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Issue link: https://ccr-mag.epubxp.com/i/190248
spreading its wings CommerCial kitChens "Relevancy and understanding your consumer are key to any project. You need to create a concept that directly relates to the target customer." – Steve Starr, Partner, Tobin Starr + Partners "We worked with Zoës on several aspects to help them help us," says Greg Coolidge, director of construction services at Tobin Starr + Partners. The design team established a comprehensive set of checklists geared toward gaining the most information in a highly effcient manner after site investigations. Value Engineering initiative When updating fnishes and materials, the design team saved Zoës signifcant amounts of money by utilizing a value engineering initiative. Taking into consideration the current features, they developed innovative concepts to make a more economical production process. For example, the laminate wainscoting was replaced with a stained MDF, which lessened the overall production process. Simplifying details and standardizing materials helped improve the construction documents, as well as saved Zoës money in every new store. Maintaining the stores' fresh and modern atmosphere with high quality standards, the team presented the client with numerous substitutions for basic Zoës materials. In one example, the fn wall, which was previously constructed of blocks clad in metal panels, was changed to a metal stud framed fn with fat-lock metal panels, saving the company both time and money. This progression in design is not a single, dramatic revolution, but rather a collection of intentional adaptations over time. After creating the ground-up store, the team approached the contractor to evaluate the materials used in this new prototype. From here, they were able to modify and improve key features. Together, they realized that installing quikbrick was not time effcient, and instead chose to use a steel frame with brick and a metal stud infll going forward. Seeing things clearly Building Information Modeling (BIM) played an important role in the transition of the small chain to a multi-unit concept. Lara Reeves, associate partner and project manager at Tobin Starr + Partners, says it actually is building the models on a real life scale, and conficts emerge that we wouldn't be able to see in a 2D drawing. Since the team has been using Revit modeling, a form of BIM, for the past six years, they are quite advanced in manipulating the software to produce exactly what they're intending. This technology reduces both the number of change orders on projects and the RFIs submitted during construction, subsequently saving the company both time and money. Building a positive partnership between the restaurant team, architecture frm and construction company was vital in the development process. "Our relationship with the contractors is so good, they don't hesitate to call and suggest improvements," Reeves says. "This way, we're able to match what's actually being done in the feld to what's drawn in the offce, even though we don't personally handle construction administration for Zoës." The collaboration allows improvements to continuously be made throughout the design and construction process. The fundamental key is to ensure the process remains evolutionary and open to modifcations over time. As Zoës grows, new hierarchies are established and all the parties involved need to adapt to subsequent changes. Maintaining a constant fow of communication allows honest discussion about what is working, as well as areas with room for improvement. This ever-changing process creates an evolution of the brand, helping it grow and expand effciently over time. CCR Rachel Wasylyk is the marketing coordinator at Tobin Starr + Partners, which delivers creative, relevant and insightful architecture and design solutions that envision and enhance their clients' success. For more info, visit www.tobinstarr.com. 92 CommerCial ConstruCtion & renovation — September : OctOber 2013