On a BTS project, our client has no contractual relationship with the contractors - probably not even the designers. Therefore, a solid design brief, clear interfaces, a solid agreement with the developer and landlord, and a close look at quality are essential. Our team has vast experience with this type of delivery and knows the communication channels to move the project forward with the intended qualities.
We have worked in different constellations for many such projects in China. We know the specifics of this type of project: All operations under our client can be fully controlled by us, and all interfaces with the operations managed by the developer are fully coordinated.
Our involvement in the developer's own operations, on the other hand, will be more supervisory and risk mitigation in nature. Anything in the BTS agreement can be escalated, and for other, more detailed issues, we will always work transparently to find solutions that can be accepted by both the tenant and the developer.
A very important document for BTS is the Design Brief, which is the technical basis on which the developer is contractually bound. We will prepare this document together with the customer; we will bring all our experience and involve our most experienced staff.
Normally, we advise the preparation of a Conceptual Design (rough floor plan with the main functional areas or better rooms, elevations, sections) or better a full Schematic Design (defined by Chinese law as the first of three design phases) as part of the Design Brief. If required, this preliminary work can be done by us; if a complete Schematic Design with sections is required, also by hiring a licensed LDI. Ideally, this LDI would be identical to the LDI selected by the owner for subsequent design phases, thus avoiding loss of knowledge or other friction. This would mean that we manage the project during design, construction, and closeout, working with the LDI, providing quality assurance during construction and closeout, and monitoring all activities.
If required, we provide comprehensive support in coordinating with the authorities or with Jianli, since even in the BTS scenario there remain official approvals that must be obtained on behalf of the tenant (e.g. environmental issues due to the tenant's production operations or safety approvals, etc.). In addition, we oversee the developer's permitting activities. Our team takes over the planning management and ensures that our client's interests are optimally protected. A construction team is then deployed on site to oversee the construction process and follow up on any quality-related issues. Our project managers manage the sampling process to ensure the quality of the selected materials and conduct regular on-site inspections to avoid deviations from the client's expectations.
Only a clear agreement with defined responsibilities and interfaces leads to a successful project. All necessary processes must be transparent for all parties involved. On-site presence ensures permanent monitoring and immediate corrective action.
All in all: Your BTS project is in good hands with Drees & Sommer!