Quality |
The quality process begins with a comprehensive understanding of the Owner’s expectations and a project centric approach. This allows our team to work in a collaborative environment to develop details, pre-plan the work, monitor our supply chain partners, and execute the installation in the field to ensure long term performance. We understand – if the envelope doesn’t function correctly, the building doesn’t function correctly. AWS takes this challenge, and this responsibility, seriously. Throughout the preconstruction process we work with the Project Team to develop complete contract documents and details that communicate the design intent and performance expectations to our Project Staff, supply chain partners, and installation crews in the field, thereby setting minimum standards for quality.
Mockups, including first run studies and early completion of standard units, are commonly used to establish quality benchmarks and expectations to demonstrate required levels of quality. Mockups also become tools for crew education and allow the field to self-evaluate performance both in the initial stages and continuing throughout the project. With each mockup, we identify different means and methods to increase our efficiency in the field, identify areas that need the critical attention of our field crew, certify the thermal performance, and identify any water infiltration issues before the first panel is ever installed on the building. They provide the owner assurance that their building will stand the test of time and perform as expected. Through the application of Lean Principles, quality expectations in the form of task-based quality checklists are used to create predictable work flow and promote rapid learning. With the integration of quality review into the construction process, we also create seamless transitions as the work is passed to new crews, or as multiple crews are added as needed to meet the schedule. |
Safety |
At Architectural Wall Systems, we take great pride in the premier group of people who make up our team. From our Ironworkers and Glaziers in the field to our Shop, Yard and Office Staff who support their efforts, our focus is on performing each and every job safely.
Learn more about our approach to safety here. |
Project Management |
AWS believes in providing a consistent project delivery experience. We train our project managers from the internship level. They are educated in the exact methods and procedures that are required to create a systematic approach to project management.
Early on in a young Project Manager’s career, we pair an individual with a mentor that allows him/her to experience the realities of what it takes to make a project successful. This mentorship affords the individual an opportunity to gain the necessary hands-on experience to manage a project on his/her own. AWS knows the key to successful project management lies in clear communication and documentation as well as a seamless transition from drawing the project on paper to erecting it in the field. We also provide the highest level of technology to both our field superintendents as well as our Project Managers and Project Engineers. The ability to have ‘real time’ information eliminates error and confusion by allowing the information to be instantly accessible. Technologies such as Newforma Project Center Software, streamlines project communication and provides a central based program for all AWS personnel to access project information. Investments like this gather all forms of external and internal communication as well as BIM/CAD documentation and work towards the concept of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD). At AWS, we take pride in understanding the vernacular of each project and work collaboratively with your team to develop custom solutions with cutting-edge technology. Our field management team works in cooperation with all trades to verify the accuracy of preceding activities through the use of a total station. This maximizes the impact on schedule and efficiency in the field as the work is put in place. Through the application of technology and our experience, AWS utilizes a project-centric approach to deliver high-performing solutions. |