Quality Control at CEI Architecture

Over the past few months we here at CEIArchitecture have been working on defining and implementing a comprehensive new quality control system, which we’re calling CEIQ: Quality Control and Project Management Procedures. This document includes a section called BIM Management System.

The precursor to CEIQ was a document and system outlining the firm’s Flow of Operations. It was solid, but changes in the industry and in our firm meant that an update was needed. The existing document didn't go into a lot of detail in regards to the BIM process, and several recent wins on major P3 projects including the recent announcement that our team, Affinity Partnerships, is the preferred proponent for the BCChildren’s and BC Women’s Hospital Acute Care Centre meant that our quality control procedures have expanded.

As the BIM manager I already had a number of existing documents and processes that I put in place, but I still found it difficult to share certain information and make everyone aware of its existence and apply it to their projects. We have some great content but it's no good if people are not aware of it, even though I've constantly promoted these documents and processes.

Part of the process in the creation of the CEIQ Quality Control document included interviewing our staff, asking pertinent questions about existing process and getting their thoughts on how we can improve our quality control and project management efficiency. 

We got great feedback! 

There were a few themes that came up in most interviews, one of which was a desire to have a clear, comprehensive and fully approved project roadmap. People want guidance on the "how," "where" and "what do I do next" on a project. Even though we already had these in the existing Flow of Operations, as time progressed our systems needed updating and we needed to re-instill a sense of accountability.

We consider CEIQ a living system, a set of guidelines, processes and beliefs that will evolve as the company and industry does. We expect it to be updated during the initial roll out period, and to adapt to changes over time. Our goal with CEIQ is to improve efficiencies and create consistency in every aspect of our service and deliverables. The ultimate goal is to ensure that efficient systems are in place to free up the creative capacity of our talented designers, so they can focus on what they do best: creating spaces that work well for our clients and their communities.

CEIQ includes a section on the BIM management system, which we hope to be able to give people working on a project clear instruction and guidance on their roles on a project that uses Revit. One of the biggest challenges in implementing this type of structure in any business is getting buy-in not only of the staff but of the partners. Fortunately the leadership at CEI Architecture have been the driving force behind the initiative, which makes the adoption process much easier throughout the organization.

After we roll out CEIQ: Quality Control and Project Management Procedures, I will periodically blog about sections of the process and explain the benefits of developing your own project management procedures.

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