Michael Meschino
Principal, Entuitive
Mohammad Mirmoezi
Associate, Entuitive
With hundreds of billions of dollars invested in infrastructure across Canada, our cities are changing at an unprecedented pace. The success of these projects requires a different approach, focused on creativity and collaboration.
This shift in thinking is being driven by Entuitive, who have purposefully integrated design and construction engineering in a way that very few consultants are capable of. “Traditionally, there’s been a line between design and construction, but our approach is to blend those two together, so there’s no distinction,” says Michael Meschino, Principal, Head of Transportation at Entuitive. “This is still unique in the industry, and we’re seeing projects managed more efficiently because of it, which is good for the client and the users.”
Sustainable and integrated approach
The beauty is that by having the design and construction engineers work together at the beginning of a project, innovative solutions can be realized, and efficiencies unlocked that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible. This in-house construction know-how and collaborative culture give Entuitive an advantage because it reduces risk and potential project delays.
Meschino illustrates the benefits of the Entuitive approach through one of its current projects, a highly esthetic pedestrian bridge in Edmonton that is just in preliminary design. “It requires a challenging design, but by having our construction engineers work with the designers early on, we can understand the erection stresses and forces on the structure before we start building, thereby improving its constructability,” he says. “If that collaboration doesn’t happen at the design stage, you run the risk of a solution that might not work or make it more difficult to build.”
Traditionally, there’s been a line between design and construction, but our approach is to blend those two, so there is no distinction.
Bucking the traditional approach
By understanding how the contractor will complete their work, Entuitive can build that into the base design. Whether it’s eliminating the need for — and cost of — temporary shoring or being able to accommodate a tower crane, projects save time and money.
Entuitive’s strength is that it employs advanced technology coupled with a culture that challenges the status quo and is not limited by how it’s always been done. For example, the Toronto Port Lands project, in which Entuitive is leading the design of four signature bridges, uses a creative procurement model to save time and money. By bucking the traditional approach, significant efficiencies were gained.
“We remove the gap between consultants and contractors and can tailor solutions on multiple levels to help the project move more efficiently,” says Mohammad Mirmoezi, an Associate at Entuitive and one of the firm’s Construction Engineering specialists. “For example, the Centre Block project in Ottawa is the most complex heritage restoration in Canadian history, and we’re using Grasshopper 3D technology to get the most accurate modelling. This, along with advanced construction analysis and continuous collaboration with the contractor and the client, will make for a better project.”
Entuitive’s creative approach and commitment to innovative solutions profoundly impact our infrastructure development and are poised to spread.
“With our proven track record, we want to become prime consultants on more projects so that we can enhance our influence and better help our clients,” says Meschino.
