Insight for Design and Construction Professionals from an Owner’s Point of View

Have you ever wished that you could “get inside an Owner’s head?”Attendees at  Clemson University’s Second Annual Construction Industry Symposium on October 12 in Greenville, S.C. had the unique opportunity to do so.

Two construction professionals from the Carolinas — Clay Addison and Jon Papps — provided insight from an Owner’s point of view during an interactive afternoon  panel discussion  titled, “Owners’ Expectations of Their Selected Design & Construction Teams.” After brief remarks by these “Owner’s representatives,” the session will become an open forum with ample time for audience members to ask questions.

Both panelists have extensive experience serving in an Owner’s capacity. Clay Addison, CCCA, CCP, LEED AP, is President of C.T. Addison Consulting based in Charlotte. Addison spent over 30 years working for retail owners  in various positions before starting his own consulting business. Jon Papps, PMP, is Director of Facilities Development at Greenville Health System (GHS). He has 38 years of construction experience. For the past eight years, he has been responsible for managing all GHS contracting, the intern program, and mentorship for disadvantaged businesses.

Their objective was to shed light on Owner selection criteria in general as well as unique variables, and give specific tips to both designers and contractors on what they can do to improve their chances of meeting that criteria. They shared their personal philosophies and used real-life examples to help attendees better understand the processes that Owners follow. Their focus was on expectations, offering candid advice as best they could to help people know how to prepare to meet those expectations… and how to avoid the pitfalls. As far as team selection, they discussed some of those subjective things that they look for in project teams.

Feedback from attendees was positive, with comments such as, “Hearing directly from the decision-makers was beneficial,” and “I very much enjoyed learning about their personal experiences, including what they go through in their process.”

GroundBreak Carolinas spent some time getting to know both panelists.

 

 

GROUNDBREAK:
Name some of the projects or achievements of which you are most proud.

Addison: Reconstruction of stores damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

Papps: The Denny’s headquarters in Spartanburg, the University of South Carolina (USC) School of Medicine – Greenville; and Clemson School of Nursing – Greenville.  Giving back to the community and construction through mentoring of small disadvantaged businesses.  Having an estimating background has been invaluable in understanding cost, scheduling and building systems.

GROUNDBREAK:
 In your opinion, what’s the biggest difference in this industry today compared to when you started?

Addison: The level of quality work has dropped.

Papps: Technology has been both a help and a hindrance with faces glued to phones and computers resulting in less time in the field where the action is.  I echo Clay that the quality of construction has dropped dramatically (witness the need for commissioning companies).

GROUNDBREAK:
What inspired you to pursue a career in construction? Tell us your story. How did you get your start?

Addison:  I just love to build things.

Papps: I realized I never wanted to wear a tie and sit behind a desk; being part of building teams has always given me a thrill. Now knowing that everything we build improves healthcare makes coming to work each day that much sweeter.  “Never say never” since I only delayed the inevitable of a tie and desk.

 ABOUT THE PANELISTS

Clay Addison, CCCA, CCP, LEED AP, President of C.T. Addison Consulting, has spent over 30 years working for retail owners in various positions. Most recently, he was Director of Construction and Purchasing for Belk for 15 years. Addison is currently an independent consultant working with various clients providing construction management and audit services. He graduated from Clemson in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Building Science and Construction Management.

Jon Papps, PMP, Director of Facilities Development at Greenville Health System, has a construction industry career spanning nearly 40 years. For the past eight years, Jon has been responsible for managing all GHS contracting, the intern program, and mentorship for disadvantaged businesses. His signature project at GHS is the School of Medicine and he is currently working on the adjoining School of Nursing. Previously, Papps held various management positions as a general contractor for Fluor, O’Neal, and Aiken Mitchell.  He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Massachusetts. His professional credentials include Project Management Professional certification.