In the complex world of mechanical construction, what looks good on 2D drawings does not always translate to a practical, buildable solution.  Unfortunately, the mechanical industry is challenged by design and contractor approaches that overlook real-world conditions, resulting in costly rework and delays. Getting a design on paper is only the beginning; post-construction maintenance and long-term serviceability must remain key priorities throughout the process.

Constructability isn’t just about making designs look good on paper; it’s about ensuring what’s drawn can be built, maintained, and operated effectively for years to come.

At MacDonald-Miller, we understand that an innovative design is only as good as its build-ability and take pride in turning intricate plans into tangible, high-performing assets.

In the construction industry, it’s a more common problem than you might think— a design is theoretically sound but, proves difficult, costly, or even impossible to build in the real world.

This can occur for numerous reasons, ranging from:

Lack of Early Buildability Input: Consulting engineers, unlike integrated design-build teams, often have less experience with actual construction, meaning practical constructability feedback isn’t incorporated early enough in the design process. This results in designs that don’t truly reflect what will be installed and how installation will be possible.

Unverified Assumptions: Early project estimates are often based on assumptions of the construction process that may not hold true, and a lack of proactive validation can lead to significant misalignments once construction begins.

Job Site and Subcontractor Dynamics: Traditional construction environments sometimes operate on a “first in WINS” mentality, where trades install systems without comprehensive coordination, leading to clashes and rework. In complex environments like healthcare, effective collaboration is essential due to the sheer volume of systems in tight spaces.

This lack of focus on constructability can lead to significant and expensive headaches, including project delays, rework and cost overruns, and even operational nightmares once the build is complete.

MacDonald-Miller’s integrated design-build approach tackles these problems head-on. Our teams don’t just design; they design to be built, considering the practicalities of construction from the very beginning.

Integrated Expertise

Unlike the traditional approach where engineers might design in a vacuum, MacDonald-Miller brings a full spectrum of expertise under one roof, integrating construction, maintenance and serviceability insights into the design process. Our engineers work closely with:

Estimators: They create the virtual system, modeling the design in 3D  to assess a project’s risks and opportunities, factoring in labor, scope, and other key variables.

Detailers: This team is instrumental in bringing the design to life.   Our detailers are union employees that fully understand installation code requirements and the feasibility of bringing the theoretical into reality.  Often managing the clash detection process, MMFS proactively works to create a installation model that works for all parties (owner, trade partners, and MMFS)

Field Teams: The invaluable “boots on the ground” perspective from our craft leadership ensures that designs are not only buildable but also serviceable and easy to maintain over the long term. Early involvement from our installers enables proactive collaboration, resulting in a design that reflects how our field team envisions installing the work.

Our process is built on foresight and transparent communication. We get involved in projects early, often sitting with owners and architects in the initial design phase to develop a holistic cost picture. We’re cognizant that our cost data as construction partners will have a real impact on project programming and the size of the building that can be built.  Due to our extensive cost metrics and our 3D modeling, we can provide both timely and accurate budgeting to allow owners to make informed decisions.

Ultimately, MacDonald-Miller’s commitment to constructability delivers more than just successful projects — it builds trust. Our clients gain peace of mind knowing their vision will be executed with precision, foresight, and care. From early design to final installation, our integrated approach ensures that every detail is thoughtfully considered, every challenge is proactively addressed, and every system is built to perform.

We don’t just make complex construction possible — we make it predictable, efficient, and sustainable. With MacDonald-Miller, clients can move forward with confidence, knowing their buildings are not only built right, but built for the future.