Designing for construction productivity: making the business case

Author: Various

Date published

18 December 2024

Price
Members: £26 + VAT 
Standard: £40 + VAT 
The Institution of Structural Engineers The Institution of Structural Engineers
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Designing for construction productivity: making the business case

Tag
Author
Date published
Price
Training
Author

Various

Date published

18 December 2024

Author

Various

Price

Members: £26 + VAT 
Standard: £40 + VAT 

In today’s industry, how we construct is just as important as what we build. find out what your practice can do to boost construction productivity.

The demands on structural designers are myriad, including the need to drive for more efficient and predictable outcomes for their clients, manage rising material and personnel costs, and secure value for money through productivity.

Designing for construction productivity helps structural engineers to square the circle: deliver to the client’s brief, while reducing errors, improve safety, and facilitate the efficiency of construction. This all helps to deliver more sustainable solutions and provide competitive advantage through reduced project costs and timescales.

 

This webinar will be covering the following

  • Starting the conversation how productivity can deliver low carbon, lower cost and minimal waste.

  • Practical methods for driving improvements to productivity.

  • ​Utilising standardised design for faster, more effecient construction in schools.

Reason to watch 

  • Expert insights: Hear from leading experts on the latest strategies to improve construction productivity. 

  • Practical learning: Benefit from detailed discussions on standardising designs and optimising construction processes, ensuring your projects not only meet but exceed efficiency and safety standards.

  • Case studies: Discover real-world examples of advanced techniques in projects ranging from school buildings to large infrastructure.

Speakers


 
Phil Obayda Principal, SOM

Phil leads SOM's Technical Design Group in London, overseeing the design and delivery of landmark projects globally. For two decades, he has promoted sustainable urban living innovations in projects like Manhattan Loft Gardens and Nine Elms Square. He heads the firm's London research group, advancing net zero carbon goals and regularly speaks on composite timber, modular fabrication, and fire safety. Phil actively contributes to the industry, serving on the RIBA Practice and Policy Board and the Housing Expert Advisory Group, influencing housing policy. He co-authored the LETI guide for decarbonising construction and is a key figure in the UK's Construction Productivity Task Force Group, aiming to boost construction productivity through better design.

Dan Hagan Director, WSP (UK)

Dan is a Structural Engineer and director in the property & buildings team of WSP. He is the property & building’s head of modern methods of construction (MMC) and timber structures. He is an active member of TRADA, Structural Timber Association and is an NHBC timber frame certifier. He is part of the CTBUH Steel-Timber Composite Research Steering Committee. He is currently assisting clients and developers in realising the potential of utilising MMC and timber construction in their developments.

Suria Jones Technical Director for Structures, Laing O’Rourke

Suria is the Technical Director for Structures at Laing O’Rourke, where she has full organisational accountability for the structural technical outcomes within the company, encompassing pre-construction, delivery and development of MMC products. She has over 20 years’ experience in the construction industry, previously working as a Structures Design Manager at Lendlease, where she held technical oversight across Lendlease’s European portfolio for both development and construction projects, drawing on her experiences as a structural engineering consultant. She was previously a Director at Ramboll, and worked for 7 years at Arup prior to that. She has experience in structural engineering on a wide range of projects: large scale transport projects such as Crossrail and Abu Dhabi International Airport; high rise buildings, including the 300m tall Gazprom headquarters in Minsk; and residential buildings such as The Robinson at Wembley Park.

Sara Nain Hallett Technical Director, AKS Ward

Sara has worked on numerous education projects with the Department for Education and within the private sector.  Whilst working as a technical director at AKS Ward she has worked with Wates to review and implement the use of standardised components and framing systems to develop faster and more efficient design and construction systems.

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