We are wrapping up the bidding stage of the project today at IONIC. Having gone thru the process of schematic design, design development, planning commission approval and city council reasoning approvals are certainly all huge milestones. Even more significantly are the steps of getting comments back from the city regarding building plan and site review. As an architect let me just say I'm glad we are not civil engineers! They always have so much to respond to at the city. IONIC had a few minor comments and few changes in the scope that the clients wanted to implement but overall we are set.
For the last several weeks we have submitted responses to the bidding contractors questions and held a Jobsite visit......out in an open field! Hey there is a shack onsite for a meeting location. Lol. However now it all comes down to what we always hope for......numbers that correlate to our designs that (as all owners desire) meets our budget established. It will be exciting as they begin pouring in and we find out who out of the six bidders will be the low and responsive number. The owner doesn't always select the lowest bidder because many factors play into the selection of this vital component to our team.
Yes price is a key ingredient but so is schedule, management, experience and even personalities. It is hard to work with someone you don't get along with for 8 or 9 months unless there is a connection and trust.
Of course the biggest excitement for IONIC is beginning to see the structure come out of the ground. To see our designs on paper become reality on the parcel of land right here in Virginia Beach. That is truly exciting......and amazing at the same time. WE LOVE OUR JOB!
Good luck to all the bidders out there and we look forward to working with some of you soon. Thanks again for all you do for us!
D. Eugene Thompson, AIA
President/founder
Ionic DeZign Studios
www.ionicdezigns.com
"Creating places and spaces that enrich the lives of those that use them."
