the value added can range from strategic site utilization to schedule analysis. In turn, we are able to foster efficiency and accuracy throughout design, construction, and operations.
  5. Collaborate with building owners and key stakeholders: Through virtual construction, we are able to develop renderings and animations, plus use AR. These practices allow building owners and key stakeholders to visualize their buildings. For example, we used AR for Pope Farm Elementary School in the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District. In the image at the top of this page, the School’s future principal was able to preview a model of the space she was standing directly in during construction.

Using our methods with virtual construction can provide significant ROI, such as:

Such benefits can help your project stay on schedule and within budget. In the digital age, we are continuing to evolve, with the goal to be a valued resource and collaborative partner.

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Want to learn more about how virtual construction is used in the industry? Check out this blog!

Blog written by Chad Eschler, Business Development

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‍When people think of Wisconsin, what comes to mind may be the Green Bay Packers, cheese, brats, and the great outdoors. What may be news to some folks is that Wisconsin is also becoming a top destination to plant roots for science and technology businesses from across the U.S. Having lived here my entire life, I have seen this first hand as there is an increasing need for local state-of-the-art facilities to support research, innovation, technological advancements, and more!

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Hearing this, you may be asking yourself, “why Wisconsin?” There are three main areas that answer this question:

Considering the science-based opportunities Wisconsin has to offer, specialized facilities are in demand by new businesses entering our state. With a pulse on the industry, Findorff adapted its approach to building science and technology facilities. We focus on five key areas:

To learn more about our efforts in the growing science and technology industry, make sure to check out several of our relevant projects.

Blog written by Findorff’s Sustainability Lead Ben Austin, LEED® AP BD+C, WELL AP, Fitwel Ambassador

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‍Today is Earth Day! At Findorff, this day reminds us of how sustainability is a driving factor in what we do. We strategically look at sustainability to offer innovative solutions and a holistic approach in construction. Ranging from assessing environmental impacts to how we do business, these efforts make meaningful differences where we all live, work, and play.

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In staying true to such objectives, Findorff recently hosted its first Sustainability Forum. We brought together a diverse audience of building owners, developers, architects, engineers, facility managers, and others. Perspectives were shared on how sustainability can positively impact business and budget. As the event’s moderator aside panelists from RENEW Wisconsin, Focus on Energy, PACE Wisconsin, and Kohler, we highlighted trends, programs, and successful projects happening right here in Wisconsin. A few takeaways from the Forum included:

Looking forward, I would like to present a challenge to each one of you: How will the information presented change how you approach your buildings for the rest of 2019?There are a variety of financial resources available and ready for your existing building operations, renovations, and new construction. Do not hesitate to utilize them! Let’s push each other to collectively move the needle on Sustainability. As subject matter experts we look forward to continuing the conversation and looking for additional ways to implement sustainability in all buildings!

Blog written by Chad Eschler, Findorff Business Development

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‍There are so many innovative products and talented scientists working to improve human life. It is astounding that I get to play a part in that progress. As a nearly 130-year-old construction company, Findorff is quietly becoming a game changer for many Midwest companies in the science and technology industry.

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For some people it can be difficult to understand why Findorff is a sponsor or an active member at various technology-focused events. That’s fair. Do scientists and builders have much in common? What people don’t realize is that the ideas, challenges, and successes of those ingrained in the world of research and science inspire us to be better at our jobs. Specifically, we want to build better spaces for them to conduct their work and help them be successful, which in turn improves lives.

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Findorff is pretty innovative in its own right. In the last decade, we were the first in the nation to use a new technology called BubbleDeck. This allows more stability and less of an environmental impact on large areas of concrete floors. We were also the first in the nation to present a project in virtual reality for city approval. We were also the first in Wisconsin to use a Semi-Autonomous-Mason, a brick-laying robot, for efficiency on large concrete block walls.

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We have also performed other advanced construction practices. Our licensed pilots use drones that connect to thermal imaging cameras to help find anything from roof leaks to failing caulk joints. Additionally, our Virtual Construction team was asked to provide content for the REVIT software manual. If that doesn’t speak innovation, I don’t know what does! We are even using augmented reality to show clients their projects before we put a shovel in the ground.

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Why is all of this so important to us? Findorff’s dedicated Science & Technology team works with clients that work to cure cancer, develop medicine to reduce illness, develop genomic advances that will prevent disease and dozens of other ideas that impact human life. We are proud to play a supportive role in these endeavors and work hard to help our clients get their products to market as fast as possible.

Blog written by Findorff’s Special Projects Group Manager B.J. Bowen

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Drive throughout the Midwest and you’re sure to spot Findorff signage, a crane or two on the horizon, and workers in high-viz attire hustling about a project site. It’s easy to conclude that Findorff is a construction manager. What you may not be aware of is a certain valuable group at the Company, Findorff’s Special Projects Group (SPG).

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This team of construction professionals is not necessarily focused on large, high-visibility, and iconic projects. Rather, SPG specializes in projects that require a less-than-normal amount of resources and fast turnaround times. Over the course of a year, it completes as many as 500 projects. The key to success is keeping it simple. Our clients appreciate that we can condense the process from contract development to reading construction documents, then performing the work.

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The idea of a team focused on smaller projects such as remodeling, renovation, maintenance, and trades-related expertise was conceived over a decade ago. Findorff’s SPG serves the needs of corporate, healthcare, education, commercial, and industrial clients who are looking for a one-stop resource. These smaller, more focused projects are assigned to a field professional who has a unique skill set and can perform all types of work from carpentry to masonry to repairs.

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Recently, a Madison-based healthcare client experienced flooding and needed to get its clinical equipment functioning, as well as have its environment thoroughly repaired and ready for patients. We were on-site within hours and worked to restore access to the clinic while also ensuring patient safety.

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Because of Findorff’s SPG, we can serve as a construction manager for any client and for any scope of work. In other words, we can do it all.

Blog written by Findorff’s Prefabrication & Construction Process Manager Justin Mitten and Senior Virtual Construction Specialist Joel Powers

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‍Long before a shovel hits the ground, key factors drive a building’s design. In the world of construction, two driving factors that go hand in hand are prefabrication and virtual construction. Findorff has been performing these services on countless projects for years, offering unique insight into the industry.

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Prefabrication is a process that typically starts during the design development phase or earlier. At this time, we can apply lessons learned from prior work, as well as identify and optimize different elements of a building’s design. From here, we determine what parts of a building can be fabricated offsite in a controlled environment. In turn, we expedite schedules, increase quality, determine cost-saving solutions, and streamline construction efforts.

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Like prefabrication, virtual construction takes place early on. It involves developing and managing digital models of a building’s physical components, ranging from MEP/FP systems to load-bearing structures. No longer do we have to solely rely on specification drawings or traditional blueprints. Virtual construction offers our project managers, consultants, and clients 3D representations of how a facility will be built. We have also recognized other benefits including improved communication, risk reduction, increased productivity, and streamlined schedules.

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As these two design drivers are key to a project’s success, our prefabrication and virtual construction teams routinely collaborate with each other. An example of this is how we engineer wall panels. Initial plans and shop drawings are developed by our prefabrication team. A Virtual Construction Engineer then models the wall panels with detailed information to guide prefabrication efforts. We routinely meet with field leadership to identify potential constructability issues and installation strategies for prefabricated building components. Together through such coordinated efforts, we are better prepared before the first footing is even poured.

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The new headquarters for Summit Credit Union is a great example where prefabrication and virtual construction offered major efficiencies. Slated for completion in February 2019, it will be a six-story facility spanning 190,000 square feet. As part of the scope, our virtual construction team modeled 700 exterior wall panels, over 170 of which were specifically developed with shop drawings used by our prefabrication team. In turn, quality issues have been reduced where no rework has been required, saving time and money. Findorff’s prefabrication team also provides “kitting” services. This involves precutting and presorting lumber, which was purchased in bulk. The sorted lumber is divided into parts, each of which is treated as a “kit” for various areas of the building. Lumber is then delivered to correspond with the time prefabricated wall panels arrive to the jobsite. As a result, jobsite waste is minimized, costs are reduced, safety is improved, and project efficiency is increased.

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Undoubtedly, prefabrication and virtual construction play significant roles in the built environment. As technology continues to develop for these major drivers of design, so have our various construction practices. We have started to incorporate reality capture, augmented reality, robotics, and drone technologies into every phase of construction. Through such efforts, we are advancing our position as a leading construction manager in the Midwest and trusted partner for our clients.

Blog written by The James Senior Community Manager Dennis Ruffing

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Student housing has certainly come a long way in the past few decades. How things have changed! Much of student housing has been moving closer to campuses to be within walking distance of classes. This means within just a few minutes from rolling out of bed, students can be seated in their lecture halls. Additionally, internet access is no longer considered a luxury, but is expected (not to mention plenty of bandwidth to stream live music and videos). Another trend students are seeing is that newer housing projects are getting denser and taller. Did I mention they also have incredible luxury-style amenities? Today, student residents are seeing pools on rooftops, state-of-the-art fitness centers, as well as beautiful interiors with quartz counter tops and trendy designs.

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Companies like Core Spaces, a national student-housing developer, have taken purpose-built student housing to a completely different level. Specifically, Core Spaces recently completed two incredible facilities near the UW-Madison campus.

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‍Hub Madison, completed in 2015, offers the best-in-class student housing, designed for every aspect of college life. Located on State Street, the building was the 2016 winner of both the Student Housing Business Innovator Award for Best Package & Offering of Amenities and the National Association of Home Builders’ Platinum Level Award for Best in American Living.

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The second project, completed in 2017, is The James. Similar in many ways to Hub Madison, The James has similar design elements and trendy themes. Not only does The James’ interior include nostalgic furniture, fixtures, and various accessories, but also it is wrapped in a modern exterior that stands out from any other surrounding buildings.

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Both of these landmark properties were constructed by Findorff. It is my pleasure to come to work every day to market two of the most beautiful buildings in the City of Madison.

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Blog written by Findorff Senior Advisor Tim Prince, MHA, FACHESeek first to understand. Then assess, cooperate, communicate, question, plan, revise, inform, advance.

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At Findorff, we focus on the things that matter to our projects’ success – purpose, value, quality, scope and price. To do this successfully, we continuously advance the way we work, by blending the processes of planning, constructing, and completing projects skillfully (Engineer) with our intelligence, resourcefulness, and inventiveness (Ingenuity).That’s Findorff Enginuity. It’s not really what we do, it’s how we do things.

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With a vision to be the premier provider of construction services for our clients while providing opportunities for our people, Findorff is constantly probing at the edges of our industry. It’s in the way we partner with clients, developers, architects and engineers. And it’s in the way we support our field workers, our project leaders and our business professionals.

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We are committed to the growth of Findorff Enginuity through advanced tools, methods, approaches, skills, and products. Examples include:

That’s Findorff Enginuity. Talk to us to learn more or to share your ideas.

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Blog written by Findorff’s Evan Bond, Project Engineer

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‍Recently, Findorff utilized BubbleDeck™ Technology at our ProHealth Care – Central Utility Plant project in Waukesha, Wis. Bubbledeck™ is a voided structural slab design that uses recycled plastic spheres sandwiched between layers of reinforcing steel lattice to introduce “voids” into the two-way slab. Using BubbleDeck™ in place of traditional slab construction can reduce weight by up to 35%, thereby dramatically reducing the structural dead weight, and allowing for smaller columns and beams. Similarly, with BubbleDeck™ construction, approximately 1kg of recycled plastic used to form voids will replace 100kg of concrete, while maintaining the two-way span (biaxial) strength. This reduction in concrete provides the following benefits:

Another advantage of utilizing BubbleDeck™ is the positive effect on schedule and the use of prefabrication. The panels utilized at ProHealth Care were constructed offsite and included partial precast with about 2.5″ of concrete, bubbles, and steel. Once the project team was ready, these panels were delivered to the project site and flown into place with a crane where they were poured to grade. The precast concrete allowed the slab to be set on temporary shoring and eliminated the need for all formwork on the underside of the deck. The combination of precast, custom panels and the elimination of formwork vastly increased the installation process.

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Findorff has utilized this technology for several years. In 2012, Findorff was the first general contractor to install BubbleDeck™ in the United States, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison LaBahn Arena. This innovation reduced overall costs, saved two days of construction and used 30% less concrete than traditional methods. Although the BubbleDeck™ system requires extensive coordination at the inception of the project, the cost and time savings benefit everyone involved.

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Blog written by Findorff’s Joel Powers, Senior Virtual Construction Specialist

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A new generation in the world of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM). Advanced technology has allowed for process improvements and efficiencies in the production of construction documents, where a drafter is able to “make the numbers work” from a dimensioning stand point. Within CAD, designers can set a dimension to the nearest inch, when in reality the dimension in a 3D model could be 4’-11 ¾” rather than the 5’-0”.What may seem like a minimal discrepancy can actually lead to significant problems in the field if interior walls are laid out per the construction documents at measurements of 5’-0” versus the model at measurements of 4’-11 ¾”. For example, compound this discrepancy over a 100-foot span. The results could be catastrophic, meaning a project’s plumbing pipes that were supposed to be within a wall cavity could very well be jutting out beyond the wall. This issue would result in unnecessary rework to fix interior walls, which in turn could impact the construction schedule and add unforeseen costs.

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To avoid such mishaps, Findorff’s Virtual Construction team is a valuable asset early on in a project to confirm various dimensions from a 3D model to those in construction documents. This ultimately helps prevent issues from arising in the field. Additionally, working collaboratively with architects and engineers, as well as requesting their BIM files at the start of a project, makes it possible to coordinate items faster and more accurately, saving time and money. In other words, it is incredibly valuable to have accuracy in the numbers.

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