Construction Phases

Getting Started: Contractor Selection

Picking the right team depends upon a selection process that is organized with an understanding of owner needs and goals. It should demonstrate the contractor’s ability to be an effective partner.

Competing for a project, as a design-build team, depends upon having adequate information about the project. Firms should be able to evaluate the risks inherent in pursuing the work in relationship to their ability to prepare a credible submittal and potential to win the job.

The general contractor and architect work under a single contract to provide design and construction services. The two work closely together as team from the start of the project through completion. It is this close working relationship that fosters innovation and creativity and allows the PDB team to adjust design as needed to stay on budget throughout the life of the project.

Click the + buttons below to learn about the phases TPS follows when building a new building.

Programming Phase

Architectural Team

Design Team/Planning & Construction

Project Supervisor

Visit school and ask questions
Gather technical information
Begin building design
Reach out to neighborhood councils & community partners

If done well, this exploration leads to a more seamless design process and to a facility uniquely suited to the needs and goals of your learning community.

Conduct school visits
Attend parent and student activities
Gather input from school community
Share design schematics
Reach out to neighborhood councils & community partners

The goal is to connect with the school community and see the school in use.

Coordinate building and site investigations
Gather technical information
Manage consultants who will begin working on the site and around the building
Submit final schematic design to school board for approval

To protect the flow of day-to-day activities of the school, consultants will typically work after school hours.

Design Advisory Committee (DAC)

During the Programming Phase, the Planning & Construction Department of TPS will convene a Design Advisory Committee to meet on a regular basis to advise, review & comment of the various stages of the design.

DAC Team Members

DAC Team Responsibilities

The makeup of each DAC is a little different, but it is a blend of members who represent the goals of your school:

District personnel
School staff
Administrators
Community members

All members must participate actively and have enough time to dedicate to the process.

DAC will meet once per month
Meetings typically last one hour
Members will review and comment on schematic designs.

Schematic Design Phase

Architectual Team	Project Supervisor	DAC Team Members
Consider site requirements Create physical design showing spaces to a relatable scale Obtain feedback from DAC Complete final design Develop cost estimate Present design to School Board for approval	Manage DAC meetings Work with architect on final design Submit and present final design to School Board for approval to continue	Attend DAC meetings and provide feedback to design team Determine how spaces will be situated on the site View space proximity to amenities See how spaces will function, flow together, feel and interact with each other and the outside building grounds

Design Development Phase

Architectural Team	Design Team and Planning & Construction Department	Technology Team
Launch the design development phase Continue to develop the space and function	Coordinate on preliminary decisions with mechanical, civil, landscape and other design specialist Conduct meetings with specialized TPS departments: Maintenance & Operations Safety & Security Athletics Transportation Student Services	Develop technology plan for new school building Determine impacts of technology on lighting and furniture

Temporary Facility Phase (if necessary)

Project Supervisor	Design Team and Planning & Construction Department	Transportation
Begin coordinating with school staff about transition to temporary school site	Create documents to convey the design for construction Coordinate with the City of Tacoma agencies for building and utility permits Contract with logistics firm for relocation planning, preparation and moving	Determine and schedule bus route changes Share transit plan and hot it will affect student with school staff, parents and community members

Construction Phase

General Contractor	Design Team and Planning & Construction Department	DAC Team Members
Site is turned over to the general contractor for construction Site will be fenced off for the duration of the project The TPS Facilities Communication Manager will provide construction updates throughout the process with photos	Finalize furniture plan Finalize technology plan Assign classrooms to teachers Develop a room-by-room layout indicating quantities and locations of furniture, equipment and technology Finalize move-in instructions	Possible DAC or interest groups to convene to discuss specific design elements: play equipment incorporating art in the building

Opening Ceremony

Contact Planning & Construction

(253) 571-3350
planning@tacoma.k12.wa.us