Byron Topol

Sr. Project Manager, Cumming, Seattle, WA

“One brand of light fixtures specified for the project has parts that are made in Wuhan. With production and shipping of the fixtures on hold, we will need to evaluate the schedule and cost impacts to the project and possibly look for domestically produced fixtures as an alternative.”

Is the number of workers on your project holding steady or have there been changes?

Our project is still in the design development phase. There is very little onsite work occurring as we are still waiting for permits. The designers are working from home, and the project management from the GC that was onsite are able to work from home.

Have your daily tasks and/or role on the project changed as a result of the impacts of COVID-19?  

I am able to work from home and take part in most all of our meeting on VC. 

Have you experienced any supply chain issues? If so, how are you dealing with those?

One brand of light fixtures specified for the project has parts that are made in Wuhan. With production and shipping of the fixtures on hold, we will need to evaluate the schedule and cost impacts to the project and possibly look for domestically produced fixtures as an alternative.

How is the project schedule being impacted? What are some of your solutions to help alleviate schedule issues?

Schedule will be impacted for sure. Right now, the City of Seattle is still working on plan review remotely, which is very helpful. With the statewide stay-at-home restrictions in effect until at least April 30, we will not know what the actual impact is until we are able to get field crews back on site. We are supposed to start some building demolition in May. We will have to evaluate the situation as we get closer. 

How is morale on the project? Any insight into how to maintain team member morale during a time like this?

Morale is pretty good at this point. People are getting through it.

Have the project’s risk factors changed in type or magnitude? If so, how are those factors being mitigated?

Our project risk factors at this point are timelines for City review and approval of permits. At this point, the City staff are still working remotely and they have indicated that they are not experiencing delays due to the work-from-home mandates. Simple things like getting something hand-signed and notarized are now challenges. The City is working on accepting something like a Docusign document during this time as an acceptable alternative.   

2020-04-03T06:29:56-07:00
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