2019 Annual WASLA Conference

Greater Tacoma Convention Center, March 22, 2019

10:15 - 11:15 am
Design Build and the Landscape Architect: How alternative project delivery methods are changing the role of the landscape architect in the Designer, Contractor, Owner relationship

Session Presentation

Description:

In the field of landscape architecture, the Design Build process is often thought of in the context of residential scale work. Increasingly projects of all types and scales are turning to alternative delivery methods to reduce liability, build faster and control costs more effectively. The transition from a Design-Bid-Build to Design Build is changing the traditional relationship between Designers, Contractors and Owners. From this vantage point looking forward, it is important to recognize that as Design Build becomes more prominent in our industry, the landscape architect is forced to adapt as roles change, design priorities shift, and the design process transforms.

This panel will bring together different perspectives from within the region’s Design Build industry: Owner, Contractor and Designer. The moderator will provide an overview of alternative delivery methods currently in practice before panelists highlight the benefits and challenges of the design-build process based on their experiences. The moderator will then conduct a discussion among panelists focused on how the shift to design-build impacts the design process before opening the discussion to the audience.

Speaker Bios:

Dorothy Faris, Principal, Mithun

Dorothy Faris is a landscape architecture design leader and principal with multidisciplinary design firm Mithun. Her ability to think across scales—from master planning large site to the specifics of construction details—and collaborative approach make her a valuable team member. With a background in ceramics and art history Dorothy was attracted to landscape architecture as an art form that enhances our built environments. Throughout her 14 years’ experience, her conceptually driven design approach and interest in ecological processes has led to the creation of many successful and unique civic spaces.

Brian Aske, Project Executive, Project Executive, Lease Crutcher Lewis

Brian Aske is the President for the Design Build Institute of America's Northwest Region and a Project Executive for Lease Crutcher Lewis leading market sectors utilizing integrated delivery.  He has experience delivering projects in all common contracting methods. He has been a strong advocate for design-build, since his first design-build project 24 years ago.  He obtained his DBIA Professional Accreditation in 2006.  Brian also served on the DBIANW legislative committee who advocated in 2012 for the current Washington State legislation allowing Progressive Design-Build. He is an industry leader in integrated teaming and design-build delivery. This focus has led to one award-winning project after another, such as Oakland City Administration Building Complex, UW Bothell Discovery Hall, and the West 8th office tower.

Vinita Sindhu, Principal, Site Workshop
Vinita Sidhu, PLA ASLA is a Principal at Site Workshop. In her twenty years of professional practice she has led projects ranging in scale from small play areas to multi-acre campuses. She is focused on improving community wellness through close collaboration with stakeholders, clients and integrated teams to design and build projects that achieve design excellence through implementation of a shared vision
John Payne, Regional Director, SiteWorks

John Payne (ASLA, PLA, ISA) has worked as a landscape architect and project manager in both design and owner’s rep/construction management offices.  John’s previous career as an Army leader has instilled in him a firm belief in the power of teamwork to realizing a project to its full potential.  He has used these skills in both domestic and international projects of varying scopes and scales, including Governors Island Park and Public Space Project, the Toronto Central Waterfront, and the Miami Beach Convention Center. John is particularly interested in the process of effective communication amongst the client, designer, and contractor team to ensure that a project is delivered on time, within budget, meets the design intent, all while maximizing the value to the client.

 

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the difference between Design Bid Build, CM/GC and Design Build and why Owners are moving into alternative delivery methods.
  • Understand what sectors, project types, and scales the Design Build processes is moving into.
  • Understand how new delivery methods are changing the landscape architects’ role in the design process.
  • Discuss strategies for landscape architect to prioritize design quality given new relationships and priorities.