Ever hear of a "quiet" project? We think it's the key to any successful architectural endeavor. And it may not be what you think. Here's why it matters.
At DesignGroup, we have a shorthand reference for projects that go smoothly for our clients. We refer to them as “quiet.” It’s always our goal to deliver projects that are quiet. This doesn’t mean these projects aren’t complex or without challenges—quiet projects can be very ambitious. A quiet project means that despite the complexity, our team took intentional steps with our client, the engineers, and the builder to stay focused, cohesive, and nimble. They handled the project with minimal noise or disruption to the client and stakeholders. It was highly collaborative, and, most importantly, successful.
Quiet projects don't happen by accident. They are the result of practices that bring unique value to our clients' work and allow for effective partnerships in architecture—whether the project is a new build, addition, or renovation. Here's a recent example.
Quiet in Action: A Case Study
From 2017 through 2022, DesignGroup partnered with a leading Ohio healthcare system and construction manager to deliver a complex, multi-phased renovation across several interconnected buildings. The scope included operating rooms, pre- and post-procedure bays, PACU, and support spaces, all of which needed to remain operational throughout construction. Despite the complexity, executives later described it as the quietest project on campus—not because it lacked challenges, but because the process was managed so smoothly that the complexity never became their burden.
A key to the project’s success, from the earliest planning sessions to completion, was close collaboration with the client and our amazing partners. Together, the team developed a detailed sequencing plan that allowed construction to proceed while maintaining uninterrupted patient care. By working through issues proactively (often before they ever reached leadership), the project advanced with confidence and trust.
Studying and Verifying Existing Conditions
Because this project spanned multiple buildings constructed over different eras, the team invested significant time studying historical documentation. Our deep experience on the campus meant we already knew many of the intricacies of the building, and that knowledge was critical to anticipating challenges. To further reduce risk, point cloud technology was used to verify existing conditions within the BIM model, ensuring accuracy and alignment. This combination of institutional knowledge and modern verification minimized surprises and gave both client and builder greater certainty.
Simulation and Innovation
Beyond resolving existing conditions, the team used simulation to study how pre- and post-procedure bays were used throughout the day. This analysis revealed an opportunity for “flex bays” that could switch functions depending on demand, such as transitioning from prep/phase 2 recovery to phase 1 post anesthesia care. The innovation reduced square footage needs, saved money, and created new value for the client.
Efficiencies like these enabled the team to reinvest savings into the project. The cost savings ultimately delivered additional program space that was not part of the original plan. The additional program included a new conference center, which also doubled as a brand new incident command center. The team made this possible through proactive planning and collaboration.
Local Presence, Immediate Response
Our local presence provided an additional advantage. With team members close by, we could be on-site the same day whenever questions arose. This responsiveness reassured the client that problems would be addressed quickly, keeping the project on track and minimizing disruptions.
Why Quiet Works
The success of this project can be traced to a culture of partnership and trust, rooted in:
- Collaboration with both builder and client — aligning sequencing, problem-solving, and decision-making from the start.
- Local responsiveness — same-day site presence ensured quick resolution of issues.
- Deep building knowledge — prior work on the campus gave the team insight into its intricacies.
- Thorough study of existing conditions — combining decades of documentation with point cloud verification.
- Simulation-driven insights — identifying flex bay strategies that saved space and cost.
- Shared ownership of outcomes — solutions created together that benefited all parties.
In the end, what could have been a disruptive, high-stress renovation became a project remembered for its seamless delivery. It was ambitious, complex, and multi-layered. And yet, to the client, it felt consistent, reassuring, and…quiet.
