The Beck Group was hired by the federal government to design and build an eight-story, 268,000-sq-ft office building to accommodate more than 1,000 workers on an existing high-security campus. Beck's utilization of building information modeling aided design and construction while assisting some subcontractors in performing offsite prefabrication. The contractor credits its use of BIM for driving down subcontractor bid prices—which came in 15% lower than expected— and helping reduce the construction schedule by three months. Despite $14 million worth of owner-directed scope change, a two-month delay due to permitting issues and the unexpected excavation of abandoned foundations, Beck was able to complete the LEED-Gold building on time and within budget.

Photo by Brian Robbins, Robbins Photography

Despite $14 million worth of owner-directed scope change, a two-month delay due to permitting issues and the unexpected excavation of abandoned foundations, Beck was able to complete the LEED-Gold building on time and within budget.

Photo by Brian Robbins, Robbins Photography

The confidential project won an Award of Merit in the government and public buildings category.

Award of Merit, Government and Public Buildings — Confidential Federal Office Building and Parking Deck, Atlanta

Key Players

Contractor, Designer The Beck Group, Atlanta

Owner Confidential Federal Government Agency, Atlanta

Structural Engineer Sedki & Russ Structural Engineers, Sandy Springs, Ga.

MEP Engineer Brady & Anglin Consulting Engineers, Decatur, Ga

Civil Engineer Eberly & Associates, Atlanta