Green roofs—or vegetated roofs—have grown in popularity in recent years. Installations have nearly doubled since 2008, and across the US, almost 17.5 million square feet of roofs are considered green. Most growth has occurred in urban areas, with many cities using green roofs to combat heat and reduce storm water runoff.

A new building or renovation is a significant investment, and funding opportunities or financial incentives go a long way in improving a project’s feasibility. In our home state of Iowa, owners can take advantage of several funding opportunities at the federal, state, and local levels.

Selecting a project delivery method is a foundational part of every building project. The delivery method defines the contractual relationship between the building owner, architect, and contractor and determines how the project will transition from design to construction.

Master planning establishes a cohesive vision for a site, neighborhood, or city district. Accounting for land use, infrastructure, and zoning regulations, it outlines potential building projects and sets overarching design guidelines.

Building projects are collaborative, pulling input from architects, engineers, contractors, and other professionals. One of the ways a team collaborates during the design and construction process is through Building Information Modeling (BIM).

Design timelines for building projects can vary considerably. While the design process may last a few months on some projects, it can stretch out over years on others. The length depends on several factors.

Building projects require extensive planning and preparation. Before starting design work, owners need a site, a budget, and a list of spaces and goals.

On a typical building project, a design team needs several months to develop a concept, select materials, and produce contract documents. For some owners, shortening this process may seem appealing.

Owners have many factors to consider when selecting exterior materials for a new building. In addition to costs, aesthetics, and functionality, they should consider resiliency and the material’s ability to withstand different conditions.

The design and construction process can be long and complex. Without clear expectations between all parties, projects can go awry, impacting your budget and schedule. Before starting design work, we recommend meeting with your design team, discussing the project’s scope, and creating a plan for the work ahead.