The lean journey is about continuous improvement and learning. Austin Commercial is a member of the Lean Construction Institute and has piloted lean programs in our business. Although lean theory is intended for use universally throughout a project team (from ownership through trade contractors and suppliers), we have identified basic lean principles that can be applied during construction. Lean focuses on eliminating anything that wastes time or resources; therefore, implementing a few key changes in approach and process brings tremendous benefit with little cost.

Part of the lean process involves use of the Last Planner System, a visual, collaborative and predictable scheduling tool that engages the entire team and allows them to see constraints which might prevent a task from being accomplished. The Last Planner System creates and improves predictability of workflow by getting firms to work together in a series of planning conversations. The ability to tell at a glance what the work is and the status of each step is our visual management of the project. Making the work visible is the first step to understanding and improving it.

The Austin team brings a unique level of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) and Green Building experience to each project. Based on our experience with LEED projects and certifications, Austin is prepared to make suggestions to owners regarding sustainable initiatives depending on the type of LEED certification being sought for a project. Our resume includes a multitude of landmark, precedent-setting projects, which allows us to be consistently ranked among the top Green Builders in the United States by ENR.

Austin Commercial has developed a comprehensive commissioning program (which starts in preconstruction) that enables the project team to commission the project facility to ensure that all systems are complete, functioning properly and add value to the facility’s life cycle upon occupancy. This is accomplished through a systematic and comprehensive documented program ensuring that equipment and specific building systems perform interactively according to the design intent and the owner’s operational needs. It encompasses procedures and documentation for equipment start-up, system demonstration, control system calibration, testing and balancing, operational acceptance tests, functional acceptance tests, owner training, and owner acceptance.