Full Circle: An Intern's View of Construction

On Tuesday afternoon, I enjoyed a very special opportunity to gain insight into the construction industry. As an intern, I work with many different people across departments, enabling me to learn tidbits about each of the moving parts within the construction process.  As a result, my touring of the new Hamilton Southeastern Middle School was an interesting glimpse into the full cycle of construction.

This cycle begins (at least as far as I’m involved) with the estimators (conveniently located in the room next to mine) using written plans to determine the approximate cost of completing a project. That estimate is then used to develop a project bid which, if selected, leads us to the pre-construction process.  Following more planning and mock-ups, the construction process starts, the ground is officially “broken,” and the building is built.  Simple, right?

While touring the new middle school, though, I was shocked to see just how much work contributes to the new building.  With this particular project, we’re utilizing the design-build process—a fairly new concept where the architect and general contractor are given more flexibility but are also responsible for the entire building process, down to the smallest details. That means that the planning for this building included not only concrete, masonry, and all of the normal construction-related work, but also the hanging of an American flag in each room and installation of pencil sharpeners next to the teachers’ desks.

Examining the new Media Center

Overall, viewing a nearly-finished product illustrated to me the enormous amount of planning and work required to execute a successful build.  I’m grateful for the opportunity to gain that experience and am sure it will help me in my time at The Hagerman Group. Plus I don’t think I will ever view my middle school the same way again.

 

Clockwise from top left: (Gymnasium, Outdoors, Industrial Technology Classroom, Computer Lab)

Steven Brisley
Marketing Intern