What Happens Before There is a Project?

In the built environment, a project begins long before blueprints and construction crews arrive on-site. The earliest stages are rooted in identifying a business need, which drives all subsequent steps. For example, a company might decide to consolidate several office locations into a single headquarters. This is not a decision taken lightly; it involves deep analysis from various departments, especially senior executives, to evaluate whether their strategy aligns with business goals and operational efficiency.

Once this need is recognized, the next steps involve a range of assessments: from workforce logistics to commute patterns, operational costs, and market availability. A property search might follow, where companies examine multiple real estate options in different cities or neighborhoods. This is where key considerations come into play—access to public transport, nearby amenities, parking availability, and overall area safety—all of which will affect the final decision.

At this stage, technology needs are not yet at the forefront. However, they should be part of the conversation early on, as initial planning often includes a high-level budget and project scope, which will go through multiple revisions. This is where having technology experts on board can streamline the process. They help outline high-level tech requirements, like relocating data centers or planning other critical infrastructure, which will later factor into the overall plan.

Once the business case is approved, the focus shifts to evaluating specific buildings, with technology considerations becoming more critical. For example, ensuring the facility can support necessary IT infrastructure, such as riser closet space, redundant entry points, and possibly rooftop access for satellite or other tech installations. Effective involvement at this stage can yield significant savings in lease negotiations, where provisions for these essential features can be added, potentially saving the client substantial amounts in retrofitting costs.

Involving technology experts early in the decision-making process provides a strategic advantage, ensuring that by the time design begins, the scope and budget are both accurate and comprehensive. Ultimately, early planning with all stakeholders—especially tech—ensures a smoother transition from concept to construction, paving the way for a project to run on time, within budget, and aligned with the client’s strategic vision.