New Chapter of the Design-Build Manual of Practice Includes BIM Checklist and Guide for Design-Build The Design-Build Institute of America has released the latest addition to the Design-Build Manual of Practice, “BIM and Design-Build Project Delivery.” Developed by DBIA's BIM Committee, a group of practitioners representing the full spectrum of design and construction disciplines, the chapter details how design-build teams can make the greatest use of a technology that is transforming the A/E/C industry. At its core, BIM is a visualization tool, a detailed database and a communication aid to enhance collaboration of the project team. These attributes have particular … Read more

Sundt Construction, Inc. has expanded its operations, opening three satellite offices in Albuquerque, N.M.; Cary, N.C. and El Paso, Texas. The offices will support active projects in those areas, as well as the general contractor's long-term growth plans. “During Sundt's 122-year history, we have completed projects across the United States and around the world,” said CEO and Chairman Doug Pruitt, who has been with Sundt for 45 years. “The opening of these satellite offices aligns with our plans for growth, and will help us best serve our current and future clients and partners in those markets.” The El Paso office … Read more

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded $56.7 million in contracts to build solar photovoltaic systems in support of ongoing energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. “With these investments in clean energy and other renewable energy projects, we are marching forward with the President's initiative to expand innovation in the federal government and create new jobs,” said VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki. “The benefits of using solar power are profound, from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to improving the quality of the air we breathe. This initiative is good for Veterans and good for our environment.” By summer … Read more

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Two Big-D Construction projects were recently awarded 2010 AIA Utah Design Awards: The Center for Advanced Energy Studies and Tracy Aviary Visitor Education. The Tracy Aviary project was the only unbuilt project to receive an award. The Center for Advanced Energy Studies in Idaho Falls, Idaho, is a 58,000 square-foot, two-story, LEED Gold research facility. The facility includes office space with under-floor air distribution, hydrogen labs, advanced materials labs, imaging suites, radio chemistry labs, analytical instrumentation labs, chemistry labs, systems modeling, visualization/power wall, CAVE, instrument shop/repair and office space. Constructed by the design-build team of … Read more