Improving Maintenance & Operations Work Environments
Issues and Challenges of Obtaining New Public Works Maintenance and Operations Facilities
This article from APWA Reporter magazine by the American Public Works Association offers planning tips from two of our senior facility design managers — Ken Booth and Mark Ellis — who specialize in multidimensional planning and design of O&M facilities.
In the article, Ken and Mark identify key challenges to providing quality work environments for maintenance and operations employees. They use case studies to illustrate innovations that overcome these challenges. Issues discussed include funding scenarios; the importance of pre-design efforts such as needs assessments, site selection and master plans; the selection of an appropriate design team; the proper level of involvement in the design process; determining the best project-delivery approach; and dealing with contractors effectively.