Construction & Property Development Articles
Construction Industry
EOIs Part 2: How to Produce an Effective EOI
In our last post, we outlined the key purposes of an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the construction industry. This week, we are going to explain how to produce an effective EOI. This is important for several reasons. Creating an EOI requires a substantial amount of time and effort. Sydney commercial builders carefully consider the best approach to take when crafting an EOI, taking factors such as the client, their resources, and the scope of the project into account. Time means money, so putting together an EOI really is an investment. A strong EOI determines which company wins the project, as well as the prestige and income that comes with that. Therefore, the ability to develop a good EOI is integral for every construction company’s industry success.
The structure and content of EOIs often vary. However, there are some common things that should be addressed in every EOI. Here we detail how to approach these key sections.
Criteria
Before writing an EOI, you need to ensure that you meet all of the criteria that are outlined in the tender proposal. If you don’t, in most cases there is no point in submitting an EOI because the tender panel will not be able to consider it. Of course, if you do meet the criteria, you should spell this out in some detail. You will need to prove that you have the resources, skills, expertise, experience, and financial capacity to take on the project. In this section, it’s also appropriate to explain why you’re the most deserving out of all the Sydney construction companies who submitted EOIs.
Previous experience
This is the place to showcase relevant project experience that relates to the tender for which you are submitting an EOI. For instance, if you are applying for a hospital project, promote your work on other hospitals or health facilities rather than emphasising your work in building hotels. It’s also a good idea to outline any challenges that you successfully overcame while working on these projects, such as working while the site was in operation, or having to coordinate your activity with other contractors. If you don’t have any relevant experience, but you feel like your company is ready to win the work, include examples of projects you have done that are similar in scope and scale. It’s also really important to be realistic about your experience and expertise, and really think about whether you do have the ability to take on the project.
Staff and clients
Include a list of staff members that you would assign to the project if you won. If possible, detail any relevant experience, expertise, and achievements. It’s also worth including a few client referees that can attest to your company’s capabilities, work ethic, communication skills, and ability to meet deadlines.
Approach
This section provides the opportunity for construction companies to explain how they would approach the project. It’s the place to outline the technology, methods, software and systems you would implement if you won the work. It’s also the place to explain why your approach is an effective one, and how it will help you to complete the project on time and to budget.
Accreditations
Finally, every EOI should contain proof of your certification in the building industry. Ensure that you can confirm your accreditations in OH&S, Environmental Management, and Quality Assurance.
EOIs part 1: What are they & what purpose do they serve?
The construction industry in Australia requires contractors to follow certain processes. The process depends on the type, scale, and budget of a project. While there are specific things that need to be checked off for residential projects, this post will focus on one of the major processes in the commercial building world: the EOI.
What are EOIs?
An EOI is an ‘Expression of Interest.’ Basically, it is a document that responds to a tender proposal. Just to refresh your memory, a tender is a document sent out by a client explaining all the requirements of a project. The tender then invites all contractors that meet the necessary requirements to submit an EOI. The EOIs are then collected and judged by a panel, and they decide which company wins the work. As such, it is very important that commercial builders in NSW submit good EOIs. In addition, it’s usually the most lucrative projects that require EOIs. Therefore, EOIs can affect not only a company’s professional standing, but also their income.
What’s included in an EOI?
The format and content of an EOI depends entirely on the tender. However, there are some key things that need to be addressed in every EOI. Firstly, the contractor will have to explain why they believe they deserve the work. They may draw on their experience, resources, or reputation in the industry – basically, anything relevant that will help shape their case. This is their chance to persuade the tender panel why they should win the work, and all of the benefits that come with it. Secondly, the NSW commercial builder will have to prove that they meet all of the requirements in the tender. They will need to show that they have the resources, finances, accreditations, time, and specialist skills to complete the project to ‘spec.’ This assures the client that the building contractor will be able to complete the project to their needs, timeframe, and budget. There is no room for dishonesty in an EOI – it actually acts as a legal document once the work commences. The whole basis of opening a project to EOIs is to ensure that the best, most deserving company wins the work.
What is their purpose?
The concept of an EOI is quite straightforward, and so is its purpose. For contractors, EOIs provide an opportunity to prove themselves in front of an industry panel. They also allow contractors to determine the kinds of projects they can (and want) to work on, thus giving them something to work towards. From a client’s perspective, EOIs provide them with options. They also give clients a sense of security: as the tender/EOI process is done in writing, the contractor is legally bound to follow through.
In this post, we’ve defined EOIs and given a brief overview of why they are so important. Next week, we will explain how to prepare an EOI that stands out amongst its competitors.
Suppliers: who are they and what do they do?
Last week, we explored the roles and responsibilities of contractors in the building industry. This week, we’re turning our attention to suppliers. Together, these two groups make up a very important sector of the industry. They are vital in ensuring that the industry functions efficiently.
What is a supplier?
As the name suggests, suppliers provide all the materials and services needed for building projects. The term ‘supplier’ encompasses a very diverse range of roles, duties, and skills. As such, their responsibilities vary from project to project. The best suppliers are reliable and efficient, and as a result, they have great relationships with their clients. Many Sydney construction companies consistently use the same suppliers for these reasons. While many suppliers cater exclusively to the commercial and trade industries, some also work on residential projects.
What is a supplier’s role?
As we mentioned above, the role of a supplier can revolve around materials or services. For example, a building company may use an external supplier to source the following materials: timber, tools, windows, frames, and roof tiles. They can also supply – and sometimes recommend – the machinery needed for a project. While many construction companies do have machinery and tools on hand, they often use suppliers for projects that require more innovative materials. Some suppliers stock recycled materials, which is convenient for those building companies that have environmental criteria to meet. In terms of services, suppliers can offer delivery, the cutting and dressing of wood, and the sharpening of tools.
What should you consider when hiring a supplier?
As a general rule, suppliers operate very differently. That is why it’s so important to have a few things that always need to be ticked off before hiring one. Here are some criteria to look out for:
- Does the supplier have a good reputation and referral rate?
- Which companies use the supplier? (If tier one and two building companies use them, then it’s safe to say that they are efficient).
- Are they a niche supplier, or can they supply everything you need? (If they do, this will save you a lot of time in the long run!)
- Do they supply good quality materials and machinery?
- Do they guarantee they can meet your deadline?
- How are they priced in comparison to other suppliers?
When dealing with anyone in the building industry, it’s a good idea to take the time to make careful decisions. Before placing an order with a supplier, the most important thing is to make sure they’re reputable. Also, it’s smart to compare a few quotes before deciding which supplier to go with.
Suppliers are an integral group in the construction industry. Without them, it would be both difficult and time-consuming for Sydney commercial builders to source high quality materials and services.
A collection of interesting commercial buildings
Our Sydney construction company is a little unusual in that we have the ability to manage the whole building process. Along with actually constructing buildings, we also have the resources to design them. With that in mind, this week we thought we would focus on something different: design and inspiration. Below are some of the most interesting commercial buildings that we’ve come across around the world.
Cybertecture Egg, India
This unique building was designed by James Law Cybertecture International and completed in 2010. It was commissed by Vijay Associated, a major real estate developer firm in India. The egg-shaped building is a 32,000 square metre feat of engineering, and it’s made its mark on the architectural landscape of Mumbai. In addition, the ‘egg’ complies with environmental design guidelines, making it a certified ‘green’ building. Impressive!
Kansas City Public Library, USA
Located in the state of Missouri, USA, this building has garnered quite a bit of attention in the design and architectural world, as well as amongst tourists. The concept of this building’s design is so simple yet so effective. Anyone who sees this building will instantly know what’s inside. It has a striking and functional design, but it is fairly flat, meaning that the construction process would not have been too difficult.
The Solar Building, China
The Solar Building makes our ‘interesting buildings’ list for its design, size, and innovative technology. Located in Dezhou, China, this building is the largest of its kind in the world. Designed in the shape of a fan, the entire external surface of the building is made up of solar panels. Thanks to other ‘green’ features such as roof and wall insulation, these offices use 30% less energy than the typical Chinese commercial building.
The Walt Disney Concert Hall, USA
This concert hall was designed in alignment with the Disney values of creativity and imagination. Since the building is located a stone’s throw from Disneyland in Los Angeles, the designers would have faced the challenge of making this building stand out, somehow, from the rest. From a design perspective, they’ve certainly achieved that. It’s interesting how they sacrificed windows to allow for better acoustics inside.
Raffles Hotel, Dubai
Since the turn of the millennium, Dubai has been a pioneer in the design and building sector. The ‘new’ part of the city is built on a premise of quality design, innovation, and scale, and the Raffles Hotel is no exception. This building was inspired by the great pyramids of Egypt as well as the luxuriousness of the Arab Emirates. The designers combined these two very different aesthetics to successfully create a unique landmark on the Dubai cityscape.
The HSB Turning Torso, Sweden
The ‘Turning Torso’ is the tallest skyscraper in Sweden, standing at 190 metres high. The architect behind the project was Spaniard Santiago Calatrava, who was commissioned to design a building that would symbolise the Swedish city of Malmo. He was inspired by a sculpture called ‘Twisting Torso’. The building is constructed in nine sections of five-storey pentagons that ‘twist’ as the building rises. This design led to the segment at the very top being twisted 90 degrees more than the ground floor. The entire building is supported by a steel framework, and is thus very durable.
As Sydney commercial builders, we try to keep up to date with the latest design trends, techniques, and methods. While these aren’t your typical commercial buildings, it’s interesting to see the kinds of innovative designs people are coming up with around the world!
How to easily refurbish your commercial building
Many of us spend most of our days in commercial buildings such as offices and schools. We are expected to productively work, socialise, and generally enjoy the time we spend in these places. It makes sense, then, that these kinds of buildings should be ‘spruced up’ every now and again. Sydney commercial builders call this a ‘refurbishment’. A ‘refurb’ refers to any updates made to the look, feel, and functionality of a building. Refurbs can be done on a variety of scales, but in this post we’re going to focus on quick and easy ways to refresh commercial buildings.
Changing the ‘look’
When people get bored with the décor of their house, they do things like paint the walls and replace the furniture. There’s no reason why you can’t do the same for your workplace, educational institution, or aged care facility. The first step is deciding on the style you would like your building to reflect. Do you like the minimalist, ultra modern, heritage, or Victorian look? The key to a refurb is consistency, so you should aim to update the whole building in the style you’ve chosen. Start with the façade. Could it do with new, automatic, or bigger doors? Could it use a paint job? While the outside of a building gives the all-important first impression, the ‘look’ needs to carry on inside. You can also update the look of a building by changing the type and quality of flooring, and fitting out new furniture such as workstations.
Updating the ‘feel’
Updating the décor of a building will definitely change its ‘feel’, or its ambience. There are some other things you can do to change the way people work in and move around the space. Refurbishments can have a dramatic effect on how people think and feel about the environment. This especially applies to places where people are expected to be creative and productive, such as schools and workplaces. Our best suggestion for updating the ‘feel’ of a building is to embrace space. Space is a commodity, and everyone will benefit from creating the illusion of – or a greater sense of – space in a building. The simplest way to do this is to knock down unnecessary walls and petitions, and get rid of excess furniture. It’s also a good idea to update the style of workstations to better suit a more ‘open’ setup. If renovation is an option, you could consider expanding the building to add extra floor. Of course, those types of refurbishments are subject to council approval.
Refreshing the ‘functionality’
If your building is a little old – like many university campuses, nursing homes, and offices in places like The Rocks are – it’s likely that it may not be as practical as it used to be. When it comes to refurbishment, checking the functionality of a building is just as big a consideration as its look and feel. Things need to work, and they need to work well. In addition, facilities should be up to a modern standard. When tackling the usability of a building, think about the elevators, stairwells, restrooms, and kitchens. Are they all safe and in working order? Does the building have adequate heating and air conditioning? Is there appropriate wheelchair access in at least some areas of the building? These are all things that should be taken into account when updating a building’s practicality.
In this post, we’ve outlined some simple ways to refurbish commercial buildings. If you are seriously considering making any updates to your building or space, it is worth seeking the advice of a Sydney construction company like Patterson Building Group. We have the resources and ability to take care of the renovation process from start to finish.
The important things to consider when building aged care facilities
This country has an ageing population, and as such, there is a huge demand for good aged care facilities. These can include nursing homes, palliative care, and specialist care facilities for people with illnesses such as dementia. In Australia, there are stringent laws that apply to the design and build of all aged care facilities. The federal government’s Aged Care Act 1997 outlines the expected standards of aged care buildings, and those that meet these standards are certified by the Department of Health and Ageing. As well as the law, builders must follow the regulations set out in the Building Code of Australia. Aged care facilities need to be able to cater to the needs of the elderly, the ill, and the less mobile. They also need to be safe places for staff to work in. Because of all these reasons, they are very complex projects. It is important to hire a construction company in NSW that understands and is compliant with all the rules.
Patterson Building Group has a wealth of experience in the aged care sector. Below are the kinds of things that our designers and builders take into consideration when working on aged care facilities.
Safety and security
Aged care buildings have two major functions: they are homes to the elderly, and workplaces for the staff. As such, they have to incorporate safety standards for both groups. All aged care facilities have to comply with the latest version of OH&S, which can be found on the Australian Government’s website. When working on these projects, builders need to reduce hazards. For example, they have to make sure there are no slippery or uneven surfaces, and that the stairs and railings have enough grip. Every person in the building needs to have easy access to emergency exits, and multiple fire alarms need to be in working order. Aged care facilities also need to be protected by security. While these security measures need to be unobtrusive to residents and staff, they have to be good enough to deter any unwanted visitors. Owners and builders are responsible for providing a safe working environment for staff, and for making the elderly feel at ease in their home.
Space and privacy
When it comes to aged care, designers need to create a space that is as homely as possible. In the design process, they consider the amount of space residents need in their bedrooms and common rooms. While it is mandatory that there are no more than 4 people per bedroom, most designers aim for no more than two. This takes into account the residents’ need for privacy, which is key to making them feel comfortable in their ‘home.’ There also needs to be enough space for staff and residents (who may be in wheelchairs) to move around easily and safely.
Accessibility
As the name suggests, aged care facilities cater mostly to the elderly. Therefore, a major thing to keep in mind is that elderly people are usually less mobile than the young. In fact, some facilities may cater to residents who are completely immobile. As such, the design and build of aged care needs to take this factor into account. For example, bathroom facilities should be located close to bedrooms and common rooms. There must also be some areas of the building that are accessible to everyone, including the disabled. To achieve this, designers will add features such as wheelchair ramps and elevators.
Amenities
As both a living and working environment, every aged care building needs adequate facilities. The number of amenities should be relative to the amount of people using the building. For example, the law states that there is a maximum of 6 residents per toilet and 7 per shower. When working on site, Sydney building companies need to ensure that the plumbing and electricity throughout the facility is unexposed and in working order.
Hopefully, the list above has given you a better idea of the kinds of things building companies need to take into consideration when working on aged care facilities. For more information on this topic, check out the ABCB or Australian Government websites.
What’s involved with maintaining a commercial building?
Buildings are like cars – they do require some ‘servicing’ from time to time. While some of the maintenance is based around making the building as aesthetically pleasing and comfortable as possible, there are actually many aspects that are legally required. For owners, maintenance really is an ongoing thing. It’s a good idea to review and fix problems as they arise, rather than allow them to build up and get worse. Trust us when we say that it’s worth investing in maintenance in order to avoid costly work later on down the track! Below is a very brief checklist of the types of things Sydney developers and owners need to be able to tick off.
Interior
Commercial buildings can house hundreds or thousands of people at a time. Because there are so many people that work and generally spend a great deal of time in commercial buildings, it is so important to make sure they are regularly maintained. Building inspectors can drop in at anytime unannounced, so it is in every owner’s best interest to be confident that everything is up to scratch.
Safety
- Review safety measures of the building. Are they compliant with the latest version of OH&S? (The most up-to-date OH&S requirements can be found on the Australian Government website).
- Check the condition of stairs and railings – they need to have enough grip to support those using them.
- Test the fire alarm and make sure the fire extinguisher is working.
- Confirm that the emergency exits are easily accessible by everyone in the building.
- Check for tripping hazards.
Facilities
- Ensure that the plumbing and electricity throughout the building is safe and unexposed.
- Check that all fixtures in the kitchens and bathrooms are working properly (e.g. fix any dripping taps and broken flushes)
- Make sure the elevator is operating well on each floor, and that the emergency instructions are clearly visible.
- Windows and doors should easily open and close.
- Confirm that the garbage removal and cleaning services are sufficient enough for the demands of the building.
Aesthetics & comfort
- Check that lighting is sufficient in all areas of the building.
- Maintain insect and pest control.
- Make sure there is enough ventilation flowing through the building, particularly in basement areas or rooms where there are a lot of computers.
- Ensure that signage is clear and obvious.
Exterior
Maintaining the outside of a building is just as important as the inside. While it’s important for the building to look presentable, it also needs to be safe for people walking in and around the property. Sydney commercial builders will usually take the below into consideration in the design stages of a project.
Street view
- The street number, warning signs, and other signage needs to be clearly visible from the street.
- There should be sufficient lighting for people walking in and out of the building during nighttime hours.
Grounds
- If the commercial building has gardens or landscaped grounds, they need to be attended to on a regular basis. This involves mowing, manicuring, and weeding.
- Owners also need to fix any weather damage, such as erosion, leaks, or the impact of hail or heavy rain.
While this checklist will guide owners about what they need to look out for when maintaining their building, it is not as extensive as the official ones provided by the government as well as investigators. This is a good start, but please contact those departments for the most up-to-date, comprehensive information.
Who are the ‘peak’ bodies in the Australian building industry?
A ‘peak’ body is an association that has been set up to represent and guide companies within the same industry. They are like the governing body of the industry, but they are usually separate from the actual government. Peak bodies are at the forefront of their industries, and their roles include:
- developing and maintaining industry standards
- acting on behalf of members when lobbying the government
- keeping their members up to date with the latest industry news and policies.
As a priority, peak bodies offer a strong voice for the industry they represent. For their members, they are the first port of call for information, news, and concerns.
Below are some of the peak bodies of the Australian building industry. The reason why there are so many of them is because they represent different areas of the industry.
Master Builders Australia (MBA) – The MBA is the peak body for commercial and industry builders. As well as promoting the interests of its members, the MBA provides training, building codes, and legal services. They also run professional accreditation schemes for builders in NSW.
Australian Council of Building Design Professionals (BDP) – This is the peak body for architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, landscape architects, and planners. They are well-known for producing their ongoing ‘BDP Environmental Design Guide’ series, which explains best practices for their members.
Building Design Association of Australia (BDAA) – This is the peak body for Australian building designers. In recent years, they have run ‘Building Sustainability’ seminars. Funded by the government, these workshops cover environmental topics.
Housing Industry Association Ltd (HIA) – The HIA is the peak building, renovating, and development industry association. Their ‘GreenSmart’ training and accreditation program is funded by the Australian Government.
Building Service Contractors Association of Australia (BSCAA) – The BSCAA is the representative body for the building services industry. Their members include cleaning, security, facilities, and maintenance contractors. The organisation provides leadership and services for its members, and aims to maintain the high standards of the industry.
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) – This council is responsible for writing the National Construction Code (NCC) series, which is made up of rules and regulations for builders and plumbers. Through the series, they address safety, health, and sustainability issues that may arise in the design and maintenance of buildings.
Australian Institute of Building (AIB) – For 60 years, the AIB has been a leading organisation for building and construction professionals. The AIB maintains the high standing of the profession by running training programs, accreditation schemes, and university courses.
Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) – The ASBEC is a NFP organisation that represents those companies that are committed to environmental sustainability. Their membership is made up of industry associations that are concerned about the effects of building on the environment.
There are, of course, many more peak bodies in the Australian construction and building industry. It really is a complex industry! The associations we’ve listed above are the ones that often crop up in our day-to-day work as Sydney commercial builders.
What are the Australian safety requirements for commercial buildings?
Australia has very vigilant laws when it comes to the safety of commercial buildings. As part of their accreditation process, all construction companies must prove that they are compliant with Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S). Basically, OH&S prevents – or at least reduces – the chance of injuries and accidents happening in the workplace. In Australia, ‘Safe Work’ develops and implements national policy about OH&S. They guide safety regulations, run regular risk assessments, and help businesses to maintain their OH&S.
While the OH&S rules are very comprehensive, below is a list of the kind of hazards that Sydney commercial builders need to look out for. Usually, these will be considered in the planning and design stages of the project, but they are legal requirements in the construction stagesNo uneven or slippery surfaces. Construction workers try to reduce the chance of accidents by putting grips on stairs etc.
- No obstructions restricting movement inside and outside the building. Builders take measures to protect workers, as well as anyone from the public that may be passing by.
- No objects with rough or sharp surfaces.
- No surfaces and materials that are very hot or cold to touch.
- Take care when working in unusually high workplaces. People should be able to reach upper levels safely, via stairs or lifts. This prevents the risk of falls.
- Insufficient first aid. Every commercial building needs appropriate first aid supplies.
- All buildings need clear safety signs and instructions on display, including exit signs and the fire drill procedure.
- No exposed electrical lines or equipment.
- No insecure scaffolding.
- No flammable or explosive materials.
- Reduce chemical substances (including dust) that may be in the air.
- There must be measures in place to prevent back injuries caused by carrying heavy loads or operating machines.
- Reduce exposure, and therefore impact of, high levels of noise and vibration.
- All areas of the building need to be well-lit.
- No biological hazards, such as viruses, mould, and asbestos.
- All equipment and machines used on site must be of good quality, and operated by trained staff.
- There needs to be sufficient, clean, and functional facilities in all commercial workplaces. These may include changing rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.
- Everyone inhabiting the building must wear correct protective gear at all times. For example, during the building process, construction workers will need to wear hard hats. Once it’s business as usual, workers will need to wear footwear.
- Must have adequate waste disposal facilities.
OH&S is in place to protect people from harm, and it should be treated as a serious issue. All of us should be grateful that construction companies in NSW have to be properly accredited before they work on the buildings that we spend so much time in. In addition, we should all be appreciative of Australia’s high standards when it comes to safety.
Note: Patterson Building Group is compliant with the latest OH&S systems. They have been accredited by Global-Mark, the NSW Department of Finance & Services, and the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner.
The checklist for building educational institutions
When it comes to building learning environments, there are a few things that companies need to consider in terms of design, construction, and project management. Patterson Building Group specialises in building in the education sector, and while it is a lucrative area to be in, it’s also one that requires a bit of extra thought at every stage.
Design
Educational buildings are designed with simplicity in mind. Along with clean lines, here are some of the key things that designers have to consider:
Space
Architects optimise the space they have to work with, but at the same time, they ensure that there is enough space for students and staff to move around easily and safely. So that crowds of people can move quickly and comfortably between different areas, there needs to be spacious hallways, doorways, administration areas, and stairways.
Accessibility
Schools and universities have to be accessible all students, including the disabled. While the entire school does not have to be easy for the physically disabled to navigate, there needs to be some parts of it that are. It is then up to the school to schedule classes in those accessible areas. With this in mind, construction companies in NSW try to include lifts and ramps in the design.
Amenities
For both the safety and comfort of students and staff, every educational building needs facilities such as bathrooms. The number of amenities should be relative to the amount of people using the buildings.
Effective setups
Part of the design process is to have good learning environments. This all comes down to the setup. For instance, at schools, classrooms should have desks for the students and a slightly raised section at the front for teaching staff.
Building
When it comes to building in the education sector, Sydney commercial builders are bound by many requirements set down by the government.
OH&S
All properly accredited building companies follow Occupational Health and Safety requirements, often known simply as ‘OH&S.’ Basically, this just means that all buildings have to be safe to use. This is to reduce the chance of injury and other health problems for occupants, as well as any associated legal issues.
Signage
Clear signage is particularly important in schools, colleges, and universities. As these kinds of institutions usually have a lot of ‘wings’, ‘departments’, and ‘blocks’, it’s important that to label them clearly to avoid any confusion.
Project Management
Project Managers have to take the utmost care when working on educational sites, especially because there may be young children around.
No disruption
Often, these projects are undertaken while the schools are in operation. The safety and continued learning of students is a priority. Sydney Project Managers have to take the time to figure out how best to work around the students without disturbing the regular running of the school. This may mean doing most of the noisy work early in the mornings, during breaks, or after hours.
Time frames
It is common knowledge in the building industry that educational institutions impose some of the shortest time frames in which to work. Usually, the schools decide to undertake construction and refurbishment during holiday periods, and as such, give the companies they hire very tight deadlines. The challenge for builders is to complete the projects to the highest possible standard within the given time frame. If they do this, as well as meet the budget, client satisfaction is almost a guarantee.
As we’ve outlined, there are many things that designers, builders, and project managers need to take into consideration when working on educational institutions. This ensures that students and staff can learn and work in great, safe environments.