1.

What does Design and Construction do?
 

What does Design and Construction do?
We obtain for our clients the services needed to design, construct and, often, furnish, both renovation and new construction projects. Our principal goal is to obtain the best value for our clients, while maintaining university standards and good business relationships with our providers.
 

How do I request a renovation project?
After determining that your department will fund the effort, download the Project Request Form, complete the requested information and return it to Terra Scott by e-mail or by fax to 410-516-8991.                                                                                                   

I have no experience in this area, just a general goal and no idea what to ask for. Who can help me get started?
We would be glad to have a project manager meet with you to help you get started. If you are not sure what to ask for, whether your idea is feasible, or how to describe it in the Project Request Form, you will find our staff helpful.
 

May I request a particular project manager?
Absolutely. Our project managers are pleased to have "repeat customers," and all of them do. However, service to you, our client, is foremost, and workloads sometimes require that someone other than a requested project manager handle a particular project.
 

Does Design and Construction charge for its services?
Yes. Our project administration fee is 4% of total project cost.

Also, Plant Operations charges an infrastructure fee of 3% on all capital projects (projects exceeding $100,000) on the contiguous Homewood campus. That fee is used to fund landscape improvements and reinvestment in central utility systems. For work requiring additional heating and cooling capacity, there may be a connection charge to offset the cost of generating steam and/or chilled water.
 

Does Design and Construction perform design and construction work?
On some small projects, our project managers do feasibility and schematic design studies themselves. Usually, however, we typically commission architects or other consultants to develop solutions to our clients' problems. Our staff does not perform any construction work, nor do the Plant Operations shops crews, except in minor cases that can be covered by a Materials and Services requisition.
 

Exactly what is a "capital project?"
Currently, projects costing more than $100,000 are "capital projects." The university charges the cost of smaller projects as expenses in the appropriate fiscal year. For capital projects, Design and Construction asks the controller to create a "capital account." Project costs are accumulated in the capital account regardless of fiscal year, and then depreciated over the depreciable life of the project.
 

Who do I call if I'm being disturbed by a contractor?
Don't hesitate to contact Design and Construction at 410-516-8064, or Facilities Management reception at 410-516-8063 to report noise, dust or other disturbance from construction activities. Bear in mind, however, that cost constraints often preclude night work, and that all construction creates some noise. A good rule of thumb is, would the disturbance be acceptable if your project were the cause of it?

Who do I call if I have a safety or health concern related to construction activity?
On the Homewood campus, immediately contact the Health Safety and Environment office at 410-516-8798, or dial 911 to reach Homewood Security from a campus phone.
 

How do I request repairs to my existing JHU space or building systems?
Plant Operations handles all repair work. Exception: if the work that needs repair was performed under a Design and Construction project completed within the past year, contact the project manager.
 

How do I become an approved JHU vendor?
If you have not done so, complete and return a vendor information form. These are available from the Purchasing Department by calling 443-997-5600. Then, send brief information about your company's qualifications, references and kind of work you are interested in providing.

Director of Design & Construction
Office of Facilities Management
Johns Hopkins University
3001 Remington Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21211

Constructors should include subcontractors, as well as architects and owners, among their references.
 

How are designers (architects and engineers) selected?
Design and Construction looks for architecture and engineering firms, and, in particular, individuals within firms, who are experienced in the type of project being developed. We look for opportunities to bring new firms, especially those with D.B.E. certification, into the process. However, we also seek to maintain relationships with firms that have served the university well in the past.Interviews with their references, including constructors as well as other clients, are highly valued in the selection process. Proposals often are solicited from more than one designer, although selection is based primarily on qualifications.

How can I bid on JHU construction projects?
Bidders are limited to an invited list chosen for each project. We look for opportunities to bring prospective vendors, especially those with D.B.E. certification, into the process. However, we also seek to maintain relationships with firms that have served the university well in the past. We keep foremost the goal of obtaining the best value (not necessarily the lowest price) both for our clients and for the university.
 

How are construction managers selected?
For large projects and projects that are difficult to define or to schedule, a construction manager may be selected, based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria.  Experience and the comments of references, both for the firm and for the individuals that are proposed for the project, are highly valued in the selection process. The office solicits references that include architects and subcontractors as well as other owners.