When to Engage W&W Experts for Design Assist

If you're wondering whether it's too early to talk with us, it probably isn't.

W&W's Design Assist process works best when there's still room to shape the feel of the design and explore options to achieve your vision. That means before the glass system modules and budgets are locked in, before the spec is written, and before the options become narrowed by any Value Engineering (VE) pressures related to budgets.

But we understand that the timing isn't always obvious. Architects aren't always sure when it's appropriate to bring in a system engineer and fabrication/installation partner for expertise to help translate your design into buildable details with installation logistics in mind. The answer, almost always, is now.

Whether you're in early Schematic Design (SD) with a bold concept and no system solution yet, or deep into Design Development (DD) trying to hold a spec together under Value Engineering (VE) pressure, W&W Glass can add value at every phase. Our design guidance can help you navigate through with ease based on over 40 years of real-world engineering and installation experience. And the best part is that it doesn't have to cost the Owner or your team money upfront to tap into our vast resources to get it specified right through our trusted process.

BMW North American Headquarters rendering

Schematic Design (SD)

You’re working with big ideas and limited constraints. The all glass system concept is exciting but unresolved. You don’t have a system yet, and you’re not sure what’s feasible at the scale or transparency you’re after.

This is the highest-value moment for our Design Assist process. We can review your concept, identify structural and performance constraints early, and help you make design decisions with confidence instead of making assumptions that may not be feasible later. Designs may not be able to be supported structurally or within the budget range with additional support needed, costing the Owner valuable time and money.

What you get at SD: Feasibility feedback on your glass concept, early system options with performance and budget context, and a clear picture of what’s achievable before the design gets too far down the road.

Design Development (DD)

The design direction is established with a path forward. Now you need to know the finer points of how it works with surrounding elements. You’re developing details, writing preliminary outline specs, using 2-D CAD and 3-D Revit, and responding to owner and consultant questions about performance and cost.

W&W Glass can pressure-test your system approach, develop spec-ready details that reflect your design intent, and give you the performance documentation your team needs to move confidently into CDs.

What you get at DD: Engineered system details aligned to your evolving design, performance and testing documentation, preliminary specification criteria, and budget guidance that keeps the design defensible.

BMW North American Headquarters design details

Construction Documents (CD)

Regular construction document stage deadlines loom and the glass system needs the detail development and documentation for bid. Maybe you’ve been managing the system details and specifications yourself and need a technical partner to to help review for accuracy and quality assurance? Maybe you’re concerned the specification may leave too much room for ambiguity that could allow the design to deviate from the intent through the final bidding process?

W&W can step in during CD review to strengthen specifications and close coordination and detailing gaps, increasing confidence that the specified system is ultimately selected and built as designed.

What you get at CD: Spec review and tightening, detail coordination, performance criteria that will hold through bid and construction, and a direct line to the team that will oversee the installation once it gets in the field.

Combine Two Smaller Units to Create One Taller Upper Glass Unit Per Bay

Black Ceramic Fritted Silk-Screened Line In Tall Upper Unit (to simulate visual joint) In Lieu of True Silicone Joint and Dead Load Shelf Support

Only One Row of Dead Load Shelf Assemblies Needed

Thinner Painted Steel Plate Door Portals for Better Transparency In Lieu of Larger Clad Steel Tube Door Portals

Value Engineering (VE)

The project is in the budget reconciliation VE Phase and the structural glass system is on the table. When the CM/GC or owner looks to reduce costs, value-added façade features are often the first systems to be targeted for savings.

This is exactly what W&W Glass’ Design Assist process is built for. We can provide the technical and cost documentation needed to help to defend the system, evaluate alternative approaches without compromising quality and performance, and help your team make the case for keeping the design intact.

During the VE phase: Technical backup for your position, cost and performance comparisons across system options, and timely communication from a partner who will show up when it counts the most.

50′ Tall by 10′ Wide Module, Custom Structurally-Glazed Profiles Bonded to Low-Iron Laminated Glass, Cable Tension Wall System with Concealed Dead Load Shelves and Wind Load Clamps Engaging Profiles at Back of Glass, Curved Bent Laminated Corners.

Contact Us

Have a project in mind? Questions about one of our projects? Need some help with details or a quote? Fill out our form below for a prompt response from our team or call us at 1-866-698-0714. We are happy to assist you.