Progressive Insurance - Training Center Relocation
Retail
Architecture & Engineering
The Project
Progressive Insurance needed to immediately vacate their existing 12,000 square foot Claims Training Center, located in Tempe, Arizona, and incorporate its functionality into their other 30,000 square foot building and training center.
Due to Progressive’s class schedule, which had been solidified for over six months, relocation of their training operation needed to be completed within a 30-day time period, with no interruption to their class schedule. Requirements included design, permitting, construction and actual relocation during this 30-day period.
QPM was engaged to provide Architectural & Engineering Services overseeing the design and permitting process, as well as to conduct a site evaluation of the current training center to determine the replication requirements.
QPM was awarded the project on April 17, 2009 and given only until May 18, 2009 to complete plans and permitting.
The QPM Solution
Due to the short project timeline, QPM sought to streamline the design process and make good use of existing documents to recommend the best methods for new lighting, electrical and air reel locations.
QPM met with the city early in the process to determine the minimum design requirements necessary to increase chances of an expedited plan check, while still creating plans detailed enough for construction. In addition, QPM worked closely with Progressive’s team throughout the design process to incorporate their requirements prior to plan check submittal.
During the project, Progressive modified the Scope of Work several times, which included the addition of:
- Widening a door in a fire-rated corridor
- 22-V welder electrical outlet in tool room
- Demolition of wall between tool room and storage room
- Installation of new ductless split HVAC unit in computer room
- Installation of eye wash and hand sink station
- Additional electrical drops for relocated computer stations
- Additional power requirements for overhead projector in another conference room
- Installation of guard rails along perimeter walls
As a value-added service, QPM created a demolition sheet for the old training center. This solution aided Progressive in the relocation and re-use of current equipment. In addition, the availability of this information allowed Progressive improved contract negotiations with the contractors who would be performing the removal scope of work.
Lastly, QPM facilitated the contractor bidding process to keep Progressive on schedule.
The Results
Due to QPM’s design solutions and meetings with the city, the drawings were developed and the permit was obtained - over the counter - within four weeks, as opposed to the 61/2 weeks allocated in the original schedule. This allowed Progressive the luxury of additional scope items and the inclusion of the bidding process while still keeping the project ahead of schedule.
QPM’s facilitation of the bidding process also allowed Progressive to start construction on time.
Although Progressive made multiple changes to the scope of work, QPM successfully managed these modifications and maintained the original schedule, completing the contract with no additional cost to the client.
