From Vision to Reality: How BELL Ensures Success in School Construction Projects

Constructing a school is more than just erecting a building; it’s about creating a safe, functional and inspiring environment where students can thrive. At BELL, we understand that the stakes are high, and the challenges are unique. From navigating tight timelines dictated by the school calendar to incorporating the latest safety features, every project demands precision, dedication and a deep understanding of each client’s needs.

Project Executive Tyler Powell plays a pivotal role in steering BELL’s education projects to success. With a wealth of experience and commitment to excellence, Tyler ensures that our team not only meets but exceeds expectations. His leadership, characterized by meticulous planning, proactive communication and a focus on continuous improvement, has been crucial in delivering successful educational projects across the state.

We recently talked to Tyler about how BELL approaches each school project to ensure exceptional results, time and time again.

Q: One of the most significant challenges in educational construction is the immovable deadlines set by the school calendar. How does BELL ensure project deadlines are met?

Tyler: Unlike other project types, where delays may be managed with relative flexibility, schools must be ready to welcome students by the start of the academic year. The key to meeting these critical deadlines lies in detailed upfront planning and continuous communication with all stakeholders involved.

Our approach includes thorough education of all parties on the timeline required for various project reviews and approvals, including the state fire marshal, building codes, school boards and county commissions. Understanding these timelines helps us identify critical start dates and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to begin construction on time. This proactive approach is crucial on projects like Cartwright Elementary School, a 113,000-square-foot facility designed to accommodate 800 students in Shelbyville, TN, where we completed the project a month and a half ahead of schedule, ensuring a smooth transition for teachers and students.

Q: How does BELL maintain effective communication throughout the construction process to ensure project success?

Tyler: We actively engage with all decision-makers, from school boards to county commissioners, ensuring they are well-informed and can make timely decisions. This involves not only regular check-ins but also preparing for potential delays by establishing recovery schedules and alternative approaches to keep the project on track. BELL regularly holds meetings with the owner and the architect that foster dialogue between all parties, ensuring open communication and clear expectations.

During the Cartwright Elementary School project, we proceeded with a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) contract based on only 50% completed Construction Documents. This approach allowed us to start on time, despite the risks involved, and still meet the completion deadline. By setting aside contingencies and maintaining open lines of communication, we were able to navigate these challenges successfully.

Q: How does BELL adapt to the evolving safety and security needs of modern educational facilities?

Tyler: Over the past two decades, the safety and security of school facilities have become top priorities. We’ve adapted our practices to meet these evolving needs by ensuring that advanced security measures are incorporated into our projects effectively. We conduct a meticulous review process with all parties involved for door and hardware components at every door opening in the building to ensure they function correctly and meet the specific requirements of each school system.

In addition to access security, we’ve also adopted new safety technologies and regulations, such as security film on glass to prevent unwanted access into a building through broken windows, which is a recent requirement in newly constructed or heavily renovated education buildings in Tennessee. We stay in close contact with end-users, such as school administrators and safety officers, to ensure we are incorporating the latest security measures appropriately.

Q: How does BELL balance the need for functionality with the desire for aesthetic appeal in school construction?

Tyler: Schools must be durable to withstand many years of use, but they should also provide a welcoming environment for students and staff within the allotted budget. We work closely with architects and clients to understand the end-user needs of the facility to find the right balance between durability and design, ensuring that materials used in high-traffic areas are long-lasting while still contributing to an inviting atmosphere.

Cartwright Elementary School utilized concrete blocks in the corridors for durability while applying distinct color accent schemes to wall and floor finishes in each wing of the building. This color-coding system allows areas within the school to be identified by color rather than only by classroom grades, a feature that was warmly embraced by the school leaders. This approach ensures that the buildings not only meet the functional needs of the school but also become a source of pride for the community.

Have questions about education construction? Please contact us.