Developers often think front-loaded planning and design will cost more and delay project schedules. The state has achieved these gains through a highly refined planning process. The entire design team attends, including engineers, architects, and consultants, to hear the expectations and design requirements of the future occupant. Such issues as indoor air quality are addressed, and responsibilities of the project team are clearly delineated. Doing this avoids later conflicts that might arise for example, if a team member budgets for fewer site visits than necessary and thus doesn't adequately address client or other's stakeholders' concerns.
All stakeholders have a say in planning a building, including maintenance and security personnel.
A room is dedicated to the project, and people can drop in to review and comment on the plans. Their comments are then collated and given back to the project team for incorporation into the building designs. United Parcel Service wanted a new headquarters building that would minimize impact on their site. The project, a 623,000 square foot, six-story office building with parking, was planned and sited so that the trees and other vegetation on the property around the building perimeter would not be removed or disturbed during construction. Environmental sensitivity was addressed in the siting and location of the building, but the logistics of the construction activities were not considered until preparation for construction began.