Interface Consulting http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/rss Interface Consulting RSS Feed. Interface Consulting http://www.interface-consulting.com/tresources/en/images/icons/tendenci34x15.gif http://www.interface-consulting.com Copyright 2008 Interface Consulting Tendenci Association Software by Schipul - The Web Marketing Company en-us noemail@interface-consulting.com Thu, 15 May 2008 13:55:34 GMT Articles http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/art/?129 This article is the first in a two-part series about how Project Lead the Way, HISD’s Chavez High School, and the East End Chamber of Commerce are making a difference in students’ lives and the engineering profession. In the United States, the number of college graduates earning engineering degrees each year is rising slowly after a major decrease a decade ago. While this is good news, the number of US engineering professionals retiring in the next ten years is out-pacing the number of new graduates. How did this happen and what can we do to remedy the situation? Early engineers were not degreed, they apprenticed with skilled craftsmen instead. In the early 1800s, West Point Military Academy offered the only US engineering degrees, taught in French. At that time, most engineering degrees were earned either in France or Germany. A knowledge revolution occurred in the mid-1800s due to the second industrial revolution, and by the start of the 1900s, engineering continued to grow and... <br><br>13-May-08 5:15 PM A New Day Dawning for East End Students This article is the first in a two-part series about how Project Lead the Way, HISD’s Chavez High School, and the East End Chamber of Commerce are making a difference in students’ lives and the engineering profession. In the United States, the number of college graduates earning engineering degrees each year is rising slowly after a major decrease a decade ago. While this is good news, the number of US engineering professionals retiring in the next ten years is out-pacing the number of new graduates. How did this happen and what can we do to remedy the situation? Early engineers were not degreed, they apprenticed with skilled craftsmen instead. In the early 1800s, West Point Military Academy offered the only US engineering degrees, taught in French. At that time, most engineering degrees were earned either in France or Germany. A knowledge revolution occurred in the mid-1800s due to the second industrial revolution, and by the start of the 1900s, engineering continued to grow and... http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/art/?129 noemail@interface-consulting.com Tue, 13 May 2008 22:15:00 GMT Articles http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/art/?130 An article in Time reported the U.S., the world’s greatest technological civilization, is running short of engineers. It stated that the shortage also meant that most engineering graduates have a least a half dozen offers, with an average starting salary of $350 a month. Not a bad salary for April 21, 1952, when the article was published. It was a time when the basics were not emphasized in school and fewer students were entering science, engineering, and math careers. Scientists and educators alike tried to emphasize that this trend would result in a loss of the dominant technological status we had maintained since the industrial age. The government was also underfunding science and technology. The debate ended on the evening of October 4, 1957, when the Soviets launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, into orbit. Students began to pour into engineering and science programs. In response to Sputnik, President Eisenhower formed the Science Advisory Committee, the Science... <br><br>13-May-08 5:00 PM Pre-engineering Program Launches Star Students An article in Time reported the U.S., the world’s greatest technological civilization, is running short of engineers. It stated that the shortage also meant that most engineering graduates have a least a half dozen offers, with an average starting salary of $350 a month. Not a bad salary for April 21, 1952, when the article was published. It was a time when the basics were not emphasized in school and fewer students were entering science, engineering, and math careers. Scientists and educators alike tried to emphasize that this trend would result in a loss of the dominant technological status we had maintained since the industrial age. The government was also underfunding science and technology. The debate ended on the evening of October 4, 1957, when the Soviets launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, into orbit. Students began to pour into engineering and science programs. In response to Sputnik, President Eisenhower formed the Science Advisory Committee, the Science... http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/art/?130 noemail@interface-consulting.com Tue, 13 May 2008 22:00:00 GMT Articles http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/art/?125 Part one of this two-part series addressed change order management and claims from the contractor’s perspective. This article will focus on techniques from the owner’s perspective for planning for and managing project change and avoiding claims. Although this information is geared towards owners, the information can help all parties on a construction project. Construction is not a one-way street, and it is beneficial for each of the parties to have a more complete understanding of the other parties’ perspective. Time is money, and in today’s construction industry, almost all projects are on the fast track. The amount of time taken in the conceptual design, project development, and the detailed engineering phases has become increasingly compressed as cost and schedule concerns become more important. In recent years, innovative project delivery systems such as Design-Build have become more prevalent in an effort to maintain a timely and cost-effective project delivery while mitigating... <br><br>13-May-08 4:00 PM Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail: Tips for Owners for Successful Projects Part one of this two-part series addressed change order management and claims from the contractor’s perspective. This article will focus on techniques from the owner’s perspective for planning for and managing project change and avoiding claims. Although this information is geared towards owners, the information can help all parties on a construction project. Construction is not a one-way street, and it is beneficial for each of the parties to have a more complete understanding of the other parties’ perspective. Time is money, and in today’s construction industry, almost all projects are on the fast track. The amount of time taken in the conceptual design, project development, and the detailed engineering phases has become increasingly compressed as cost and schedule concerns become more important. In recent years, innovative project delivery systems such as Design-Build have become more prevalent in an effort to maintain a timely and cost-effective project delivery while mitigating... http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/art/?125 noemail@interface-consulting.com Tue, 13 May 2008 21:00:00 GMT Articles http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/art/?127 Colleges around the nation prepare future construction managers for promising careers Construction management-bound college graduates today are finding that, more and more, universities are responding to the challenges of an ever advancing field. Higher education programs around the nation are collaborating with industry leaders and accreditation agencies to develop specialized curriculums to prepare students for successful careers. As engineers and architects try to keep up with global competition to design the most innovative structures, demand for skilled construction managers is surging, and employers are seizing students faster than they can graduate. While construction management as a profession has existed for many years, colleges have not always offered the specialized degrees they do now. Rather, construction/building science degrees have slowly evolved over the past approximately 70 years. They are a result of a combination of factors, including the homecoming of World War... <br><br>13-May-08 4:00 PM Opportunities Abound for Construction/Building Science Grads Colleges around the nation prepare future construction managers for promising careers Construction management-bound college graduates today are finding that, more and more, universities are responding to the challenges of an ever advancing field. Higher education programs around the nation are collaborating with industry leaders and accreditation agencies to develop specialized curriculums to prepare students for successful careers. As engineers and architects try to keep up with global competition to design the most innovative structures, demand for skilled construction managers is surging, and employers are seizing students faster than they can graduate. While construction management as a profession has existed for many years, colleges have not always offered the specialized degrees they do now. Rather, construction/building science degrees have slowly evolved over the past approximately 70 years. They are a result of a combination of factors, including the homecoming of World War... http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/art/?127 noemail@interface-consulting.com Tue, 13 May 2008 21:00:00 GMT Articles http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/art/?124 Every construction project, regardless of its size, inevitably encounters change. Changes can be minor, such as field rerouting of pipe to avoid an interference, or they can be major, such as a massive acceleration effort costing millions of dollars for additional personnel and overtime premiums. Managing change is an important aspect of construction project management and successful project completion. This article is the first in a two-part series that addresses issues relevant to managing change and handling unresolved change orders from a contractor’s perspective. The second article will look at mitigating change and managing claims from an owner’s perspective. As construction claims experts, nearly every project that we encounter suffers as a result of the parties’ failures to effectively manage change. This article addresses several key factors in effective change order management that help to mitigate the impacts of changes and increase the probability that change orders will... <br><br>19-Mar-08 1:00 PM Project Change: Deal with It Every construction project, regardless of its size, inevitably encounters change. Changes can be minor, such as field rerouting of pipe to avoid an interference, or they can be major, such as a massive acceleration effort costing millions of dollars for additional personnel and overtime premiums. Managing change is an important aspect of construction project management and successful project completion. This article is the first in a two-part series that addresses issues relevant to managing change and handling unresolved change orders from a contractor’s perspective. The second article will look at mitigating change and managing claims from an owner’s perspective. As construction claims experts, nearly every project that we encounter suffers as a result of the parties’ failures to effectively manage change. This article addresses several key factors in effective change order management that help to mitigate the impacts of changes and increase the probability that change orders will... http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/art/?124 noemail@interface-consulting.com Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:00:00 GMT Articles http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/art/?121 There is an ongoing debate as to whether or not it is advisable to use experts in mediation. In many cases that go to mediation, the issues in dispute are often relatively simple, strictly fact-based, and do not require damage calculations. In such cases, experts are often not required. This is generally not the case in the engineering and construction industry. Issues and disputes that occur during construction projects are typically not black and white issues. Using experts in these situations can prove beneficial for everyone involved in the mediation. The purpose of mediation is to find a mutually acceptable solution or compromise. Using experts with respect to these more difficult issues can help the client enter the mediation from a position of strength based on a thorough technical analysis. It is also important to remember that this may be the first time the opposing side’s senior management has seen or heard an unfiltered view of the positions. Experts should be used to... <br><br>29-Feb-08 11:00 AM Effective Use of Experts in Mediation There is an ongoing debate as to whether or not it is advisable to use experts in mediation. In many cases that go to mediation, the issues in dispute are often relatively simple, strictly fact-based, and do not require damage calculations. In such cases, experts are often not required. This is generally not the case in the engineering and construction industry. Issues and disputes that occur during construction projects are typically not black and white issues. Using experts in these situations can prove beneficial for everyone involved in the mediation. The purpose of mediation is to find a mutually acceptable solution or compromise. Using experts with respect to these more difficult issues can help the client enter the mediation from a position of strength based on a thorough technical analysis. It is also important to remember that this may be the first time the opposing side’s senior management has seen or heard an unfiltered view of the positions. Experts should be used to... http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/art/?121 noemail@interface-consulting.com Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:00:00 GMT Articles http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/art/?63 In general terms, force majeure is considered to be an act of God or an occurrence outside the control of the parties which impacts or delays the project. Force majeure includes issues such as unusually severe weather, labor strikes, natural disasters, or governmental actions/changes in law that negatively impact the work. Typically, force majeure is not considered to be a compensable delay, meaning neither party is entitled to compensation as a result of the impact of the force majeure event. The recent Gulf Coast hurricanes have raised some interesting and complex issues associated with defining force majeure. Typically, force majeure contract clauses include language that defines the force majeure event, including notice requirements and the terms of the schedule extension. Events such as unusually severe weather or a labor strike have clear start and end dates. It gets more complicated when there is a major event that not only directly impacts the work but also creates potentially... <br><br>2-Aug-07 10:00 AM Interpreting Force Majeure in the Wake of Disaster In general terms, force majeure is considered to be an act of God or an occurrence outside the control of the parties which impacts or delays the project. Force majeure includes issues such as unusually severe weather, labor strikes, natural disasters, or governmental actions/changes in law that negatively impact the work. Typically, force majeure is not considered to be a compensable delay, meaning neither party is entitled to compensation as a result of the impact of the force majeure event. The recent Gulf Coast hurricanes have raised some interesting and complex issues associated with defining force majeure. Typically, force majeure contract clauses include language that defines the force majeure event, including notice requirements and the terms of the schedule extension. Events such as unusually severe weather or a labor strike have clear start and end dates. It gets more complicated when there is a major event that not only directly impacts the work but also creates potentially... http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/art/?63 noemail@interface-consulting.com Thu, 02 Aug 2007 15:00:00 GMT Articles http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/art/?64 In the construction industry, the ability to manage change can determine the success or failure of a project’s objectives. The failure to recognize and promptly manage change frequently costs the parties involved money and time. Establishing a change order management process using either contractual change order requirements or a firm’s proprietary system increases the effectiveness of progress reporting, labor productivity evaluation, work scheduling, and other elements of project change. The following steps provide a streamlined approach to resolving project changes in a more cost and time efficient manner: 1. Evaluate the contract 2. Identify the change properly and in a timely manner 3. Provide timely notification to internal and external parties 4. Effectively document the change 5. Prepare the change request 6. Resolve the change request Implementing these steps at the first sign of a change can help the parties to spend less money and exert less effort to recover or... <br><br>2-Aug-07 10:00 AM Time Equals Money: Maximize Efforts to Resolve Project Changes In the construction industry, the ability to manage change can determine the success or failure of a project’s objectives. The failure to recognize and promptly manage change frequently costs the parties involved money and time. Establishing a change order management process using either contractual change order requirements or a firm’s proprietary system increases the effectiveness of progress reporting, labor productivity evaluation, work scheduling, and other elements of project change. The following steps provide a streamlined approach to resolving project changes in a more cost and time efficient manner: 1. Evaluate the contract 2. Identify the change properly and in a timely manner 3. Provide timely notification to internal and external parties 4. Effectively document the change 5. Prepare the change request 6. Resolve the change request Implementing these steps at the first sign of a change can help the parties to spend less money and exert less effort to recover or... http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/art/?64 noemail@interface-consulting.com Thu, 02 Aug 2007 15:00:00 GMT Articles http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/art/?24 Introduction This year, exceptionally high construction material price increases have caused problems for the construction industry. A major factor is the current economic and construction boom occurring in China. China&#8217;s rapid growth and tremendous construction activity are creating shortages in the US and throughout the world. Background Basic economics dictate that, in an open marketplace, prices will rise when demand increases or when supply decreases. Demand is increasing exponentially in China, which is affecting prices worldwide. The increased demand stems from a construction boom resulting from the country&#8217;s economic revolution. China is in the midst of the 10th phase of its 50 year plan, which specifies that the construction industry should be promoted, improved, and better managed. Other factors increasing China&#8217;s demand for materials include preparations for the 2008 Olympic Games, construction of the Three Gorges Dam, and the construction of... <br><br>30-Jul-07 11:45 AM Construction Industry Suffers from Increasing Material Prices Introduction This year, exceptionally high construction material price increases have caused problems for the construction industry. A major factor is the current economic and construction boom occurring in China. China&#8217;s rapid growth and tremendous construction activity are creating shortages in the US and throughout the world. Background Basic economics dictate that, in an open marketplace, prices will rise when demand increases or when supply decreases. Demand is increasing exponentially in China, which is affecting prices worldwide. The increased demand stems from a construction boom resulting from the country&#8217;s economic revolution. China is in the midst of the 10th phase of its 50 year plan, which specifies that the construction industry should be promoted, improved, and better managed. Other factors increasing China&#8217;s demand for materials include preparations for the 2008 Olympic Games, construction of the Three Gorges Dam, and the construction of... http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/art/?24 noemail@interface-consulting.com Mon, 30 Jul 2007 16:45:00 GMT Articles http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/art/?8 Contractors frequently experience site conditions differing from those anticipated in their bids. An example would be existing facilities, which are to form part of the contract work, that differ in their location, makeup, or state of repair from information in the bid documents or from what would be apparent to a contractor making a responsible, prebid inspection. If the differing site conditions should have been discovered or anticipated by the contractor and the contractor failed to do so, the chances of receiving additional compensation through a change order are very low. However, if the condition differs from what was indicated in the plans and specifications or what was apparent from inspections, the likelihood of receiving additional compensation for changes in the work can be quite high. Differing site conditions (also known as changed conditions) are frequent sources of dispute between owners and contractors. Many contractors proceed with work under changed conditions... <br><br>30-Jul-07 11:15 AM Risks of Differing Site Conditions Contractors frequently experience site conditions differing from those anticipated in their bids. An example would be existing facilities, which are to form part of the contract work, that differ in their location, makeup, or state of repair from information in the bid documents or from what would be apparent to a contractor making a responsible, prebid inspection. If the differing site conditions should have been discovered or anticipated by the contractor and the contractor failed to do so, the chances of receiving additional compensation through a change order are very low. However, if the condition differs from what was indicated in the plans and specifications or what was apparent from inspections, the likelihood of receiving additional compensation for changes in the work can be quite high. Differing site conditions (also known as changed conditions) are frequent sources of dispute between owners and contractors. Many contractors proceed with work under changed conditions... http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/art/?8 noemail@interface-consulting.com Mon, 30 Jul 2007 16:15:00 GMT Release http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/rel/?96 <p style="line-height: 150%">Chris Hanvey, a Senior Consultant at Interface Consulting, recently wrote a two-part series of articles published in the March and April issues of <em>Modern Contractor Solutions</em> magazine. The articles, “Project Change: Deal with It” and “Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail: Successful Project Tips for Owners,” focus on project change from both a contractor’s perspective and an owner’s perspective. The first article discusses contractor how-tos in handling unresolved change orders, while the second article offers tips for owners in mitigating change and managing claims.</p> <div style="line-height: 150%"><a href="/en/articles/view.asp?articleid=124" target="_self">“Project Change: Deal with It” Article Link</a>&nbsp; <a href="/attachments/files/197/Project%20Changes.pdf" target="_blank">[Article PDF]</a></div> <div style="line-height: 150%">&nbsp;</div> <div style="line-height: 150%"><a href="/en/art/?125" target="_self">“Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail: Successful Project Tips for Owners” Article Link</a>&nbsp; <a href="/attachments/files/196/Changes%20-%20Failing%20to%20Plan.pdf" target="_blank">[Article PDF]</a></div> <p style="line-height: 150%">For over 21 years, Interface Consulting International, Inc., has provided a wide range of consulting and expert services to the construction- and energy-related industries in a variety of challenging settings – from the boardroom to the courtroom. Interface Consulting is a privately owned corporation based in Houston, Texas, whose consultants have construction management, claims, and litigation experience on more than 700 projects worldwide. </p> http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/rel/?96 noemail@interface-consulting.com Tue, 13 May 2008 22:00:00 GMT Release http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/rel/?91 <p><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">May 14, 2008</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">Interface Consulting is attending and exhibiting at the East End Chamber of Commerce’s Port of Houston Appreciation Day and Business Expo. The Business Expo, underwritten by Prudential Financial, will showcase over 500 area business leaders. Port of Houston Chair, Jim Edmonds, and Executive Director, Tom Kornegay<span style="color: navy">,</span> are featured speakers at the Appreciation Banquet which will follow the Business Expo.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial"><a href="http://www.eecoc.org/">http://www.eecoc.org</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial"><a href="http://www.eecoc.org/custom2.asp?pageid=229">http://www.eecoc.org/custom2.asp?pageid=229</a></span></p> http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/rel/?91 noemail@interface-consulting.com Mon, 12 May 2008 18:00:00 GMT Release http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/rel/?86 <p><strong>April 16-18, 2008</strong></p> <div>Interface Consulting principals attended the American Bar Association Section of Litigation Annual Conference held at the Washington, DC, Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill from Wednesday, April 16 through Friday, April 18, 2008. </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>The conference is a forum for pressing topics in the litigation arena including recent court developments, legal battles between the Executive and Legislative Branches, and other issues taking center stage in the nation’s capital. Other discussions included the latest trends in the real estate and credit markets, discovery in international arbitration, and national transportation safety, among others. Litigation attorneys from around the country attend this annual event to sharpen their litigation skills and benefit from the networking opportunities. </div> <p>For more information, please visit: </p> <p><a href="http://www.abanet.org/litigation/sectionannual/">http://www.abanet.org/litigation/sectionannual/</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.abanet.org/litigation/sectionannual/docs/brochure2008.pdf">http://www.abanet.org/litigation/sectionannual/docs/brochure2008.pdf</a></p> http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/rel/?86 noemail@interface-consulting.com Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:00:00 GMT Release http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/rel/?85 <p>The Fourth Annual Pipeline Opportunities Conference was held at the Houston Hyatt Regency on Tuesday, March 25^th. Interface Consulting was a Silver Sponsor of the event coordinated by the Pipeline &amp; Gas Journal and the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA). Pipeline executives from around the world gathered to discuss the exciting opportunities and emerging trends in the pipeline industry. There was also an exhibition forum that facilitated networking opportunities. </p> <p>Session topics included workforce issues, making pipelines greener, new research and development facilities, and the emerging market of ethanol. Alaska’s governor, Sarah <span style="font-family: Times-Roman">Palin, sent her gasline team to present the luncheon session on the proposed North Slope natural gas pipeline project.</span></p> <p>For more information, please visit: <a href="http://www.oildompublishing.com/PipelineConference/08/08%20post%20conference/Pipeline%20Opp_postconference.html">http://www.oildompublishing.com/PipelineConference/08/08%20post%20conference/Pipeline%20Opp_postconference.html</a></p> http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/rel/?85 noemail@interface-consulting.com Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:00:00 GMT Release http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/rel/?88 <div><strong>April 25, 2008</strong></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Interface Consulting will host the East End Chamber of Commerce’s April Infrastructure Task Force meeting at the Greater East End Management District headquarters. Houston-area developers, architects, and engineers will attend the meeting.</div> <div> <p>This month’s featured speaker is Shannon Teasley, Manager of Brownfields Redevelopment Program for the City of Houston. With the focus on Houston’s East End as the city’s next great place, development is expanding into Brownfield properties. Ms. Teasley will speak about the opportunities for commercial, residential, and transit-oriented development on and near the new Harrisburg light rail line.</p> <p>The City of Houston’s Brownfields Redevelopment Program seeks to improve Houstonians' quality of life by facilitating the identification, assessment, cleanup, and beneficial redevelopment of Brownfields. The redevelopment can be anything that will benefit the community, such as housing for the elderly, new businesses that create jobs or shopping opportunities, or parks. The program works in coordination with other neighborhood improvement efforts of the City government, other governmental agencies, and the private sector. </p> <p><a title="blocked::http://www.eecoc.org/&#10;http://www.eecoc.org/" href="http://www.eecoc.org/">http://www.eecoc.org</a></p> <p><a title="blocked::http://greatereastend.com/&#10;http://greatereastend.com/" href="http://greatereastend.com/">http://greatereastend.com/</a></p> </div> http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/rel/?88 noemail@interface-consulting.com Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:00:00 GMT Release http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/rel/?82 <p>Interface Consulting International Inc., will sponsor and exhibit at the 21^st Annual Construction Law Conference on February 28 &amp; 29 at the Westin La Cantera Resort in San Antonio, Texas. The conference is sponsored by the Construction Law Section of the State Bar of Texas in cooperation with the Texas Institute of Continuing Legal Education.</p> <p>Professionals from all over Texas gather at this annual meeting of Texas State Bar Construction Law Section. The conference will provide an exhibition space to facilitate networking opportunities amongst its attendees. </p> <p>For more information, please visit: <a href="http://www.clesolutions.com/">http://www.clesolutions.com</a> or <a href="http://www.constlaw.org/">http://www.constlaw.org</a></p> http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/rel/?82 noemail@interface-consulting.com Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:00:00 GMT Release http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/rel/?81 <p>The American Bar Association (ABA) will hold its annual Forum on the Construction Industry on February 7 at the Westin Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas. Interface Consulting International, Inc. will be exhibiting at this networking and professional development event. Attendees include attorneys and construction executives from around the country.</p> <p>The theme of this year’s event is The 2007 AIA Documents: New Forms, New Issues, New Strategies. Attendees will learn more about the recent AIA document changes, including what hasn’t changed. The program will also address how the electronic age is affecting the industry, lessons learned and will include sessions discussing each changed document. </p> <p>For more information, please visit: <a title="http://www.abanet.org/forums/construction/home.html" href="http://www.abanet.org/forums/construction/home.html">http://www.abanet.org/forums/construction/home.html</a></p> http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/rel/?81 noemail@interface-consulting.com Mon, 04 Feb 2008 19:00:00 GMT Release http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/rel/?80 <p style="line-height: 150%">A one-day seminar, Construction Claims in Louisiana, will be held February 8, 2008, at Hotel InterContinental New Orleans. The event is sponsored by Lorman Education Services and will be moderated by Frank G. Adams, P.E., president of Interface Consulting International, Inc. </p> <p style="line-height: 150%">Key points of discussion will be presented by Christopher J. Sullivan of Interface, John D. Person, Esq., of Middleberg Riddle &amp; Gianna, and William M. Blackston, Esq., of Simon, Peragine, Smith &amp; Redfearn, LLP. </p> <p style="line-height: 150%">Topics discussed will include Specific Claims and Controlling Legal Authority in addition to Construction Defects Under the Louisiana New Home Warranty Act. An interactive segment with audience members and a question and answer session will conclude the seminar. </p> <p style="line-height: 150%">The Louisiana State Bar MCLE Committee has approved this program for 6.66 CLE hours. Additional continuing education credits may also apply. For more information or to register for this program, please contact Lorman Education Services at 866-352-9539, or visit <a href="http://www.lorman.com/">www.lorman.com.</a></p> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; letter-spacing: -0.25pt">For over 21 years, Interface Consulting International, Inc., has provided a wide range of consulting and expert services to the construction- and energy-related industries in a variety of challenging settings – from the boardroom to the courtroom. Interface Consulting is a privately owned corporation based in Houston, Texas, whose consultants have construction management, claims, and litigation experience on more than 700 projects worldwide. </span> http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/rel/?80 noemail@interface-consulting.com Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:00:00 GMT Release http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/rel/?77 <p><span style="font-family: Verdana"><span style="font-size: 8pt">Interface Consulting hosted its annual client appreciation party Thursday, November 15, 2007, at the Mosaic Lounge in Bayou Place. Many of the firm’s clients and business colleagues were in attendance.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Verdana"><span style="font-size: 8pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-size: 8pt">This year’s venue featured intimate outdoor seating and an illuminated indoor water wall. Guests enjoyed contemporary gourmet hors d'oeuvres and desserts as well as a variety of cocktails.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Verdana"><span style="font-size: 8pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-size: 8pt">Interface Consulting thanks everyone for coming and wishes them success in the New Year.</span></span></span> </span></p> <div><span style="font-family: Verdana">&nbsp;</span></div> <div><span style="font-family: Verdana"><a href="http://www.interface-consulting.com/2007_client_appreciation_reception/" target="_self"><span style="font-family: Verdana">Animated Invitation</span></a></span>&nbsp; </div> http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/rel/?77 noemail@interface-consulting.com Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:00:00 GMT Release http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/rel/?46 <h1 align="center">Thursday, October 18, 2007</h1> <h2 align="center">5:00-9:00 pm</h2> <strong> <p align="center">Campbell Hall</p> <p align="center">Pasadena Convention Center &amp; Fairgrounds</p> <p align="center">7600 Red Bluff Road, Pasadena, TX 77507</p> <div align="center">Call 713.523.6222 or visit <a href="http://www.abchouston.org" target="_blank">www.abchouston.org</a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div align="center"><a href="http://www.abchouston.org/user-assets/Documents/ticketinfo.pdf" target="_blank"> <div align="center">Ticket Information</div> </a></div> </strong> http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/rel/?46 noemail@interface-consulting.com Fri, 05 Oct 2007 16:00:00 GMT Content Managers http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/cms/?478 Consultant Article Featured in Construction Executive Magazine Construction Executive magazine recently published, Opportunities Abound for Construction Grads: Colleges Prepare Future Construction Managers for Promising Careers, an article written by Interface Commercial Consultant Kim Hester. The article discusses the high demand for qualified construction managers and the subsequent need for excellence in construction management and building science higher education programs. Opportunities Abound for... [Full Press Release] Senior Consultant Authors Articles on Project Change Chris Hanvey, a Senior Consultant at Interface Consulting, recently wrote a two-part series of articles published in the March and April issues of Modern Contractor Solutions magazine. The articles, Project Change: Deal with It and Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail: Successful Project Tips for Owners, focus on project change from both a contractor’s perspective and an owner’s perspective. The first... http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/cms/?478 Wed, 14 May 2008 22:03:27 GMT Content Managers http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/cms/?732 Steve Parker, senior consultant and graphics director for Interface Consulting, oversees the graphics design and art department for the company. As an award winning graphics designer with over 15 years of experience, Mr. Parker is a specialist in analyzing complex data and determining the most effective way to illustrate a message for persuasive and resolution purposes. He was a lead designer for a leading international consulting firm where he managed and trained a staff of graphic designers. Mr. Parker worked with the firm’s divisions in global energy and utilities, engineering and construction, financial services, health care, education, marketing, and technology. He has also served in the oil and gas, software development, higher education, and legal markets. In addition to his communications and graphics contributions, he plays an active role in the planning, preservation, and development of city and community projects. Mr. Parker holds a Bachelor of... http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/cms/?732 Tue, 13 May 2008 22:33:11 GMT Content Managers http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/cms/?2484 Pre-engineering Program Launches Star Students An article in Time reported the U.S., the world’s greatest technological civilization, is running short of engineers. It stated that the shortage also meant that most engineering graduates have a least a half dozen offers, with an average starting salary of $350 a month. Not a bad salary for April 21, 1952, when the article was published. It was a time when the basics were not emphasized in school and fewer students were entering science, engineering, and math careers. Scientists and...[Full Article] [Article PDF] Opportunities Abound for Construction/Building Science Grads Colleges around the nation prepare future construction managers for promising careers Construction management-bound college graduates today are finding that, more and more, universities are responding to the challenges of an ever advancing field. Higher education programs around the nation are collaborating with industry leaders and accreditation agencies to develop... http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/cms/?2484 Tue, 13 May 2008 22:31:12 GMT Content Managers http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/cms/?719 As communications coordinator, Kimberly Hester manages the corporate communications of the firm. Ms. Hester assists with the research and writing of public relations and marketing materials, the editing of client correspondence and work products, and language translation for project-related documents. She also facilitates with database management, marketing and advertising program coordination, special events planning, and recruitment. Prior to joining Interface Consulting, Ms. Hester worked in the human resources department of a major petroleum company. She is bilingual, and is fluent in written and spoken Spanish. Ms. Hester holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies, with an emphasis in Corporate Communication as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from The University of Texas at Austin. Interface Consulting International, Inc. Communications Coordinator Manages corporate communications to maintain positive client relations in... http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/cms/?719 Tue, 13 May 2008 22:11:58 GMT Content Managers http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/cms/?310 Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail: Tips for Owners for Successful Projects Part one of this two-part series addressed change order management and claims from the contractor’s perspective. This article will focus on techniques from the owner’s perspective for planning for and managing project change and avoiding claims. Although this information is geared towards owners, the information can help all parties on a construction project. Construction is not a one-way street, and it is beneficial for each of the parties to have a more complete understanding of the other... [Full Article] [Article PDF] Project Change: Deal with It Every construction project, regardless of its size, inevitably encounters change. Changes can be minor, such as field rerouting of pipe to avoid an interference, or they can be major, such as a massive acceleration effort costing millions of dollars for additional personnel and overtime premiums. Managing change is an important aspect of construction project... http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/cms/?310 Tue, 13 May 2008 21:43:36 GMT Content Managers http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/cms/?136 <div><strong><img height="113" alt="Commercial Facilities &amp; Building Consultants" src="/attachments/contentmanagers/136/consultants_commercial07.jpg" width="530" border="0" longDesc="Commercial Facilities &amp; Building Consultants" /><br> <br> Section Leaders:</strong> </div> <div><a href="/frank_g_adams/" target="_self">Frank G. Adams</a></div> <div><a href="/philip_d_barnard/" target="_self">Philip D. Barnard</a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>Technical Consultants:</strong></div> <div><a href="/christopher_l_hanvey/" target="_self">Christopher L. Hanvey</a></div> <div><a href="/tygue_d_rudolph/" target="_self">Tygue D. Rudolph</a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>Commercial Consultants:</strong> <div><a href="/joanne_k_janssen/" target="_self">Joanne K. Janssen</a></div> </div> <div><a href="/karen_p_matthews/" target="_self">Karen P. Matthews</a><br> <a href="/steven_e_parker/" target="_self">Steven E. Parker</a></div> <div><a href="/en/cms/?214" target="_self"></a>&nbsp;</div> http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/cms/?136 Fri, 09 May 2008 22:38:43 GMT Content Managers http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/cms/?134 <div><strong><img height="113" alt="Civil &amp; Infrastructure Consultants" src="/attachments/contentmanagers/134/consultants_civil07.jpg" width="530" border="0" longDesc="Civil &amp; Infrastructure Consultants" /><br> <br> Section Leaders:</strong> </div> <div><a href="/philip_d_barnard/" target="_self">Philip D. Barnard</a></div> <div><a href="/christopher_l_hanvey/" target="_self">Christopher L. Hanvey</a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>Technical Consultants:</strong> <div><a href="/tygue_d_rudolph/" target="_self">Tygue D. Rudolph</a></div> </div> <div><a href="/brian_j_triche/" target="_self">Brian J. Triche</a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>Commercial Consultants:</strong></div> <div><a href="/kimberly_e_hester/" target="_self">Kimberly E. Hester</a><br> <a href="/karen_p_matthews/" target="_self">Karen P. Matthews</a><br> <a href="/danielle_a_sims/" target="_self">Danielle A. Sims</a><br> </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/cms/?134 Fri, 09 May 2008 22:38:20 GMT Content Managers http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/cms/?751 Chris Sullivan, principal consultant for Interface Consulting, has extensive engineering and project management experience in the US and abroad, including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America, and Asia. As a specialist in the commercial and technical aspects of project management, Mr. Sullivan has worked on many high-profile engineering and construction projects involving oil and gas refineries, chemical plants, petrochemical and industrial facilities, as well as commercial buildings. He is experienced in all aspects of contract execution, including project development, engineering and design, and project controls. Mr. Sullivan holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Northeastern University and a Master of Business Administration from Temple University. Industry Focus Refinery, Petrochemical, & Chemical Pipelines Oil & Gas Industrial & Commercial Buildings LNG & NGL Power Plants Interface Consulting International,... http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/cms/?751 Fri, 02 May 2008 20:05:04 GMT Content Managers http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/cms/?38 Corporations and their legal counsel retain Interface Consultings experts during all phases of litigation and arbitration, from the initial filing for defining issues and strategy, through documentation management and discovery, to comprehensive damage analysis, opinions, and expert testimony. Clients turn to Interface Consulting for the best resolution in and out of the courtroom. Our clients acknowledge the firm’s valuable insight into complex engineering and construction disputes and its successful track record. Legal teams depend on Interface Consulting because of its well-qualified consultants and experienced testifying experts. They recognize the strategic advantage and value the firm brings to each case. Our project teams have diverse capabilities and expertise that enable us to address each client’s varied and complex issues with a thorough understanding of the unique demands of litigation. Whether the expert requirement is highly technical, quantitatively complex, or... http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/cms/?38 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:47:20 GMT Content Managers http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/cms/?51 Interface Consulting is the construction consulting firm of choice. Clients worldwide have relied on our expertise on over 700 project assignments valued from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions of dollars. We approach these projects, each with unique and often complex circumstances, strategically, utilizing our portfolio of professional services. Our assignments have involved numerous sectors of the construction and engineering industries, from shipyards in Singapore and airports in the Caribbean, to pipelines in Maine and gas processing facilities in Peru. Select one of the following industries to view a representative list of our assignments: Civil & Infrastructure Airports, Terminals, & Runways Water, Wastewater, & Solid Waste Facilities Reservoirs, Detention Basins, & Pumping Stations Flood Protection & Drainage Environmental, Civil, & Geotechnical Highways, Expressways, & Tollways Roads, Bridges, & Rapid... http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/cms/?51 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:45:36 GMT Survey http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/sur/?1 Objectives: <p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diem nonummynibh euismod tincidunt ut lacreet dolore magna aliguam erat volutpat. Ut wisis enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tution ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis te feugifacilisi. </p> <p>Duis autem dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit au gue duis dolore te feugat nulla facilisi. </p> <p>Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci taion ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex en commodo consequat. Duis te feugifacilisi per suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex en commodo consequat.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diem nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut lacreet dolore magna aliguam erat volutpat. </p> <p>Ut wisis enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci<br><br>Release Date: 20-Jun-07 11:35 AM<br>Expiration Date: 20-Sep-07 11:35 AM<br><p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diem nonummynibh euismod tincidunt ut lacreet dolore magna aliguam erat volutpat. Ut wisis enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tution ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis te feugifacilisi. </p> <p>Duis autem dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit au gue duis dolore te feugat nulla facilisi. </p> <p>Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci taion ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex en commodo consequat. Duis te feugifacilisi per suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex en commodo consequat.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diem nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut lacreet dolore magna aliguam erat volutpat. </p> <p>Ut wisis enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/sur/?1 noemail@interface-consulting.com Wed, 20 Jun 2007 16:35:46 GMT Courses http://www.interface-consulting.com/en/courses/view.asp?courseid=1
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