Strategic facility consulting transforms management of built environment

The next generation in consulting services Today's economic uncertainty has forced many companies to work harder and smarter. Larger portfolios in particular can become fragmented, and decisions made in less than ideal conditions can lead to a mismatch of property. To address this growing dilemma, Faithful+Gould, a U.S.-based construction consulting and program management firm, has developed a new service for the property and management market, strategic facility consulting. This approach transforms the management of the built environment into a sustainable core of operational proficiency. Clients become empowered to maximize their business results by aligning their mission and objectives within a defined strategy. Depending on each client's distinct needs, the menu of services within strategic facility consulting includes condition assessments, energy and environmental analysis, security and compliance audits, life cycle capital planning and sustainability consulting. Faithful+Gould partnered with 4tell Solutions, LLC, whose unique software, iPlanTM, organizes the data and helps deliver market-leading solutions. Two New York projects highlight new approach Two recent projects in New York that have incorporated strategic facility consulting services are the New York Presbyterian Hospital and 230 Park Ave. Faithful+Gould, in association with RMF Engineers, was retained to complete a detailed facility infrastructure condition assessment of the New York Presbyterian Hospital. The data gleaned from the assessment will be used to prepare an eight-year capital reinvestment program for infrastructure repair and renewal projects for the hospital's four campuses and 84 buildings. In developing the infrastructure program, Faithful+Gould is preparing the logistics scenarios, schedules and realistic cost estimates and budgets to prioritize capital expenditure and maintenance projects over the life of the program. Transparency was the operative byword in the strategic facility consulting services provided to 230 Park Ave. This complex project, which began in 2005, partnered Faithful+Gould with a major U.S. real estate investment trust on the condition assessment of 700 buildings (approximately 20 million s/f) as part of a portfolio of projects comprised of office, hotel and related buildings under acquisition. As one aspect of the project, Faithful+Gould was retained to perform a comprehensive facility condition assessment, evaluating the condition and code compliance of the Helmsley Building. Faithful+Gould advised our client on the extent and cost of repair and replacement projects required over the next 12 years. The 230 Park Ave. project was particularly complex because the four interconnected buildings were of different ages, types, sizes and conditions. With scanty history regarding maintenance and repair, the limited documents available for review created a challenge. The information Faithful+Gould collected and provided enabled the client to understand the condition of the property, the scope of under-utilized areas of the property and the investment required upon purchase. Value is top priority in Strategic Facility Consulting The integration and connectivity inherent in strategic facility consulting translates to value. Streamlined performance processes, risk reduction and continual governance through extensive monitoring and reporting create an environment of checks and balances, supporting sustainability. Faithful+Gould understands that in-house property expertise varies from client to client. Working alongside facility and property departments, Faithful+Gould functions as an integral team member. Through a dedicated, innovative and cost effective approach, clients are enabled to unlock the potential to achieve their business objectives with certainty and confidence. Benjamin Dutton is operations director of strategic facility consulting for Faithful+Gould, Washington, D.C.