Month: August 2023

LGE Design Build Earns a Spot on Inc. 5000 List for Fastest-Growing Private Companies

Posted on by Mike Bjella

Inc. Magazine recently released its prestigious list of America’s fastest-growing private companies, and we are thrilled to announce that LGE Design Build has made its debut appearance on this exclusive list. We’re excited to share this accomplishment with our valued clients and partners who have been instrumental in our remarkable growth journey.

LGE Design Build’s impressive three-year growth rate of 186% has earned us a place at number 2,850 on Inc.’s list. This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering excellence in design and construction services to our clients. It also highlights the dedication of our exceptional team members who have played a pivotal role in our success.

LGE Design Build Dallas, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona locations.

Founded nearly 30 years ago, LGE Design Build has established itself as a leader in the design-build commercial construction market. Over the past five years, we have experienced significant growth, with a revenue increase of more than 290%. We take pride in being the only large-scale design-build firm in Arizona and one of the few in Texas.

Looking ahead, we have ambitious plans for continued expansion. LGE Design Build is poised to enter southern U.S. markets and diversify our portfolio by venturing into the multifamily sector. This expansion will complement our existing offerings, which span industrial, office, retail/restaurant, mixed-use, educational, adaptive reuse, and medical projects.

At the helm of LGE Design Build and its remarkable growth is our CEO, David Sellers, who has also achieved the rare distinction of guiding our company to secure a spot on the Inc. 5000 list.

“I am incredibly proud of our team members and our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and making a positive impact in every facet of our business. Our philosophy has always been to think outside the box and set high standards for quality.”

– David Sellers, CEO, LGE Design Build
David Sellers DRS founder
David Sellers, CEO, LGE Design Build.

We would like to express our gratitude to our clients, partners, and team members for their continued support and dedication. Being recognized on the Inc. 5000 list is a significant milestone for us, and we look forward to even greater achievements in the future as we continue to innovate, grow, and provide exceptional design-build solutions to our clients.

Thank you for being part of our journey at LGE Design Build. We invite you to stay tuned for more exciting developments as we expand our horizons and raise the bar for excellence in the construction industry.

Tenant Improvement Project Basics: Enhancing Spaces for Business Success

Posted on by Mike Bjella

A tenant improvement construction project, commonly referred to as “TI” or “leasehold improvement,” involves making modifications or upgrades to a commercial or retail space to better suit the specific needs and preferences of a tenant. This type of project occurs when a tenant leases a space within a larger building or complex and wants to customize it to align with their business requirements, brand identity, and operational functionality.

Tenant improvement projects can range in scope and complexity, but they typically involve various construction and design activities. In this article we walk you through an LGE Design Build restaurant TI from start to finish and highlight areas common in all tenant improvement projects.

  • Space Planning: The tenant works with architects or designers to plan the layout and flow of the space, considering factors like workspaces, customer areas, storage, and accessibility.
  • Interior Design: This involves selecting materials, finishes, colors, and other design elements that reflect the tenant’s branding and create a visually appealing environment.
  • Demolition and Build-Out: Depending on the extent of the improvements, some areas may need to be demolished, walls may need to be built or moved, and new partitions may be added to create the desired layout.
  • Electrical and Lighting: Wiring, lighting fixtures, and electrical outlets are installed or updated to meet the tenant’s technological and lighting needs.
  • Plumbing and HVAC: If necessary, plumbing systems, sinks, restrooms, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are installed or upgraded.
  • Flooring: New flooring materials such as carpet, hardwood, tile, or specialized flooring are installed to enhance aesthetics and functionality.
  • Cabinetry and Fixtures: Custom cabinetry, shelves, counters, and other fixtures are installed to optimize storage and display areas.
  • Security and Access Control: Security systems, access control measures, and surveillance equipment may be added to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
  • Brand Integration: The tenant’s branding elements, such as logos, signage, and color schemes, are incorporated into the design to create a cohesive and recognizable atmosphere.
  • Furniture Installation: Furniture is selected and placed to accommodate employees, customers, and other occupants according to the space plan.

Throughout the project, various stakeholders collaborate, including the tenant, landlord, architects, contractors, interior designers, and possibly consultants specialized in areas like code compliance, accessibility, and sustainability.

Tenant improvement projects can vary in duration and cost based on the size of the space, the complexity of the modifications, and the specific needs of the tenant. The goal is to create a functional and appealing workspace that aligns with the tenant’s business operations while adhering to building codes and lease agreements.

10 Frequently Asked Tenant Improvement Questions

  1. What is a tenant improvement (TI) construction project, and why is it important for commercial tenants?
    A tenant improvement (TI) construction project involves modifying or upgrading a commercial or retail space to align with a tenant’s specific needs, branding, and operational requirements. It’s crucial for commercial tenants as it allows them to customize their leased space to enhance functionality, aesthetics, and brand identity, ultimately improving their business operations and customer experience.
  2. What are the typical steps involved in a tenant improvement project, and who are the key stakeholders?
    Typical steps include space planning, interior design, demolition and build-out, electrical and lighting installation, plumbing and HVAC updates, flooring installation, cabinetry and fixtures installation, security integration, brand incorporation, and furniture installation. Key stakeholders may include the tenant, landlord, architects, contractors, interior designers, and consultants specializing in areas like code compliance and sustainability.
  3. How do tenants initiate and manage a tenant improvement project with a design-build approach?
    Tenants can initiate a tenant improvement project by discussing their requirements with the landlord and obtaining necessary approvals. With a design-build approach, tenants work closely with a single entity, such as LGE Design Build, which manages the entire project from design to construction, streamlining communication and ensuring seamless coordination.
  4. What are some common challenges faced during tenant improvement projects, and how can they be mitigated?
    Common challenges may include budget constraints, timeline delays, design changes, and coordination issues among stakeholders. These challenges can be mitigated through thorough planning, clear communication, regular progress monitoring, and proactive problem-solving.
  5. How do tenant improvement projects impact lease agreements, and what should tenants consider before embarking on such projects?
    Tenant improvement projects may impact lease agreements in terms of costs, responsibilities, and lease terms. Before embarking on such projects, tenants should carefully review lease agreements, negotiate terms related to improvements, and consider factors such as budget, timeframe, and landlord approval processes.
  6. What are some trends in tenant improvement design and construction, and how can tenants stay updated with industry developments?
    Trends may include sustainable design, flexible workspaces, technology integration, and wellness features. Tenants can stay updated with industry developments by attending industry events, networking with professionals, and seeking guidance from design-build firms like LGE Design Build.
  7. What factors influence the duration and cost of a tenant improvement project, and how can tenants optimize these aspects?
    Factors influencing duration and cost include project scope, complexity, materials, labor costs, and unforeseen challenges. Tenants can optimize these aspects by defining clear project objectives, setting realistic budgets and timelines, and collaborating closely with experienced professionals.
  8. What are some best practices for maximizing the functionality and aesthetics of a commercial space through tenant improvements?
    Best practices include conducting thorough needs assessments, prioritizing functionality, selecting durable and visually appealing materials, maximizing natural light, optimizing space utilization, and incorporating branding elements cohesively.
  9. How do tenants ensure compliance with building codes, regulations, and lease agreements during a tenant improvement project?
    Tenants ensure compliance by working with knowledgeable professionals who understand local building codes, regulations, and lease terms. Regular inspections, permits, and documentation also help ensure adherence to legal and contractual requirements.
  10. What are the benefits of partnering with a design-build firm for tenant improvement projects, and how do tenants choose the right contractor?
    Benefits of partnering with a design-build firm include streamlined project management, cost and time efficiencies, single-point accountability, and enhanced communication. Tenants can choose the right contractor by researching firms’ experience, expertise, reputation, and portfolio, and by conducting thorough interviews and assessments.

Owner’s Preferred Path: Design-Build’s Tenant Improvement Edge

Posted on by Mike Bjella

Owners prefer the design-build approach for tenant improvement projects due to several advantages that directly contribute to a faster, efficient and successful project execution. Both landlords and tenants benefit from faster TI project completion. Landlords can start generating income and attract tenants more effectively, while tenants can resume operations quickly, reduce disruption and costs, and take advantage of market opportunities.

Design Build Opens Dialogue Between Team Stakeholders

Design-build fosters open communication and collaboration among all project stakeholders, including the owner, architects, designers, contractors, and subcontractors. This early and continuous dialogue ensures that everyone’s input is considered, leading to a comprehensive understanding of the project’s goals and requirements. This shared understanding helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures that the final design aligns with the owner’s vision and objectives.

Design Build Shortens Timelines:

Shorter timelines mean that the tenant can move into their customized space sooner, minimizing disruptions to their business operations. In the design-build model, the design and construction phases overlap, allowing construction work to commence before the design is fully completed. This parallel process accelerates project timelines significantly compared to the traditional design-bid-build approach, where construction can only begin after the design phase is finished.

Design-build is significantly faster than traditional tenant improvement construction methods.

Design Build Controls Costs:

Design-build offers better cost control because the project team collaborates from the early stages to develop a design that aligns with the owner’s budget. This integrated approach enables quick decision-making on cost-related matters and the implementation of value engineering, which identifies cost-effective alternatives without compromising the project’s quality or functionality. With a clearer understanding of costs, surprises and budget overruns are minimized.

Design Build Offers One Point of Contact:

Having a single point of contact, usually the design-build firm, streamlines communication and simplifies the owner’s interactions with the project team. Instead of dealing with multiple parties separately (such as architects, designers, contractors, etc.), the owner communicates with a centralized entity that coordinates all aspects of the project. This minimizes confusion, reduces administrative burden, and ensures that changes or decisions are efficiently communicated and implemented.

BAMKO tenant improvement
BAMKO showroom tenant improvement.

Overall, the design-build approach enhances the tenant improvement project experience by promoting collaboration, optimizing project schedules, managing costs effectively, and simplifying communication. This results in a tailored workspace that meets the tenant’s needs while adhering to budget and timeline constraints.

How Design-Build Unites Architects and Contractors

Posted on by Mike Bjella

In the world of construction and architecture, successful projects are often the result of seamless collaboration between architects and contractors. The traditional design-bid-build approach, where architects create the plans and then invite contractors to bid on the project, has its limitations. Fortunately, the Design-Build model offers a more integrated and collaborative approach, bringing together architects and contractors from the early stages of a project to work hand-in-hand. As a design-build contractor in Phoenix, Arizona, we at LGE Design Build believe that this collaborative method not only fosters a more efficient problem-solving process but also unlocks the potential for innovative and groundbreaking solutions.

What is Design-Build?

At its core, Design-Build is a project delivery method that combines the design and construction phases under one roof. Instead of hiring separate entities for architecture and construction, the client partners with a single design-build team that consists of architects, engineers, and contractors, all working in tandem from start to finish.

Early Collaboration for Efficient Problem-Solving

One of the primary advantages of Design-Build is the early involvement of contractors during the design phase. This allows for real-time cost evaluations and constructability assessments, enabling potential issues to be identified and resolved proactively. By working together from the outset, architects and contractors gain a deeper understanding of each other’s requirements, resulting in more accurate design plans that align with the project’s budget and timeline.

Design-Build Perspectives:
OWNER’S PERSPECTIVE:ARCHITECT’S PERSPECTIVE:GC’S PERSPECTIVE:
Opens dialogue between team stakeholders
Shorten timelines
Control costs
One point of contact		Communicate design effectively
Set design expectations
Control costs
Work more efficiently 		Control costs
Maintain quality
Collaboration with architectural team
Definitive construction documents

Unlocking Innovation through Collaboration

Design-Build’s collaborative environment encourages open communication among all team members. Architects and contractors share ideas, insights, and expertise freely, leading to innovative solutions that might not have surfaced in a traditional design-bid-build model. The interdisciplinary approach fosters a sense of ownership among all stakeholders, promoting a collective drive for project success. Ultimately, this spirit of collaboration creates an atmosphere where everyone is committed to achieving the best possible outcome.

Streamlined Decision-Making for Efficient Execution

The streamlined decision-making process is another significant advantage of the Design-Build approach. In a traditional model, architects and contractors might work independently and occasionally find themselves at odds when faced with complex design or construction challenges. Conversely, Design-Build teams work as a cohesive unit, able to make rapid decisions and adapt to unexpected circumstances efficiently. This nimbleness ensures that projects progress smoothly, even in the face of unforeseen obstacles.

Accelerating Timelines with Collaborative Efforts

Time is a valuable resource in any construction project, and Design-Build’s collaborative model can significantly expedite timelines. With continuous communication and collaboration, potential delays can be quickly addressed and resolved. Additionally, the overlap between the design and construction phases allows for fast-tracked schedules, enabling earlier project completion and quicker occupancy for the client.

Continuous Improvement and Future Success

Notably, the benefits of collaboration extend beyond the project’s duration. The lessons learned during each Design-Build project contribute to an ongoing improvement in processes and innovation. Over time, the team develops a strong working relationship, refining their collaborative efforts and building on past successes.

Conclusion

The Design-Build model unites architects and contractors in a collaborative endeavor that promotes efficiency, innovation, and successful project outcomes. By fostering open communication, encouraging early involvement, and streamlining decision-making, this approach unleashes the true potential of a project. As a design-build contractor in Phoenix, Arizona, we are proud to embrace the power of collaboration and continue delivering exceptional projects that stand as a testament to the transformative possibilities of the Design-Build approach.