QUALITY
What is "quality"? Do you expect to receive quality products from the people with whom you do business?
Some would argue that America stopped delivering quality with the advent of the industrial revolution and that we sacrifice quality for speed and quantity. However, I disagree, take a look at the products you use every day and I am sure you can still find quality.
Many firms tout their quality in slogans and advertising; for instance, do you remember these:
"Quality is job one" (Ford); "Quality you can taste" (In & Out Burger); "Quality goes in before the name goes on" (Zenith); "Quality Since 1867" (American Italian Pasta Company); "Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten" (Gucci); "A Tradition of Quality" (Motorola);
It is one thing to have a slogan about "Quality" but how do you back up the statement? For instance (and since Nevada By Design (NBD), is in the business of civil engineering), how does one judge the quality of engineering plans?
Constructability is probably the most descriptive word one can use in reference to engineering quality. When NBD engineers a project, we make sure that our designs are not just based upon solid engineering principals but that they are properly applied to the project based upon the specific site conditions and the end use. Just like snowflakes, no two projects are alike and so it stands that every set of engineering plans that we produce are just as unique.
When we design a project we take into consideration the fact that sewer, water, fire protection, and drainage are infrastructure items that must be sustainable for the life of a project. They must be as maintenance free as possible and perform flawlessly. Meters must be sized properly and utility connections must be designed at the proper angles and elevations in order to provide the proper flows. In addition, where there are valves and meters, they must be located in areas that are easily accessible yet not disruptive to the flow of traffic (pedestrian or vehicle), when accessed for maintenance. When it rains, there should not be water standing in pools after the clouds disappear. To paraphrase Mr. Dyson, re-inventor of the vacuum cleaner, "We just think that things should work properly." Durability is probably the ultimate test of quality engineering over time.
Another consideration for Constructability, is can it be built the way it was designed. I know that seems like an obvious assumption but it is an aspect of engineering that is often overlooked. While all engineers are educated in the "theory" necessary to safely design a structure or infrastructure project, not all engineers have the experience to know how to apply that "theory" into a real world application. Understanding Constructability means understanding the construction process and that entails getting mud on your boots and dirt under your finger nails. At NBD, our engineers have been on the construction side of the fence and you can see it in their attention to detail.
Henry Ford once said; "Quality means doing it right when no one is looking." However, in the engineering business, there is always someone watching and that "someone" is the plans examiners within the local permitting agencies. To them, quality is a set of designs that require the least amount of guess work and interpretation. Our goal at NBD is to present a set of plans that are complete and generate the fewest redline comments possible. And, when our plans are put out to bid our further goal is to become as "lonely" as the Maytag repairman, but should there be a question from a contractor, you can bet that we will answer promptly and make any adjustments necessary to preserve the quality of the work without any disruption to the schedule
William A. Foster once wrote; "Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives." In engineering, there are many alternatives that lead to the same end. At NBD we truly make a sincere effort to choose a design that is constructible, enhances the client's project, and withstands the test of time.
NBD has a verifiable track record of providing a quality product with quality service; just ask our clients.
