The Cobrell Company Limited is a premiere, ICI designbuild, engineering and new construction firm.

Specializing
in design, renovations, additions, alterations andmaintenance / facilities
management.
We are based in London Ontario Canada, and offer our services across
Southwestern Ontario.
We can provide total planning and project management, or work with your staff to
provide plans and specifications. Take a look at the many services we offer
and give us a call to talk about your specific needs or to Request a Quote.

Design Build
You do not have to hire an architect or other design professional to have Peoples Construction contract
your project. We are a full service design/build general contractor. We have the ability to take your ideas
and generate all the plans and specifications necessary for permits and construction. We do this through
utilizing our experienced staff of designers and consulting with a close knit group of architects and
professional engineers.

Benefits of the Design/Build Approach

Clients have a single source of responsibility. The owner has only one contract to administer with a
design/build team that has sole accountability.
Subcontractor and supplier involvement from beginning to end of project ensures most cost efficient
design possible.
Fast track process resulting from the design/build concept allows permitting and construction start
before completion of detailed drawings.
Value engineering can take place throughout the design process.
The bid process and its costs are eliminated.
Eliminates the possibility of paying architectural fees for construction document preparation, and
soliciting bids from general contractors, only to learn that the budget has been exceeded. The
redesign process and its steps result in additional costs and time delays.
Most of our projects are built using the design/build approach. However, if you have already contracted to
have your plans prepared, Peoples Construction is glad to prepare a cost estimate and construction
proposal from your supplied plans. We can also value engineer your plans. This is a process that involves
reviewing plans and specifications, identifying items or techniques that could be changed to lower costs,
and suggesting alternatives to these that would not adversely effect the building form or function

OUR SERVICES
What can Hofmann do for you
Expert Home Architect Services
Architecture is art, just ask any Architect. Hofmann Design Build believes in art, but not for arts
sake. Hofmanns home architects are well trained in the art of architecture, design and luxury, but
their perspective is teamwork. Thats the Hofmann difference; you have a team working for you
consisting of a home architect, kitchen designer, production supervisor, and a top notch
construction team. Your team has one focusto look out for your needs and comfort, to make sure
that beauty, integrity and design are built into your remodeling or custom home project. A project
designed by a Hofmann residential architect will make the difference between just liking your
home and loving it.
Almost every home addition, remodeling project, custom home or complete tear down needs a
residential architect to pull the project together. Some projects need it by town regulations, some
projects need it just to bring order to chaos, and some projects need a home architect to complete
the flow, the feeling and the design of your home. You can be sure that using a residential
architect will guarantee unsurpassed beauty and total satisfaction with your home improvement.

A Residential Architect Ensures a Trouble-Free Renovation or Addition

Too often, a builder takes on the responsibility of designing a project; purposely leaving out the
home architect to save money. The mess that ensues becomes your problem additional costs, a
renovation or addition doesnt fit into the design and flow of the rest of your house, and sadly, the
final outcome is a poorly constructed project that doesnt meet the your expectations. A home
design architect will keep your project moving in the right direction. A Hofmann home design
architect will guaranty your satisfaction and enjoyment.

Our Home Design Architect Lays the Foundation

The Hofmann step by step process starts with a meeting between you, our home design architect
and our design team supervisor. This meeting sets the tone for the rest of the project. We learn
about you and we learn about your personal needs and vision which enables us to give you our
vision of your project. With this invaluable information, our team is able to create an artful and well
coordinated plan. Our supervisor becomes the link between your home architect and your
construction team, ensuring the continuity of your project as it goes through the construction
phase. With the Hofmann team, your project will pass municipal regulations, there will be a clear
and well coordinated plan on how to build it and your home will be beautiful and have architectural
continuity that will give you pride every time you view it and entertain your friends. Our home
design architects will create a work of art that not only matches your vision and your budget but
exceeds your expectations.

The design-build process is one that can potentially bring great value to an owner so long as it is done right. Fortunately,
Clark is one of the countrys most experienced design-build contractors.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TEAM

So much of a design-build project hinges on the expertise of the team members. Our relationships with the countrys best
talent in development, design, and construction enable us to assemble a design-build team that has the right mix of skills and

meets the specific requirements of each project.

Our construction professionals add value to the design process by providing input on constructability, budgeting, cost control,
and logistics.

FROM DESIGN TO BUILD

When we begin construction, our team transfers their understanding of the project to the field, operating with a full knowledge
of goals, technical details, and key issues, so that the vision for the project reflected in the design is executed flawlessly
during construction.

Preliminary Planning
SLI's architecture and design/build process begins with preliminary planning. In this phase, we work with
you to develop preliminary plans and cost estimates. There is no cost to you for this service.

Programming

Meet with you to identify current/future staffing needs, adjacencies and equipment requirements

Prepare Preliminary Plans

Site Plans
Floor Plans
Furniture Layouts
Building Elevations
Computer Models

Develop a Scope of Work

Describes generic specifications including:

Utilities, Site Work, and Drainage
Building Construction
Interior Finish-out
Furnishings and Equipment

Prepare Cost Estimates

Detailed cost estimates will be prepared based on preliminary plans and the scope of work. It will be within
10% (+/-) of final cost.

The Result

A total concept that answers the questions

What will it look like?
How will it be built?
How much will it cost?

There is No Risk or Cost to the Owner for this Phase

Architecture & Interior Design

During this phase, design development is completed and construction documents are prepared. Upon
completion of this phase, a fixed cost is delivered to the owner.
Each Project Team includes a/an:
Architect

Interior Designer
Construction Manager
FF&E Purchasing Agent
Construction Bid Coordinator
Superintendent
Independent Engineers

Design Development

The project team develops the plans by designing to the budget established with the preliminary cost
estimate. As construction documents are prepared, the team ensures all code requirements and local
ordinances are incorporated into the drawings.
Construction assemblies are designed based on current cost trends and in-field applications.
SLI's in-house resource library provides access to state-of-the-art and generic specifications and
assemblies.

Bidding

We take a minimum of three bids in each major category of the work

We ask you for any related trades or suppliers that you would like to have bid on the project
We purchase materials direct from the factory guaranteeing the best price while minimizing
the risk of underlying sub- contractor and supplier liens
We provide complete bid-to-budget analysis including all FF&E project costs
We maintain vendor and subcontractor insurance logs
At the conclusion of the Part 1 services, you will have a complete bid with no risk of
contractor driven change orders

Construction

As an architectural & design/build firm, SLI is the general contractor and project manager. We build the
project, furnish it and move in the owner.
The Project Team members continue to work directly with each other to assure quality throughout the build
process.
The project superintendent, a SLI staff member, is on-site full time during construction. The superintendent
is dedicated to one project and does not leave the project until completion.
During the Construction Phase, we provide frequent, routine meetings, reports and scheduling including:
Team member visits to the project site on a regular basis
Weekly team meetings to review outstanding issues and required follow-up
Critical path scheduling and order tracking to keep the project on-time
Written weekly status reports to update the owner
Internal and independent reviews to improve awareness --safety is a priority
The result is a quality project completed on-time and in-budget!

Our History

SLI Group, founded in 1976, is a fully integrated commercial design/build firm based in Houston. As
reputation of our outstanding attention to detail has grown, SLI has broadened its services to include
design, construction and remodel of corporate buildings, places of worship, country clubs, restaurants,
schools and civic buildings. SLI has over thirty-four years of experience delivering over 500 of the finest
design/build projects in Texas and other states.

Our Mission
Our mission is to provide the most professional design/build services available to premiere clients by:
Developing and maintaining a dedicated staff of professionals
Fulfilling the needs of the client beyond expectations
Designing and building to maximum function and economy
A commitment to deliver what we say we will do, with respect to quality, time and budget

Our Commercial Design/Build Services

SLI is a true commercial design/build firm offering single-source, turnkey facilities. Our in-house team of inhouse professionals work together to develop creative, cost-effective facilities that enhance your products
and services.
Your project may begin in marketing with a basic floor plan. From there, our quality-focused staff of
commercial architects and interior designers will help ensure that every detail is perfect. Our buildings are
designed around people. How they will use the building? How they will move in and out? How do they
operate? The structure does not define the way the building is used. Instead, the use defines the way the
structure is built. A construction manager and superintendent begin construction by meeting with the design
department to ensure that the same level of detail and quality are continued throughout the building
process.
Too often, we have seen the traditional design/bid/build method fail. In the traditional method, a company
such as yours would hire a commercial architect and a general contractor from separate companies,
opening the door for finger-pointing later on. It seems too often that, with any mishaps in the building
construction, the architect blames the contractor, and the contractor blames the architect, resulting in your
paying for the repair costs.
But SLI assumes the responsibility, with no excuses, for delivering a cost-effective, quality project, on-time
and within budget. Our line of commercial design/build services allows us to see your project through from
beginning to end, removing any adversarial conflicts and guaranteeing that you receive the most costeffective end result. Value engineering is built into the project and into the budget
Our commercial design/build firm provides full-service construction, contracting and management services
that assume responsibility, with no excuses, for delivering a cost effective, quality project, on time and
within budget.

Your Single-Source for Commercial Design/Build

Too many times we have watched the traditional design/bid/build method fail through lack of single-source
responsibility. The architect and general contractor are natural adversaries who traditionally say its not my

fault while pointing the finger at someone else -- and the typical result is that you pay again and again.
Commercial design/build from a single source removes the adversarial conflicts, builds the team and
guarantees you the most cost effective end result. Value engineering is built into your project -- we design
and build to meet your budget.
Our construction team is led by one of our project managers, an experienced commercial design-build staff
member who oversees all facets of your project. The project is supported by one of our construction
managers, a full-time, on-site superintendent, a project architect, an intern architect, project designer,
construction purchaser, and a FF&E purchaser. The project team first establishes a critical path schedule
that ensures timely project completion. SLIs experience in facility construction provides our team with the
knowledge and methods that make it possible to adhere to your schedule from start to finish.
Most any construction company can build. Its as much the experience as it is the final product, which is
where SLI differs from the rest. We utilize outside resources whenever and wherever possible to make our
products better. From third party mandatory safety inspections on our projects to third party reviews of our
exterior building envelope, SLI uses the WHOLE team.

Ensuring Quality Control

SLIs commercial design/build experience, as well as an in-depth understanding of the total project
requirements, enables us to offer a unique quality control program. The program is designed to minimize
construction time and cost overruns while maintaining a quality project.
Acting as commercial architect, specifier, scheduling coordinator, estimator, purchasing agent and job site
supervisor, our staff of professionals work with subcontractors, equipment suppliers, manufacturers and
installers to develop comprehensive development and construction schedules. In addition, SLI provides
supervision at the construction site to enable immediate resolution of job site problems. SLIs system of
quality control assures on-time and in-budget projects. Typical quality assurance methods include:
Project development scheduling from project inception to closeout
Drawing scrub meetings
Budget reviews
Coordination between all contractors, vendors and you
Preparation of status reports for you
Job site review of construction status
Jobsite safety meetings
Scheduling and coordination of equipment and signage installations
Coordination of furnishings and accessories installations
Purchasing material direct from the factory to control schedule and budget
SLIs project close out, commissioning and punch list start on the first day of the project. We take pride in
providing you with accurate and useful as-built drawings at the end of the project. We test and walk you
through every section of the project including controls, fire alarm, lighting, HVAC servicing and operation,
break room and kitchen appliances and signage. We equip you with a warranty book listing all
subcontractors and vendors with samples and warranties for all parts of the project from roofing to carpet.

Our Commitment to Safety

In addition to designing and building excellent facilities, the SLI Group takes pride in our safety
performance. All of our construction managers and superintendents receive yearly OSHA and First Aid
training. Our superintendents perform daily safety checklists and hold weekly on site safety meetings with
subcontractors, and construction managers perform a monthly jobsite safety checklist. Every SLI project
receives a visit from our safety inspector at various stages of the work to ensure and protect our excellent
safety record and good standing with OSHA. Our safety inspector is a recognized OSHA trainer and
together with our construction managers and superintendents we can anticipate, recognize, control and
prevent accidents.

A True Commercial Design/Build Firm

There are many commercial design/build companies in the market today who primarily consist of a
commercial architecture firm and a separate general contractor who partner together for a particular
project. SLI Group is an actual commercial design/build company and has been designing and building
projects since 1976!
As a true commercial design/build company, our team can communicate better, design more efficiently and
build projects faster. We have LEED-accredited professionals on staff ensuring efficient designs along with
superintendents and project managers in the field with the experience necessary to complete projects on
time and in budget.
Each SLI commercial design/build project has a construction manager, a construction superintendent, a
project architect and an interior designer assigned to it who all play an active role in the supervision of your
project.
Construction managers are responsible for the project during construction. Their role is to establish
standards for quality and safety. They monitor the overall progress of the project and compare it to the
schedule to ensure the project is completed on time. In addition, they will be in charge of the project cost to
ensure that it is completed within budget.
Construction superintendents report directly to the construction manager and are on the project site 100%
of the time while work is performed. Each superintendent is assigned to only one project. Their role is to
ensure that quality and safety standards are met on a daily basis. They verify that work is performed as
described in your plans and specifications. They are also available to answer questions or concerns that
you may have.
The project architect and interior designer report to the operations manager. They will make numerous field
visits to ensure that the work is constructed within the parameters of the plans that were prepared. There is
no limit to the number of trips the project architect and interior designer will make to your site.

Cost estimate
After the preliminary plans and scope of work are completed, a cost estimate is prepared. SLI maintains a
proprietary computerized data base for estimating. The data base is comprised of cost assemblies based
on actual cost data and is continually updated to reflect cost trends for specific items. SLI gurantees that
the cost estimate will be within 10% (+/-) of the final lump sum cost subject to client driven scope of work
changes.

Prior to preparing the cost estimate, we will review with you the construction assemblies upon which the
estimate is based. For example, the type of building structure, roof, exterior building finishes, doors, interior
finishes, built-in cabinetry, electrical and plumbing fixtures, HVAC system, furnishings, sound and lighting
systems, paving and site lighting that will be used. Our estimators will takeoff the various dimensions for
these components from the preliminary plans and prepare a detailed estimate.
The resulting estimate will be complete and include all items necessary to complete the project, whether or
not the items are being provided by SLI. The project and costs are defined prior to incurring the expense of
detailed plans. This eliminates any surprises down the road.

Design-Build construction
At The Korte Company, Design-Build is our specialty. In fact, we helped invent it. To date, we've completed
more than 1,600 Design-Build construction projects.
Design-Build is a method of building in which both the design and construction are contracted and
controlled from one source the Design-Builder. This method allows for more organization because there's
one single point of accountability. Because of this, the client has more say in the project.

Design-Build at The Korte Company

Design-Build construction was an accepted practice for most of the construction industry's leading
companies by the 1980s. That was two decades too late for us.
Our first ever project was actually Design-Build construction itself. It was a milking parlor for a local farmer
that Ralph, our founder, designed and built. And while these roots might seem humble, they didn't stay that
way for long.
By the mid 1960s in fact, we had already finished major Design-Build projects for both The Wall Street
Journal and Piggly Wiggly supermarkets. In 1969, we completed a 120,000 square foot DesignBuild/Leaseback project for Cooper B-Line - a breakthrough delivery method well ahead of its time.
We would soon go on to become one of the seven founding members of the Design-Build Institute of
America. Long story short, Design-Build is very much a part of who we are. To us, there's no better way to
build smart.

Our team of Design-Build professionals

Because of our leadership position as Design-Build professionals, weve been able to build a roster of allstars in the Design-Build field.
At The Korte Company, our team of architects, engineers and construction professionals are some of the
most respected in the business. They pride themselves on their ingenuity in solving problems and creating
environments that motivate and inspire. This is the way we can best serve our clients. We call this building
smart.

Why we typically recommend Design-Build

While we're well versed in other methods of construction delivery, we are strong supporters of the DesignBuild methodology. It's easier to manage a project and money because the project is more structured. In
fact, the method is proving to be one of the most effective ways in the entire industry to build.
Here are a three more reasons why we typically recommend Design-Build construction.

1. Design-Build construction saves time

By putting both the designers and the builders under one roof, obstacles that often delay a project are
completely avoided. And while Design-Build can't control certain conditions like rain and snow, eliminating
all other opportunities for delay is crucial to a timely delivery.
2. Design-Build construction saves money
Many costs are avoided when both your designer and builder work under one roof, as markup and external
costs are completely avoided. Additionally, with timelines that are more strictly followed comes a final tab
that's fair for all involved.
3. With Design-Build, the owner has more say
This final benefit is pretty simple - there are fewer voices to talk over so our clients' pains are always heard.
After all, it's their project. Anything less than exactly what they want is unacceptable. Design-Build allows
owners to select systems that best suit their needs and meet their project budget.
At The Korte Company, the job is the boss and Design-Build lets us always keeps the boss happy.

Construction Management at The Korte

Company
Construction Management is a project-delivery system in our toolbox that uses a Construction Manager to
facilitate the design and construction of a project by organizing people, materials and equipment. If you hire
us for Construction Management services, you can rest assured that we'll be leading the team from well
before groundbreaking until after the ribbon is cut.
As noted by the Construction Management Association of America, there are seven areas of focus for a
Construction Manager. They include project management planning, cost management, time management,
quality management, contract administration, safety management and construction management
professional practice.
As you can tell, there's a lot to manage - so a strong team is at the core of all successful Construction
Management companies.

A strong team makes for strong Construction Management

At The Korte Company, teamwork is something in which we take great pride - after all, many years back,
Ralph himself said "no matter how hard you work, one man can't do everything".
Whether there are seven areas of focus or 700, we have carefully put systems in place to keep things
running smoothly, on-time and within your desired budget. We're proud to say that we've never delivered
anything less.

What to expect when you hire us as Construction Managers

If you hire us for Construction Management, everyone on your Construction Management team will have
significant experience applicable to your specific project.
Our people are what set us apart at The Korte Company and your Construction Management project is in
good hands with us - you can bet your bottom dollar on that. After all, you won't be spending it.

We're an innovative Design-Build construction

company with old-school values and beliefs
Id rather drive nails than eat. Our founder Ralph said it and to this day, we live it. At The Korte Company,

we roll back our sleeves, we get dirty, we take care of business. To us, these aren't cliches, but instead, our
working-man's mantra.
We're a rare breed at The Korte Company a team of blue collars, white collars, architects and engineers
all working together to build smart.

To build smart is to enable a better future

Streamlined processes, buildings that are user-friendly and structures that are easy on Mother Earth - that's
how we define building smart. At The Korte Company, we pledge ourselves to always deliver forward
thinking and unmatched building for our clients, while still keeping humility in knowing that there is always a
better way to do something. Its finding this better way that drives us. Frankly, its our passion.

An Introduction to Design-Build
A Classical Notion of Single Source Responsibility:
Design-Build is a process that has been embraced by the worlds Great
civilizations. In ancient Mesopotamia, the Code of Hammurabi (1800 BC) fixed
absolute accountability upon master builders for both design and construction.
In the succeeding millennia, cathedrals and cable-stayed bridges, cloisters and
corporate headquarters, have been conceived and constructed using the
paradigm of design-build.
Return to the time-honored approach of the Master Builder, where a single
source has absolute accountability for both design and construction.
When the citizens of classical Greece envisioned their great temples, public
buildings and civil works, master builders were engaged to both design and
construct these monumental structures.
Master builders accepted full responsibility for integrating conceptual design with
functional performance. To assume anything less than complete accountability
for delivering a project was unthinkable.
Throughout each massive logistical undertaking, they commanded skilled
craftsmen, procured time-tested materials, and controlled every aspect of the
project. A master builder with the chief architect, engineer and builder molded
into one.
Enduring structures such as the Parthenon and the Theatre of Dionysus are
testimony to an age and a process that are greatly admired, though the process
was thought to be virtually abandoned by modern designers and constructors.
Today, however, there is a resurgence of the master builders approach in the
new world.
Informed owners have begun asking practitioners to take more than just an
artistic (and more than simply a means and methods) interest in their facilities.

Steeped in the work ethic exemplified by the ancient master builders, todays
design-build process offers reassurance that the design and construction
industry can delivery comprehensive services. This valued assurance can only
be provided by a singular source.
Design-builders want full accountability for architecture, engineering and
construction. In fact, like the ancient Greek master builder, they insist on it. By
knowledgeably pursuing design quality, and by effectively controlling costs and
schedule, a design-builder makes certain that concept-to-completion is more
than idle discourse. It is a reality carved in stone.
Here is a visual comparison of Single Source Design Build vs. Common Place
Design-Bid-Build relationships.

What are the Benefits of Design-Build? top

The benefits to be gained in establishing a well-designed and -managed DesignBuild process include the following:
Singular Responsibility With both design and construction in the hands of a
single entity, there is a single point of responsibility for quality, cost and schedule
adherence. The design-builder is motivated to deliver a successful project by
fulfilling multiple parallel objectives, including aesthetic and functional quality,
budget, and schedule for timely completion. With design-build, the owner is able
to focus on scope/needs definition and timely decision-making, rather than on
coordination between designer and builder.
Quality The singularized responsibility inherent in design-build serves as a
motivation for quality and proper project performance. The Owner's
requirements and expectations are documented in performance terms and it is
the design-build entity's responsibility to produce results accordingly. The
Design-Builder warrants to the Owner that it will produce design documents that
are complete and free from error. (By contrast, with "traditional" design-bid-build,
the Owner warrants to the Contractor that the drawings and specifications are
complete and free from error. Because it is the Owner's warranty for the design
documents under design-bid-build, the traditional approach relies on restrictive
contract language, audit and inspection and occasionally, the legal system, to
ensure final project quality.)
Cost Savings Design and construction personnel, working and communicating
as a team, evaluate alternative materials and methods efficiently and accurately.
Value engineering and constructability are utilized continuously and more
effectively when the designers and contractors work as one team during the
entire design process.
Time Savings Because design and construction are overlapped, and because

bidding periods and redesign are eliminated, total design and construction time
can be significantly reduced. Design-build is ideal for the application of "Fast
Track" construction techniques. With design-build, materials/equipment
procurement and construction work can begin before the construction
documents are fully completed. The resulting time savings translates into lower
costs and earlier utilization of the completed facility.
Potential for Reduced Administrative Burden During procurement, the potential
exists for design-build to reduce the Owner's administrative burden; however,
preparing RFPs and conducting evaluations can be resource intensive during
the early learning curve. During actual design and construction, the Owner is not
required to invest time and money coordinating and arbitrating between
separate design and construction contracts, but rather is able to focus on timely
decision making.
Early Knowledge of Firm Costs Guaranteed construction costs are known far
earlier than in other delivery systems. The entity responsible for design is
simultaneously estimating construction costs and can accurately conceptualize
the completed project. Staged contracting for design-build services affords the
Owner one or more "go, no-go" decision points during design. The decision to
proceed with the project is made before substantial design expenditure and with
firm knowledge of the final cost.
Improved Risk Management Performance aspects of cost, schedule and quality
are clearly defined and responsibilities/ risks are appropriately balanced
(individual risks are managed by the party best positioned to manage that risk).
Change orders due to "errors and omissions" are virtually eliminated, because
the design-builder has responsibility for developing drawings and specifications
as well as constructing a fully-functioning facility.

Defining Design-Build Project Delivery top

Design-Build is a method of project delivery in which one entity (design-builder)
forges a single contract with the Owner to provide for architectural/engineering
design services and construction services. (Design-build is also known as
design/construct and single source responsibility.)
By contrast, with the "traditional" design-bid-build approach, the Owner
commissions an architect or engineer to prepare drawings and specifications
under a design contract, and subsequently selects a construction contractor by
competitive bidding (or negotiation) to build the facility under a construction
contract.
When discussing the merits of project delivery methods, it is important to
distinguish between true delivery systems and other contract- related activities,

trends and philosophies. For example, design-build, design-bid-build and

construction management are the three project delivery systems most
commonly employed in North America. Partnering and total quality management
(while they can be excellent tools when appropriately applied) are not project
delivery systems.
During the past decade, the use of and interest in design-build in the United
States has greatly accelerated, making this delivery method one of the most
significant trends in the design and construction industry. According to the
American Institute of Architects Practice Memo, "Design-Build is attracting a lot
of attention, because owners, including government agencies, are finding it
attractive [for] complex and unusual projects, because it ... eliminates some of
the major seams in getting a project built."
In its recent study on design-build, the American Society of Civil Engineers
maintains that "Design-build has been used successfully on complex power
plant and chemical process facilities and on simple straightforward office
buildings and family housing. In fact," claims the ASCE report, "There is no
reason that design-build cannot be used on most types of construction projects,
including traditional civil infrastructure projects."
AIA, ASCE and others cite a number of reasons why owners and the A/Econstruction community are considering design-build. Primary among these are:
Owner-driven demands for better quality and continuous improvement in
project delivery and in the final product;
Interest in saving time and money, such as through a process wherein
constructability is a key concern from the outset;
Desire to avoid the legal entanglements of adversarial relationships;
Need to realign the responsibilities and risks on a project, by dividing
responsibilities/risks according to the party most capable of managing
those risks;
Response to the restructuring of American business and the increased
influence of global markets/foreign competition.

Caveats: What Should the Owner Watch Out For? top

Complexity of the Process Design-build project delivery requires careful
planning and professional execution to be successful. The Owner should choose
a design-build process variation based on factors such as the project's
complexity, funding, design intent, responsibility/risk allocation and other
important issues. For owners who do not have in-house personnel with
expertise in preparing and administering design-build requests for proposals

(RFPs) and contracts, an owner's design-build consultant (sometimes called

design criteria professionals) may be retained to prepare scope definition and
RFP documents, and to provide additional consulting services as needed.
Challenge to Converting Owner Needs to Performance-Based
Language Preparing a statement of facility requirements (sometimes called the
design criteria package) that is comprehensive enough to assure compliance by
the offerors, but avoids overly restrictive requirements or details that would
inhibit creative solutions, is the most challenging aspect of preparing a designbuild RFP. When facility requirements are stated in performance terms and
related to recognized industry standards, the approach not only provides
flexibility to the offerors in meeting the desired objectives, but it fixes
responsibility upon the design-builder in clearly understood performance terms.
Availability of Design Liability Insurance and/or Performance and Payment
Bonds Certain insurance carriers and bond sureties may not be familiar with
design-build. This can lead to some hesitation about providing these services on
design-build contracts. The parties to a design-build contract need to make sure
that adequate coverage exists in both the professional liability and surety
arenas.

Who Uses Design-Build? top

Design-build is the project delivery system of choice on more than 50 percent of
the non-residential construction projects in the European Community and is
used on more than 70 percent of the non-residential projects in Japan,
according to recent industry publications.
In the United States, the private sector's use of design-build has been increasing
in frequency and application during the past thirty years. Design-build is being
used in a wide array of commercial and institutional applications including
hospitals, educational facilities, office buildings, retail centers and hotels.
Design-build has also been used for decades in the industrial and power
sectors.
In the U.S. public sector, the federal government, many states and local
governments employ design-build contracting for a significant percentage of
their building programs. In the seven years from 1986 to 1992, total use of
design-build in the public and private sectors grew 172%, from $18 billion to $49
billion (Engineering News-Record 1993 Report).

How is a Design-Build Entity Selected? top

The traditional method of selecting a Design-Builder has been direct selection.

This technique permits the early involvement of the Design-Build entity with the
Owner as critical initial decisions are made and preserves the full range of
benefits that design-build can provide.
The public sector and some private owners may be prevented from utilizing
direct selection. The methods most commonly utilized by public agencies (and
by some private owners as well) have been negotiated selection, cost/design
competitions and bidding.
A summary of these selection methods follows:
Direct Selection The Design-Builder is selected directly by the Owner on the
basis of such factors as reputation, technical and managerial qualifications, past
performance, and prior association. Direct selection is most commonly utilized
by private sector owners.
Negotiated Selection A number of Design-Builders are prequal ified or
interviewed, with selection based upon the same criteria noted in direct selection
plus additional factors such as preliminary design solutions, fees to be charged,
recent comparable costs, personnel to be assigned to the project, and
scheduling commitments. As with direct selection, the negotiated source
selection approach is most commonly utilized by private sector owners;
however, major federal agencies (GSA, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Postal
Service) are also adopting this method on certain projects.
Cost/Design Competitions Proposers are shortlisted on a qualifications basis
and requested to submit a qualitative proposal and firm price. The Owner
establishes an evaluation system for qualitative features and for price. The
technical proposals are received by the Owner with the price submitted
simultaneously but separately. The Owner reviews each technical proposal, then
price, and makes selection based upon previously stated selection criteria.
Cost Competitions This method of evaluation most closely resembles the
design-bid-build process. Typically, specific design concepts are issued as a part
of the criteria package. The selected firm's role in design is more that of a
detailer than conceptualizer. Frequently, proposals are solicited only from
prequalified design-builders. The proposals are evaluated, deemed to meet the
base criteria, and award is made to the low bidder. This process eliminates two
of the most advantageous features of design-build competitions: multiple design
solutions and innovations in materials/systems.

Services offered
The Cobrell Company Limited is a full service, design-build, general contractor.

Cobrell specializes in providing comprehensive construction services.

Consisting of: planning, design, new construction, maintenance and renovation

of Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) projects.
Although our specialty is design-build, we are able to provide all of the services
listed on the right and more. If you have any questions about our services or
would like to see some more examples of the type of service you are looking for,
please give us a call at 519.685.9677 or drop us an email atservice@cobrell.com.

The Cobrell Process

What's it like to work with The Cobrell Company Limited.

At Cobrell we offer a personalized service. We limit the amount of work we take

on at any one time to ensure our clients that their project is the number one
priority for our company.
> Consultation
> Design
> Budgeting
> Working Drawings
> Final Cost Assessment
> Construction Commences
> Weekly On-Site Safety Meetings
> Consultation/Progress Meetings as needed throughout the construction phase
> Monthly Progress Draw
> Final Inspections
> Substantial Completion
> Final Invoice
> Release of 10% Hold Back
*Generalized example of a typical Design-Build project

What are the Benefits of Design-Build? top

The benefits to be gained in establishing a well-designed and -managed DesignBuild process include the following:
Singular Responsibility With both design and construction in the hands of a
single entity, there is a single point of responsibility for quality, cost and schedule
adherence. The design-builder is motivated to deliver a successful project by
fulfilling multiple parallel objectives, including aesthetic and functional quality,
budget, and schedule for timely completion. With design-build, the owner is able
to focus on scope/needs definition and timely decision-making, rather than on
coordination between designer and builder.
Quality The singularized responsibility inherent in design-build serves as a

motivation for quality and proper project performance. The Owner's

requirements and expectations are documented in performance terms and it is
the design-build entity's responsibility to produce results accordingly. The
Design-Builder warrants to the Owner that it will produce design documents that
are complete and free from error. (By contrast, with "traditional" design-bid-build,
the Owner warrants to the Contractor that the drawings and specifications are
complete and free from error. Because it is the Owner's warranty for the design
documents under design-bid-build, the traditional approach relies on restrictive
contract language, audit and inspection and occasionally, the legal system, to
ensure final project quality.)
Cost Savings Design and construction personnel, working and communicating
as a team, evaluate alternative materials and methods efficiently and accurately.
Value engineering and constructability are utilized continuously and more
effectively when the designers and contractors work as one team during the
entire design process.
Time Savings Because design and construction are overlapped, and because
bidding periods and redesign are eliminated, total design and construction time
can be significantly reduced. Design-build is ideal for the application of "Fast
Track" construction techniques. With design-build, materials/equipment
procurement and construction work can begin before the construction
documents are fully completed. The resulting time savings translates into lower
costs and earlier utilization of the completed facility.
Potential for Reduced Administrative Burden During procurement, the potential
exists for design-build to reduce the Owner's administrative burden; however,
preparing RFPs and conducting evaluations can be resource intensive during
the early learning curve. During actual design and construction, the Owner is not
required to invest time and money coordinating and arbitrating between
separate design and construction contracts, but rather is able to focus on timely
decision making.
Early Knowledge of Firm Costs Guaranteed construction costs are known far
earlier than in other delivery systems. The entity responsible for design is
simultaneously estimating construction costs and can accurately conceptualize
the completed project. Staged contracting for design-build services affords the
Owner one or more "go, no-go" decision points during design. The decision to
proceed with the project is made before substantial design expenditure and with
firm knowledge of the final cost.
Improved Risk Management Performance aspects of cost, schedule and quality
are clearly defined and responsibilities/ risks are appropriately balanced
(individual risks are managed by the party best positioned to manage that risk).
Change orders due to "errors and omissions" are virtually eliminated, because

the design-builder has responsibility for developing drawings and specifications

as well as constructing a fully-functioning facility.

Defining Design-Build Project Delivery top

Design-Build is a method of project delivery in which one entity (design-builder)
forges a single contract with the Owner to provide for architectural/engineering
design services and construction services. (Design-build is also known as
design/construct and single source responsibility.)
By contrast, with the "traditional" design-bid-build approach, the Owner
commissions an architect or engineer to prepare drawings and specifications
under a design contract, and subsequently selects a construction contractor by
competitive bidding (or negotiation) to build the facility under a construction
contract.
When discussing the merits of project delivery methods, it is important to
distinguish between true delivery systems and other contract- related activities,
trends and philosophies. For example, design-build, design-bid-build and
construction management are the three project delivery systems most
commonly employed in North America. Partnering and total quality management
(while they can be excellent tools when appropriately applied) are not project
delivery systems.
During the past decade, the use of and interest in design-build in the United
States has greatly accelerated, making this delivery method one of the most
significant trends in the design and construction industry. According to the
American Institute of Architects Practice Memo, "Design-Build is attracting a lot
of attention, because owners, including government agencies, are finding it
attractive [for] complex and unusual projects, because it ... eliminates some of
the major seams in getting a project built."
In its recent study on design-build, the American Society of Civil Engineers
maintains that "Design-build has been used successfully on complex power
plant and chemical process facilities and on simple straightforward office
buildings and family housing. In fact," claims the ASCE report, "There is no
reason that design-build cannot be used on most types of construction projects,
including traditional civil infrastructure projects."
AIA, ASCE and others cite a number of reasons why owners and the A/Econstruction community are considering design-build. Primary among these are:
Owner-driven demands for better quality and continuous improvement in
project delivery and in the final product;
Interest in saving time and money, such as through a process wherein

constructability is a key concern from the outset;

Desire to avoid the legal entanglements of adversarial relationships;
Need to realign the responsibilities and risks on a project, by dividing
responsibilities/risks according to the party most capable of managing
those risks;
Response to the restructuring of American business and the increased
influence of global markets/foreign competition.

Caveats: What Should the Owner Watch Out For? top

Complexity of the Process Design-build project delivery requires careful
planning and professional execution to be successful. The Owner should choose
a design-build process variation based on factors such as the project's
complexity, funding, design intent, responsibility/risk allocation and other
important issues. For owners who do not have in-house personnel with
expertise in preparing and administering design-build requests for proposals
(RFPs) and contracts, an owner's design-build consultant (sometimes called
design criteria professionals) may be retained to prepare scope definition and
RFP documents, and to provide additional consulting services as needed.
Challenge to Converting Owner Needs to Performance-Based
Language Preparing a statement of facility requirements (sometimes called the
design criteria package) that is comprehensive enough to assure compliance by
the offerors, but avoids overly restrictive requirements or details that would
inhibit creative solutions, is the most challenging aspect of preparing a designbuild RFP. When facility requirements are stated in performance terms and
related to recognized industry standards, the approach not only provides
flexibility to the offerors in meeting the desired objectives, but it fixes
responsibility upon the design-builder in clearly understood performance terms.
Availability of Design Liability Insurance and/or Performance and Payment
Bonds Certain insurance carriers and bond sureties may not be familiar with
design-build. This can lead to some hesitation about providing these services on
design-build contracts. The parties to a design-build contract need to make sure
that adequate coverage exists in both the professional liability and surety
arenas.

Who Uses Design-Build? top

Design-build is the project delivery system of choice on more than 50 percent of
the non-residential construction projects in the European Community and is
used on more than 70 percent of the non-residential projects in Japan,

according to recent industry publications.

In the United States, the private sector's use of design-build has been increasing
in frequency and application during the past thirty years. Design-build is being
used in a wide array of commercial and institutional applications including
hospitals, educational facilities, office buildings, retail centers and hotels.
Design-build has also been used for decades in the industrial and power
sectors.
In the U.S. public sector, the federal government, many states and local
governments employ design-build contracting for a significant percentage of
their building programs. In the seven years from 1986 to 1992, total use of
design-build in the public and private sectors grew 172%, from $18 billion to $49
billion (Engineering News-Record 1993 Report).

How is a Design-Build Entity Selected? top

The traditional method of selecting a Design-Builder has been direct selection.
This technique permits the early involvement of the Design-Build entity with the
Owner as critical initial decisions are made and preserves the full range of
benefits that design-build can provide.
The public sector and some private owners may be prevented from utilizing
direct selection. The methods most commonly utilized by public agencies (and
by some private owners as well) have been negotiated selection, cost/design
competitions and bidding.
A summary of these selection methods follows:
Direct Selection The Design-Builder is selected directly by the Owner on the
basis of such factors as reputation, technical and managerial qualifications, past
performance, and prior association. Direct selection is most commonly utilized
by private sector owners.
Negotiated Selection A number of Design-Builders are prequal ified or
interviewed, with selection based upon the same criteria noted in direct selection
plus additional factors such as preliminary design solutions, fees to be charged,
recent comparable costs, personnel to be assigned to the project, and
scheduling commitments. As with direct selection, the negotiated source
selection approach is most commonly utilized by private sector owners;
however, major federal agencies (GSA, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Postal
Service) are also adopting this method on certain projects.
Cost/Design Competitions Proposers are shortlisted on a qualifications basis
and requested to submit a qualitative proposal and firm price. The Owner
establishes an evaluation system for qualitative features and for price. The

technical proposals are received by the Owner with the price submitted
simultaneously but separately. The Owner reviews each technical proposal, then
price, and makes selection based upon previously stated selection criteria.
Cost Competitions This method of evaluation most closely resembles the
design-bid-build process. Typically, specific design concepts are issued as a part
of the criteria package. The selected firm's role in design is more that of a
detailer than conceptualizer. Frequently, proposals are solicited only from
prequalified design-builders. The proposals are evaluated, deemed to meet the
base criteria, and award is made to the low bidder. This process eliminates two
of the most advantageous features of design-build competitions: multiple design
solutions and innovations in materials/systems.
SERVICES

Architectural Services
We can provide guidance and recommendations to help you find an Architect that meets your
needs.

It takes a lot of work and dedication to become an architect. This is because

there are a thousand things to consider when it comes time to build. How does
the light play through the windows at certain times of day and certain seasons?
Would turning the building toward the south save on heating costs? What type of
feeling would you like people to have when they first walk in the door?
All of these questions can be answered by an architect after a careful
consultation. On many projects we have found the use of a talented architect to
be absolutely essential to capturing the correct mood in creating a space that is
a joy to live, work or build in.
Take a look at some of the projects in which we worked with an architect. If you
have any questions or would like to have a brief, free consultation with Cobrell
about your options in selecting an architect, give us a call at 519-685-9677 or
send us an email at service@cobrell.com.

Carpentry and Millwork

Build character and storage into your project with the help of custom designed millwork.

Well designed and correctly installed trim, moldings and millwork can have a
huge impact upon the perceived quality of your project. We are fond of a saying
The money is in the corners. And it is very true. Often, close examination of
inferior trim and molding work reveals gaps, mismatched corners, un-square
walls or cabinets and generally poor workmanship. You may have spent a great
deal of time, energy and money in creating your perfect space, dont let deficient

detail work take away from your new renovation.

At Cobrell, we take great pride in our craftsmanship. Why put forth the time and
effort to accomplish a renovation or new build the right way, only to have it look
shoddy in the end? Call us at 519-685-9677 or email us today
at service@cobrell.com and we will work with you to ensure that your quality
renovation or new build is reflected, in the corners.

Commercial Construction
Create your "Markitecture" with our Commercial Construction services

As one of our core services we understand the importance that finishes and the
overall look of commercial construction projects play in the brand image of our
clients. Commercial construction projects encompass a range of Retail stores,
Doctors offices, Showrooms, etc. Generally any facilities that the public has
contact with.
We partner with our clients and their design team and take a team approach to
commercial projects. It is important that we internalize your goals and that we
work together to find solutions to design and construction problems that further
your goals. If you have any questions or would like to have a brief consultation
with Cobrell about your options, give us a call at 519-685-9677 or send us an
email atservice@cobrell.com

Construction Costing
You know what you need, but have no idea how much it will cost... Cobrell can help.

Costing and Estimation essentially amount to the same thing. At Cobrell we

have 30 years of construction costing and estimation to go by in determining
what the given costs on a particular project will be. Our In-house capability to
provide current building costs and estimated future costs is a real benefit to our
clients.
When it comes to budgeting we can work with you to meet budgets based upon
your needs. If you have any questions or would like to have a brief consultation
with Cobrell about your options, give us a call at 519-685-9677 or send us an
email at service@cobrell.com.

Construction Design
You know what you need, but have no idea how much it will cost... Cobrell can help.

Cobrell is proud of our ability to provide sophisticated, in-house Design.

However for anything outside of our scope we have access to trusted
consultants. We can help focus your designs into a workable construction plan.
As a design-build company, design is core to what we do.
If you have any questions or would like to have a brief consultation with Cobrell
about your options, give us a call at 519-685-9677 or send us an email
at service@cobrell.com.

Construction Equipment
We have everything we need.

Anything between a hammer and a tunnel boring machine could be considered

equipment. And we would love a project where we get to use a boring machine!
Rest assured that we have access to all types of equipment. If we dont have it,
we can get it. We have enough experience to determine what the best
equipment is for your specific needs, and we operate a comprehensive safety
program to further knowledge around equipment and prevent accidents.
We are always looking at the latest equipment, technology and processes to
increase productivity.
If you have any questions or would like to have a brief consultation with Cobrell
about your options, give us a call at 519-685-9677 or send us an email
at service@cobrell.com.

Construction Management
We have everything we need on hand.

Management is key to ensuring a project is safe, on time and on budget. That is

why, unlike many contractors, we will always have a professional site supervisor
on the jobsite. As a General Contractor we have been managing projects for the
past 30 years. We can manage a job with our own subs or your tradesmen.
Our goal as a full service Design Build contractor, is to take the project from the
idea phase to handing over the keys of a completed project. If you have any
questions or would like to have a brief consultation with Cobrell about your
options, give us a call at 519-685-9677 or send us an email
atservice@cobrell.com.

Estimation
Once we know what you want... we have to determine how much it will cost

Estimation falls under project costing , and our in house estimator has been a

key resource for more than 10 years. Estimation is extremely important to the
overall smoothness and timeliness of a project. Costing and Estimation
essentially amount to the same thing. At Cobrell we have 30 years of
construction costing and estimation to reference in determining what the given
costs on a particular project will be. Our In-house capability to provide current
building costs and estimated future costs is a real benefit to our clients.
When it comes to budgeting we can work with you to meet budgets based upon
your needs. If you have any questions or would like to have a brief consultation
with Cobrell about your options, give us a call at 519-685-9677 or send us an
email at service@cobrell.com.