We pressed pause on the construction of the Outpost project in early 2021 and onboarded a new contractor to see us through completion. Although this isn’t the first time I’ve encountered this situation in my twenty five years practicing architecture, there are always new lessons to learn in these transitions.

Lesson 1: Sunk Costs

It’s important to recognize when quality expectations aren’t being met and be realistic about the probability for a meaningful course-correction with the existing team. It’s only fair to give team members a chance to adjust and realign with the project goals, but it’s also easy to let the inertia of a mobilized contractor on-site provide false hope that things will improve. Given where we were in the overall timeline of construction and how much was left to do, it seemed more sensible to onboard a new contracting team.

Lesson 2: Contracts FTW

My hope for every project is to file away the signed contract for construction and never look at it again. When problems arise during construction though, the contract proves invaluable. It precisely describes how to handle every eventuality and leaves little room for interpretation which is why I always recommend AIA documents to my clients. We didn’t use an AIA document on this project and although we were able to come to a resolution with our contractor, the language and protections the AIA documents afford would’ve made it a more efficient transition process.

Lesson 3: Communication

Honest, open communication is crucial at times like these. Written documentation, meeting notes, photos, and email is all helpful for conveying and correcting problems as you encounter them. Sometimes, open sharing and next action lists aren’t enough, know too that not every project team will be a good fit for every project. It’s - obviously - best to communicate quality and schedule expectations before assembling the project team, but it’s not a final choice. Pivoting to a new team is always an option.

Moving Forward

I’m excited to be working with Kate + Ellard Taylor of Great Blue Heron Builders as we move the project into these next critical phases. As you’ll see in the video, the roof coverings are in place, the windows are in and our plumbing and electrical rough-ins have begun. Installing the windows was a fitting metaphorical break with a few dark months, bringing to life the spaces perched on the cliff’s edge in an incredible natural setting.

I couldn’t be more proud of the group of craftspeople Ellard and Kate have assembled to continue the Outpost build. And, for the patience, grace and good humor my clients continue to afford us all. Excited - once again - to report on the process behind the making of architecture…!