Teaming/timing sequences in hotel development projects

Branding secures easier financing, higher rates and occupancies and repeat business in the hospitality industry. Hotel operators use architectural and interior design elements to create uniquely differentiated products for their brands. Owing to the expected benefits, hotel owners often involve brand chain hotel operators in designing their properties. However, although they are heavily involved in the design, hotel operators leave it to the owner to deal with the construction of the property and with the challenge of accomplishing the design intent while completing the project on time and within budget. The teaming/timing sequences available for a prospective hotel owner are analysed. The consequences of the timing for adding the builder to the project team in different project delivery methods are identified. Also, the best practices relative to design coordination, constructability reviews, value engineering, mock-up room reviews, price confirmation, and project handover are considered. A custom software program 'HotPlan' is developed to assist owners in generating conflict-free sequences of teaming/timing options and evaluating the consequences of their preferences. Comparisons of the HotPlan-generated sequences allow users to pick the alternative that most agrees with their intentions. The study is relevant to other types of projects such as residential and office buildings, airports, and hospitals where the operator of the facility may participate in the development process right from the start.