Technology: Construction’s Modern-day Judge and Jury

By Rick Kolb
Construction has become increasingly complex – especially as architects continue to define the
possible with their one-of-a-kind vision – challenging general contractors to create innovative
solutions to bring these designs to life. Developers and contractors have always worked together
throughout the construction process, but to make today’s projects a reality, the need for
collaboration and efficiency is essential.

Utilizing virtual design and construction (VDC) provides a tremendous platform for developers
and contractors to collaborate. However, these technologies are only an effective tool if everyone
believes in their value and understands it’s about function, not flash. The mantra at Suffolk is,
"pixels are cheaper than bricks."

The Herzog & de Meuron-created Jade Signature, completed at the beginning of 2018, is an
example of how Suffolk and developer Fortune International Group have worked together and
leveraged technology to drive solutions.

On any construction project, there are countless decisions to be made, all of which take time.
However, the use of VDC and virtual reality can allow for key decision-makers to experience the
final product and adjust accordingly before the project even breaks ground. The commonality of
purpose creates predictability for the final appearance of the project while avoiding timely and
costly rework.

With Jade Signature, Suffolk and Fortune had conversations for several months regarding the
sizing of a support structure in the pool area. During these conversations, the Suffolk team
recognized the need for a universal visualization of the area in question, and so the team utilized
the 3-D model. As a result, within minutes of the developer experiencing the model, a final
decision was made. This more immersive client experience translated to time and cost savings.

While it can easily be said that virtual design and construction improves the efficiency of all
construction projects, it is particularly beneficial in support of larger, more complex designs.
Nowhere was this proven more important than building Herzog de Meuron’s two signature oculi
that were to be cast in place as part of Jade Signature’s portico and pool deck.

Because the oculi morph and twist organically into a suspended ribbon wall at the double height
lobby entrance, they would have been nearly impossible to accurately create without the use of
VDC. Suffolk was able to produce a 3-D model, essentially mimicking the shape of a cone with
a ribbon wrapped around it, reflecting the dome geometry and show how slight changes in the
design were necessary. Before concrete was poured, these models were experienced and
accepted by the architect and developer.
Another example of leveraging technology at Jade Signature revolved around the building’s
more than 32 unique architectural columns of varying sizes and shapes. Necessitating maximum
precision and custom glass work, Suffolk used a Trimble Station to determine the exact size of
each window cut. This allowed the team to pour the concrete and architectural columns for a new
floor every week.

“When we set out to create Jade Signature, we knew it would be an extraordinary undertaking,
and that an in-depth collaboration would be a cornerstone of the project’s development,” said
Edgardo Defortuna, President and CEO of Fortune International Group. “Implementing the
latest, most innovative technology has only furthered that comprehensive teamwork between our
two entities, and the result has exceeded every expectation.”

The integration of design and construction has many benefits. But arguably the most important is
that it can enhance the predictable delivery of an extremely complex project, resulting in a better
experience for everyone involved.

Written by Rick Kolb - Senior Vice President, Suffolk

Rick Kolb has 29 years of experience in the construction industry and currently drives Suffolk's client service
initiative and supports the day-to-day project operations to ensure a seamless transition from design to
construction.
Our construction team

Mike Karlins
Construction Practice Leader
Mike is an audit partner based in The Woodlands office and has
more than 30 years’ experience in audit services, agreed-upon
procedures, financial services, operational improvement and
mergers and acquisitions. He also has extensive experience in a
variety of financial reporting engagements for private companies in a
wide range of industries including construction, manufacturing, oil
field services and distribution. Mike serves as the Campaign
Treasurer for Brady for Congress and Brady Victory Fund . He is the
secretary/ treasurer for Construction Industry CPAs/ Consultants
Association (CICPAC) and a member of the tax and legislative
committee for Construction Financial Management Association
(CFMA). Mike has served has Chairman of the Board for both The
Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership and The
Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce. Mike is also a Certified
Public Accountant and earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting
from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Lori Morales
Tax Partner
Lori is a tax partner in our Houston office and has nearly 20 years of
experience in public accounting. She works with companies in a variety of
industries including energy, manufacturing, real estate, construction, and
professional services. Lori’s primary focus is on helping family-owned,
middle-market companies navigate the intricacies of federal and state tax
compliance and assisting them with all manner of business tax consulting
from tax planning to ownership succession as well as business expansion,
mergers and acquisitions, and more. Prior to joining Calvetti Ferguson, Lori
worked with a renewable energy start-up company, assisting them with all
aspects of accounting, finance, and business development. She is a
Certified Public Accountant, member of CFMA, and earned her Bachelor of
Science in Accounting from the University of Missouri – St. Louis.

Ken Sibley
Tax Partner
Ken is the Partner in charge of the Dallas office of Calvetti Ferguson and
has more than 30 years in the public accounting industry. He is experienced
in audit, tax and consulting with clients in planning, internal control, fraud
prevention and litigation matters. Prior to joining Calvetti Ferguson, he was
the founding member of Sibley & Company, P.C., which merged into a
national firm in 2011. Ken is a Certified Public Accountant and earned a
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of
North Texas. He is also a member of CFMA, Certified Fraud Examiner, as
well as certified in Financial Forensics.

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Our construction team

Sarita Akin
Tax Senior Manager
Sarita is a tax senior manager and has more than 25 years of
experience in public accounting and industry. She has advised
clients in the oil and gas industry, family-owned businesses and the
individuals who own them, multi-state corporations and benefit
plans. Sarita’s expertise is in the preparation of individual,
partnership, fiduciary, estate and corporate tax returns. She is a
Certified Public Accountant and earned a Bachelor of Business
Administration in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin.
Sarita is the sub-committee chairperson of the Finance Committee
for the San Antonio Livestock Exposition and Go Rodeo Roundup
and a member of CFMA.

Scott Contreras
Audit Manager
Scott is an audit manager and has nearly 10 years of experience in
public accounting. His clients operate in the oil and gas, construction
and retail, and manufacturing and distribution industries. He also has
extensive experience auditing employee benefit plans. Scott is a
Certified Public Accountant, member of CFMA, and earned a
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Accounting from Sam
Houston State University.

Kyle Kmiec
Tax Manager
Kyle is a manager in the tax practice and has over eight years of
experience in public accounting. His focus is on partnership,
corporate, real estate, and personal income taxation. Kyle is a
Certified Public Accountant, member of CFMA, and earned a Master
of Business Administration in Accounting from Midwestern State
University.