Okland required trade partners to do quality checks and verify that all penetrations and embeds were set correctly. One example involved the embed plates—Suntec placed them, and Schuff Steel verified that they were all set in the right locations before moving forward. By having trade partners on site to verify tasks, the team prevented unnecessary rework and kept the schedule intact.

The project team also continued to look for viable opportunities to provide better finishes. For example, drywall contractor MKB Construction agreed to provide Level 5 finishes for the entire building rather than multiple finish levels since it would be more efficient and cost effective to use the same finishes throughout.

By anticipating possible schedule disruptions during preconstruction, the team overcame most of the obstacles created by the pandemic. However, there were persistent materials delays, including for rooftop air handlers, custom light fixtures, doors, variable air volume boxes and ceiling fuses. Using continual pull planning sessions and collaborative resequencing, the team was able to complete the project on time.