The Rafn Blog
A Million Dollars' Worth of Experience
Constructability review is not a one-time review. It is a continuous, collaborative, process that provides the best value when started early on in the design phase and continues through the construction phase.
New Tech To Check (Out)
The construction industry is constantly evolving with new products that make our work safer, more cost-effective, easier to install, and/or of higher quality. Here are several recent additions to our toolbox of great products for better building.
Preserving Heritage at Mt. Baker Village
In late April 1975, Washington Governor Dan Evans was stunned by news coverage of one of the last US helicopters lifting off the roof of a Saigon building as the US evacuated Vietnam, leaving behind frantic individuals clinging to the ladder leading to the rooftop.
Mass Timber - Paving the Way to a Sustainable Future
Thanks to innovative technology, the old post and beam URM’s in Pioneer Square are being replaced by a newer framing style that consists of using small wood members to form larger solid wood formations to construct walls, floors, and roof systems.
Generational Differences in the Construction Industry
Much has been written about how younger generation(s) in the workforce like to do things differently and how “more experienced” generations are resistant to change, but do those generalizations hold true in the construction industry? We talked to a variety of our staff across the generational spectrum to find out.
Building a Waffle on a Peat Bog
Getting this project off on the right foot took extra care due to a geological oddity of the Greenwood neighborhood: It's built on a peat bog.
Procuring the Best Vendor Pricing
Charming the Specialty Contractor/Vendor Community
Utilizing Technology in the Punch List Process
To make sure all final touches on any construction project are perfect a punch list process is essential.
The Lean Methodology of Project Scheduling
Lean scheduling is a way to combat delays and “firefighting” with careful, collaborative planning that ultimately increases efficiency and reduces waste. Delays and “firefighting” may seem like a typical part of the construction process – but it doesn’t have to be that way.