Presentations from Andrew Gum, Israel Berger Open Contract Glazing Session
April 7, 2009

What's a day in the life of a glazing project manager like? Those attendees taking part in the contract glazing general session were treated to a humorous video that took a light-hearted look at what project managers go through each day. Andrew Gum, president of Thomas Glass Co. in Columbus, Ohio, used clips from the video to provide an inside look inside project management and provided tips and best practices suggestions that he says have worked for his company.

He began by encouraging everyone to find ways that they can best manage their days. To start, he suggested prioritizing and making task lists for the week/day that include the things that absolutely must be done, things that need to be done and things that should be done.

"Also, allow time in your day for unscheduled events and be realistic about what you can get done each day," Gum said.

Interpersonal relationships are also important.

"Know your company and it's culture," said Gum, who advised making sure that you have the right people working in the right places so that everyone is able to work best together. He also talked about the importance of relationship building with your staff.

"To earn respect you have to give respect," he said. "Take time and make an effort to acknowledge a job well done."

Holding productive meetings is also an important step to make sure all projects are handled smoothly. Gum advised everyone to make sure they are prepared for their meetings and that they plan out an agenda in advance. And before starting any project, he talked about the importance of budget management.

"Begin with a kick-off meeting so that you can create a project cost budget that everyone can understand," said Gum, who explained that this is an opportunity to talk about the materials that will be used, labor, subcontractors, etc. "Then communicate that budget to the entire project team." Gum also stressed the importance of re-figuring estimated costs on a monthly basis, at least.

"At the end of the job have a close-out meeting, keep it casual … order pizza for everyone and review [what happened] with the job," said Gum. The closeout meeting provides a chance to talk about the products and materials used, what worked well and what did not.

Before closing, he reminded attendees to always keep their sanity, no matter how stressful the job may seem.

"You're just building a building and no one's life is on the line," said Gum. "The job always gets done-maybe it takes longer than you planned and you have to work on Saturdays and Sundays, but it will get done."

The morning's second presenter was Israel Berger, president of Israel Berger & Associates LLC, a curtainwall consulting firm based in New York. Berger talked to his audience about third-party inspections.

He said that while curtainwall consulting is fairly young, it has become an integral part of construction projects, namely large projects. During his presentation he shared with attendees some of the objectives of third-party inspections. These can include:

• Helping ensure code and construction document compliance;
• Back-stopping vagueness in codes and construction documents; and
• Verification of proper coordination between glass manufacturers and curtainwall contractors.

"Glass is so important, it's the face of the building; it's where architects really try to express themselves so a [lot has to go into] selecting the glass," said Berger.

Berger also talked about what third-party inspectors do not do. He said they do not:

• Take inventory;
• Approve payment requisitions;
• Mitigate disputes;
• Evaluate transport and logistics; and
• Review production schedules or deadlines.

There are a number of reasons why a third-party inspector could be brought on the job. For example, in some places it's required by code. An inspection could also be requested by an owner/client requested.

"The methodology of inspection will vary from job to job," said Berger, who said jobs will often include different inspection modules. A raw material inspection, namely for flat glass, is one that is very important.

"So often glass is treated like a commodity, but it's important to verify the quality and consistency," said Berger. He said it's also important to pay attention to glass "add-ons," such as fritting, patterns, etc., as well as heat-treatment, IG components, glass structural membranes, the interface of the hardware and fittings and crating, shipping and handling.

"Third-party inspectors can help the project team through the construction phase … and understanding quality control obligations," Berger added.

Need more info and analysis about the issues?
CLICK HERE to subscribe to USGlass magazine.