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Commercial Drywali, Inc.
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Craftsman
4
February 1984
Interior coordinator 11
\M\®w role emerging for CDI A new role for CD I is fast emerging in Houston’s construction industry, that of interior coordinator. Building owners and developers are finding that CDI’s expertise is valuable in the coordination of the total interior buildout. “In interior construction, almost everything revolves around the walls. The work of electricians, plumbers, glaziers, and carpet people all rely on walls going up so they can do their part," says director of construction Hoagy Cannon. “We’ve found that the more input we have in the construction schedule and sequencing of crafts, the smoother the entire job runs — basically because what works well for us works for the other crafts and consequently the owner or developer as well."
Given this situation, CDI is becoming more involved in interior coordination. “At the Galleria, for instance, we’re responsible for everything," contends Hoagy. “We furnish numbers for our part of the work then get bids from other subs for the different aspects of the job. Once these amounts are approved by Gerald D. Hines Interests we’re in complete control - planning the job, scheduling the crafts and following up to make sure everyone is doing their part.” George Speaker, CDI’s Galleria supervisor, says he spends up to 90 percent of his time in a coordinating role. 'Td say more than half my time is spent just with the other subcontractors," claims George. However, CDI’s interior coordinating role is not limited to the
nepubhc Bank Center, supervisor Mike Pennington (left) discusses plans for a lease with carpenter foreman Danny Smith while Lamar Haas installs top track background. in the
Galleria remodeling group. At Republic Bank Center, CDI’s Mike Pennington coordinates new leasework in the 56-story building. “I guess I’m a lot like a superintendent for Hines," says Mike. “I work closely with Hines’ construction manager Jerry Lea in scheduling the work and overseeing the construction of the leases. I take care of all the work orders as well as the punch out for all the crafts." Mike sees several advantages of doing work in this fashion. “First, it gives Hines one man to go through rather than several working for several different companies. There seems to be fewer problems because they rely on my knowledge of the job, the work and how it needs to go together. “The subcontractors seem to like it because they can relate better to me as another subcontractor. I also think they respect mine and CDI’s expertise in interior work,” contends Mike. “It takes a lot of work to do it this way but it helps things run smoother over the long haul. It keeps me running. I answer a lot of questions, and have to deal with a lot of people. But, I’m happy that Hines has such respect for CDI." According to Hoagy, the company will likely continue to grow in the area of interior coordination. “It’s a natural thing. With our expertise, I don’t think anyone else could do it better or be more effective at meeting construction schedules. These things save money. And in today's market that’s the name of the game," claims Hoagy.