Continuing the Construction Story of SkyFin (formerly known as The Jetsons House)

For me, architectural design is only worth the effort if the project gets built here and now, which is why I specialize in architectural design and real estate development. Up until now I have focused on projects where my company is the overall decision maker. We function best when we have control from purchase of the land, all the way to the end of construction.

This overall outlook has very practical benefits, but I also consider myself a dreamer — just a dreamer with my feet on the ground. In my commencement speech when receiving my Master’s Degree from Tulane University, I invited my fellow graduates to be both dreamers AND warriors. Construction is definitely a type of battlefield and one that cannot be won unless the correct strategies and tools are completed for success.

SkyFin has been an amazing journey for our entire team. You will find it well documented on my website — from finding the property, discovering its unique history, into the design-schematic-construction stages, right on into the finishing touches, including staging and marketing. You are welcome to browse the whole process at your leisure.

https://www.gabrielaliebert.com/post/in-the-beginning

In the design phase I take the role of philosopher, historian, and artist. I build a comprehensive, 3D Revit Model. Then, I place the computer model on my team’s table (digitally speaking), for the next phase.

As soon as this happens, I change gears and become a focused developer, aiming to build the project within reasonable price, time, and quality parameters for the city where we work. For SkyFin, in Miami, our handpicked team was aligned with these goals. The role of Principal Architectural Designer is my office, but our collaboration maintains a high bar for all involved parties.

The Proposed design was roughly 4200 sf and about half was remodeling of the existing structure, while the other half was new construction. It felt like two projects in one. The remodeling of the existing home came with all the pains associated with gutting and fixing a 75 year old house. The new construction of the additional structure was designed to appear as if it were flying.

Construction proved to be more difficult than anticipated and took 6 months longer than projected, which made finishing under budget an impossibility. Keeping in mind that the design team does not build the project, we work very closely with our General Contractor who is legally responsible to build the project in accordance with the executed contract, material and quality specifications and drawings. In general, during the construction phase, my role includes site visits to ensure quality and design intent; handling disputes; coordination; punch list resolution; reviewing payments; and conducting a final walk through.

They say building rehabilitation can often be more costly than new construction. We certainly attest to this fact. Solutions that often look good on paper, become impractical during construction. When remodeling an existing home, unforeseen expenses can arise as portions of the existing structure are uncovered. For example, the city did not approve our original HVAC solution, therefore we had to change it towards the end of the permitting phase. The duct size increased, meaning the plumbing had to be moved. This required a new soffit design to prevent an adverse effect on the perceived 8’ ceiling height in the living room. It all looked good on paper.

Here are our Steps to a Successful Close-Out Phase

1. Conducting Final Inspections‍

Inspect the building to ensure it meets all regulatory standards and addresses the punch list. This is the final quality check before handover.‍

2. Commissioning and Handover‍

Train the client on new systems, provide operational manuals, and transfer warranties. This step ensures the owner is equipped to maintain the property.‍

3. Budget Reconciliation‍

Reconcile all project costs, finalize payments, and review financial records. Proper close-out prevents lingering disputes.‍

4. Post-Occupancy Monitoring‍

Many projects include a warranty period where the contractor addresses any issues that arise after handover.

5. Common Challenges in Close-Out

Overlooked punch-list items can delay project acceptance. Incomplete financial reconciliation leads to disputes.

Pro Tip: Clear documentation and communication are essential. Creating a comprehensive checklist ensures nothing is missed during this critical phase.