Skills Matter

Why the American Institute of Contractors Certification Program is good for business. By David Crawford of Sundt Construction

The current focus on sustainable design and green building has changed the way our industry markets its services. Successful contractors are judged on their qualifications to provide quality and value in their services, not on their ability to provide a low bid. As construction professionals, we are now expected to provide superior services through alternate delivery methods such as construction manager at risk or design-build on all types of projects. With this new responsibility to our clients growing each year, we should be enhancing our skills and our credentials to be better able to meet these needs.

Discussions on sustainable development were a key focus of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 2004 and the Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) approach, which created a new set of construction standards for public buildings. The Portland Cement Association announced a sustainability program for cement makers, including a key element focused on education, making architects and designers more aware of the benefits of concrete from a sustainability perspective. Conference participants were committed to moving beyond the general goal of green building to specific ways to achieve sustainability in their various projects.

While the AIA conference emphasis was on design, it was their desire to progress from a discussion of sustainability’s general principles to detailed practical applications that struck me as very familiar. Within the design-build community, many practitioners have often been exposed to basic principles of green design and construction. It is easy for virtually anyone to tout the advantages of sustainability and claim that they use the design-build delivery method to achieve sustainable results, but how do we know their true level of competency?

Training is fundamental and credentialing is critical. The biggest challenge for an owner is to determine whether the skills and capabilities of a proposed project team will be adequate for the required tasks. At Sundt, we have learned that there is no substitute for rigorous training, continuing education and experience. Sundt has 34 employees who have earned Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) certification by the American Institute of Constructors, as well as 154 employees who have earned LEED certifications. In addition we have 17 individuals with Professional Engineer (PE) registrations and six employees who are Designated Design-Build Professionals by The Design Build Institute of America (DBIA).

These employees are not just gathering titles and degrees. They are gaining specific expertise that they will directly apply to future projects. We mirror the belief of our design partners and key competitors that the commitment to regular and continuing education is essential in gaining and retaining a competitive edge. Teams offering professional services are providing quality and value alternatives to owners. Designers and builders are working together as equals to achieve the owner’s objectives.

Procurement strategies are key. These enhanced capabilities mean little if they are not recognized as skills that are essential to the job. Why should a design firm or a contractor commit significant resources for staff training if prospective owners do not state that they consider these capabilities critical and worthy of additional value during the selection process? If we want to ensure that prospective owners receive the highest quality services on their projects, the increased use of qualifications-based selection methods, including construction manager at risk and design-build, is essential We undervalue and subvert the importance of the AIC certification program, LEED certification, DBIA designation and other specialized degrees when these competencies are not explicitly accorded value in the procurement process. A reliance on low-bid serves as a disincentive to acquire and use these specialized knowledge areas that are requisite for the design and construction of efficient and sustainable facilities and infrastructure. Owners need the best team at a competitive price – not the lowest bid. But we won’t get there if we remain straightjacketed by a low-bid mentality that puts little premium on education, skill and experience. A highly educated, credentialed work force with cutting edge skills is essential for team success.

We encourage all of our people to engage in training for these certifications. Incentives have been created to encourage employees to achieve these individual recognitions. Our clients and our industry will be better served.  I encourage each of you to find a way to engage your employees in the AIC Certification process as well as the other certifications available to contractors. It will only enhance your place at the negotiation table as you work with fellow AIA and PE professionals to provide your clients with the best solutions to their project challenges.  Design and construction is intended to be a team process celebrating quality and value. Enhanced qualifications are essential to be a successful service provider in a team approach to alternate delivery systems.

David Crawford, PE, DBIA is President and COO of Sundt Construction Inc.

The history of AIA
On February 23, 1857, 13 architects met in Richard Upjohn’s office to form what would become the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The group sought to create an architecture organization that would ‘promote the scientific and practical perfection of its members’ and ‘elevate the standing of the profession.’ Upjohn became the AIA’s first president, serving from 1857 1876.

In 2007, the AIA celebrated the 100th anniversary of its Gold Medal awards program. First issued in 1907 to Sir Aston Webb, R.A., Hon. FAIA, the Gold Medal is the highest honor that The American Institute of Architects can bestow on an individual. It is conferred by the national AIA Board of Directors in recognition of a significant body of work of lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture.

With any individual (not necessarily an American or an architect), living or dead, whom the Board believes to be qualified eligible to receive the Gold Medal, the archival records of the AIA’s national awards programs document the recipients and reflect how architects looked at themselves and their practice during different eras.