HOW TO ADAPT
To combat inflation and escalation, consider involving a cost estimator early in your design project planning and throughout your design process. An expert cost estimator will work with real-time market data and be able to help you work within tight budgets and shift as needed during design instead of making costly changes after bidding or during construction.
Completing a strategic facilities assessment and developing a long-term master plan is beneficial to stay on track with capital improvements by
incorporating growth projections, strategic initiatives, deferred and ongoing maintenance needs, and the changing work environment considerations. A focused and deliberate planning process results in guidelines that anticipate future conditions and will enhance your organization’s ability to achieve its goals.
Consider alternate financing sources with low-interest rates, like USDA loans for projects in small communities, or investigate community grants and incentives from local economic development organizations. The Inflation Reduction Act has recently made it more attractive to consider installing solar panels to help reduce utility costs and expedite your return on investment, even for tax-exempt entities. An experienced electrical engineer can quickly determine how solar can work for you and what incentives are available for your project.
Finally, designing your facilities with a people-first approach will reinforce your culture and uphold your focus on exceptional customer service. Aligning yourself with a design firm that supports your values, has a genuinely collaborative process, and seeks to produce solutions that improve the customer experience is critical to differentiate yourself in the marketplace.
