Downturns in depressed markets present opportunities. Yes, it is possible to be optimistic in light of the current land development market.

A prolonged downturn can mean downsizing with hopes of right sizing for a turnaround. Developers can receive the best value for design and construction services because everyone is hungry for work. From a developer’s perspective, what is the best value? Time to market! Fast performance without compromising quality!

Imagine a land development consultant that is profitable based on performance instead of change orders. Imagine contractors and subcontractors who are motivated to do it right the first time instead of depending on claims to fix it. Imagine local government and non-technical community stakeholders who help, not hinder, your development projects. Is this optimistic outlook possible? Not without change!

How can a non-technical developer determine that their project team is “raising the bar” on project performance? The answer is to seek companies that are always striving for best practices and improving efficiency. Unfortunately, common practice tends to be based on the limitations of paper-based processes. While electronic computer aided design (CAD) files have been used for decades, all too often traditional project deliverables are still two dimensional (2D) paper plan sets. Non-technical audiences are not comfortable with having to interpret drawings to assess the project “footprint” on the environment.

Best practices should therefore provide visuals suitable to non-technical decision makers. Three dimensional (3D) visualization has been used for nearly two decades to communicate context sensitive transportation projects. Community resistance to land development projects can be mitigated with similar 3D visualization.

Seeing a proposed design super-imposed on a Google Earth backdrop, complemented with 3D portable document format (PDF) of the proposed design, communicates intent. Issues and concerns can be mitigated early in the project. If the design is unacceptable on the computer screen it won’t be acceptable when it is built. As a developer, wouldn’t you prefer to visualize your project on Google Earth and in a PDF file at your convenience?

The good news is that the Google Earth and PDF files are easily shared with the local approving agency at their convenience. Suppose one of their traditional plan review sessions got postponed and you can take advantage of an earlier time slot. Wouldn’t they prefer your project to another 2D drawing plan review session? In fact, they can review your project anytime and can request PDF drawings if more details are needed.

Yes, by eliminating paper you have become a “green” champion.

These same electronic deliverables can be shared with contractors and subcontractors to scope their bids and build it. 3D models are rapidly becoming best practices because stake-less construction enabled by machine control saves time. PDF files can be viewed on laptops and hand held devices by field professionals. Project inspections can also benefit by downloading electronic project data into a global positioning system (GPS) hand held devices.

Taking advantage of these time and cost-saving best practices in land development is dependent on an informed developer establishing criteria for selecting the A-team for their projects. Since design services represent only about 10 percent of project costs, choose a best value provider who prefers mitigation over litigation. Lowest hourly rates may not provide you with the A-team. In contrast, a design team committed to 3D design and efficient performance will reduce time to market. As a long term technology partner to the land development community, Bentley provides the technology such as PowerCivil and OnSite that enable the 3D electronic project workflow from conceptual design through construction.

In summary, a developer-centric approach should consider the following:

• • Designer selection based on best value: reputation for innovation, performance and quality.
• • Your project is #1 priority and deserves the A-team from design through construction.
• • Prefer best project delivery software from a vendor with a reputation for leadership in innovation, interoperability and quality.
• • Public domain solutions such as Google Earth and PDF for deliverables.
• • 3D design for visualization by all stakeholders and stake-less construction.

The only obstacle is resistance to change. Companies that have downsized will take advantage of proven technology to right size.

May the following quotes encourage land-development professionals to make the right changes for productivity and profitability?

“If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got.”  “The only thing that is constant is change” SLDT