RWC Systems is excited to provide an update on our latest project—the Canaccord Tenant Improvement Project, awarded in early 2023. This significant undertaking showcases our dedication to quality craftsmanship and innovative construction solutions.
Project Overview
Set at 1133 Melville, “The Stack”, the Canaccord Tenant Improvement Project involves a comprehensive project to create a new office space for Canaccord. Our team has been tasked with transforming the interior environment to enhance functionality, aesthetics, and overall employee experience.
Scope of Work
Our specialized services in drywall, steel stud framing, and specialty ceilings are at the forefront of this project. Key elements of our work include:
Drywall Installation: A staggering 150,000 sq ft of drywall, ensuring robust, soundproof, and aesthetically pleasing interiors.
Steel Stud Framing: An impressive 10,500 linear feet of framing, providing a solid and secure structure to the entire setup.
Specialty Ceilings: Innovative ceiling designs and materials are being implemented to create an inspiring and functional office environment. These specialty ceilings not only contribute to the visual appeal but also improve acoustics and lighting efficiency.
Project Progress
Our team has made significant strides since the project’s inception. Key milestones achieved so far include:
Completion of framing work.
Installation of drywall in key areas.
Installation of specialty ceiling installations.
The Canaccord Tenant improvement project is scheduled to be complete in 2024.
Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to make strides in creating a modern, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing office environment for Canaccord.
Specializing in Offices, Workspaces and Tenant Improvements
The Canaccord project is the latest addition to the list of Office, Workspaces and Tenant Improvement projects that RWC Systems has successfully completed. This project aligns itself with other noteworthy projects executed by RWC Systems, including:
RWC Systems is proud to bring you an update on one of our featured projects—the UBC Rec Center. Designed by SHAPE Architecture, this facility promises to be a cornerstone of community and wellness at the University of British Columbia.
A Closer Look at the Project
Spanning over 101,000 square feet and four dynamic levels, the UBC Rec Center is set to become a hub of activity with its state-of-the-art amenities. These include three gymnasium courts, a four-story fitness centre equipped with the latest strength and cardio equipment, a walk-run-roll track, and a personal training studio.
RWC Systems at Work
Our scope in this significant project includes the installation of roughly 235,000 feet of steel stud framing, 305,000 square feet of drywall, and 17,000 square feet of acoustic ceiling tiles. We are responsible not only for the robust exterior framing and sheathing but also for the comprehensive interior shafts, walls, and ceilings.
Overcoming Challenges
The path to progress is not always smooth, and our journey on this project has been filled with unique challenges. We’ve skillfully navigated issues such as constructing intricate curved walls for the indoor track and adjusting to shifting timelines due to other trades. Notably, our team devised innovative solutions to construct the building’s exterior next to an occupied structure where heavy machinery could not operate. Our ability to adapt and innovate ensures that we maintain momentum without compromising on safety or quality.
Technology at the Forefront
At RWC Systems, we integrate technology into our workflow to enhance efficiency and precision. Our teams use iPads on-site to access real-time data and detailed architectural plans, ensuring that everyone is updated and informed, no matter where they are on the job site. This technological approach not only speeds up our processes but also enhances the accuracy of our work.
Looking Ahead
With construction well underway and an anticipated opening in November 2024, we are excited to see the UBC Rec Center come to life. This project joins a proud portfolio of work we have completed for UBC, each project contributing to our reputation as the best choice for high-end, complex, or specialty commercial projects.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build not just structures but also the future of the communities we serve.
The UBC Rec Center is yet another project in our portfolio of schools and public spaces, including:
RWC Systems Awarded Tenant Improvement Project at 1185 West Georgia
RWC Systems is thrilled to announce our selection for a tenant improvement project at 1185 West Georgia Street with General Contractor, Etro Construction. This pivotal space renovation on the 12th and 14th floors of 1185 West Georgia Street will showcase our expertise in delivering high-quality construction solutions for commercial interiors.
Project Details
As part of this tenant improvement (TI) project, RWC Systems is tasked with the supply and installation of steel studs, drywall, and ceiling tiles. The project encompasses a total renovation of 20,000 square feet of floor area, where we will be installing 35,802 square feet of drywall, 25,445 linear feet of steel studs, and 8,250 square feet of ceiling tiles. This scale of renovation demands precision and expertise, areas where RWC Systems excels.
Collaboration with Etro Construction
Working with General Contractor Etro Construction, known for their innovative and progressive approach to building, represents an alignment with our own values of quality and performance. Etro Construction’s dedication to creating functional and modern workspaces for its clients aligns with our commitment to excellence in commercial construction. Learn more about Etro Construction and their ethos at Etro Construction.
Challenges and Solutions
The main challenge of this project lies in maintaining the project schedule and adhering to the budget, crucial factors in tenant improvements where businesses aim for minimal disruption. To address these challenges, RWC Systems will leverage our top-tier workforce, known for their expertise and commitment to delivering quality results efficiently. Our team’s proficiency in managing complex wall and ceiling installations ensures that we meet the stringent requirements of this project without compromising on quality.
Our Commitment to Excellence
At RWC Systems, we recognize the critical nature of tenant improvement projects in enhancing business environments. Our experience with high-end and complex constructions allows us to undertake and complete renovations that meet and exceed our clients’ expectations. The 1185 West Georgia Street project, in collaboration with General Contractor Etro Construction, will utilize our advanced execution strategies and meticulous project management to ensure that every aspect of the renovation is completed to the highest standard.
Joining our Portfolio of Tenant Improvement Projects
The 1185 West Georgia Street Project joins our existing portfolio of Tenant Improvement projects, including:
Navigating the Financials and Risk Management in Selecting Drywall Contractors for Large Commercial Projects
By Lisa Lehwald, CFO of RWC Systems
When embarking on a large commercial construction project, selecting subcontractors, particularly drywall contractors, requires more than just evaluating their technical capabilities. As someone who has navigated the complexities of risk management and finance in the construction industry, I’ve seen firsthand the critical importance of financial diligence and risk assessment. Drawing from my experiences as a CFO of RWC Systems and a former Risk Insurance Analyst for PCL Construction, I’m here to share some invaluable advice on mitigating financial risks when choosing a drywall subcontractor.
Understanding the Financial Health of Your Subcontractor
One of the primary concerns for general contractors (GCs) is the financial stability of subcontractors. The fear of a subcontractor running out of funds mid-project is not unfounded. Such scenarios can lead to unfinished work, delayed projects, and a scramble to find replacement contractors at a higher cost. To avoid these pitfalls, it’s essential to thoroughly assess your subcontractors’ financial health.
The Importance of Bonding and Insurance
When subcontractors cannot provide a GC with a bond option, this presents a red flag/significant risk. For larger, more complex projects, it’s advisable to ensure that subcontractors have their bonds available, if requested. At RWC Systems, we maintain a high bonding capacity for our industry, which is particularly beneficial for large bids such as stadiums and hospitals. This safeguards the project and relieves the GC’s internal insurance from additional risk.
Assessing Working Capital and Financial Resilience
A subcontractor’s ability to manage their finances, especially working capital, is paramount. This liquidity is crucial for sustaining projects, especially when GCs typically retain the holdback until the completion of their work.
The subcontractor’s financial resilience is particularly important especially if they are juggling multiple projects. If a subcontractor cannot provide financial statements or there are signs of delayed payments to their employees, consider it a red flag.
Evaluating Project Backlog and Client Satisfaction
A substantial backlog might seem like a sign of a successful subcontractor, but it can also indicate overextension. Assess how the subcontractor plans to manage this workload without compromising quality or timelines.
Furthermore, go beyond reference projects presented on a website or presentation and seek out direct feedback from past clients. Happy clients willing to discuss their experiences, along with written testimonials, provide a more accurate picture of the subcontractor’s reliability and quality of work.
Selecting a drywall subcontractor for a large commercial project involves a nuanced evaluation of their financial stability, risk management practices, and client satisfaction record. By requiring bonding or SDI, assessing financial health, and scrutinizing client feedback, GCs can significantly reduce the risks associated with subcontractor default. Remember, the goal is not just to complete the project but to do so on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. By prioritizing financial diligence and risk management, we can ensure the successful execution of complex construction projects.
Completion of Burnaby’s New Fire Station #4
We’re pleased to share news of the completion RWC’s portion of the new Fire Station #4 in Burnaby, a project RWC Systems had the privilege to contribute to.
Project Background
Located on Greystone Drive, the newly built Fire Station #4 replaces the 66-year-old facility previously on Duthie Avenue. This move not only addresses the needs of Burnaby’s growing population but also enhances the city’s emergency response capabilities. The project, which began in late 2022, incorporates important features such as drive-through vehicle bays, decontamination spaces for crews, and a design that meets seismic post-disaster standards, along with low-carbon heating solutions.
Our Involvement
RWC Systems was tasked with the drywall, steel studs, and ceilings of the fire/police facility, a role we approached with dedication and a commitment to quality. Our work spanned from July 2023 to January 2024, aligning with the project’s goal to create a resilient and sustainable building.
Completing Fire Station #4 is significant for us, not just as a demonstration of our capabilities but as part of a larger effort to contribute to the community’s safety and environmental sustainability. While we’re proud of our contribution, we recognize this project as a collective achievement that will serve Burnaby for years to come.
This project aligns with our commitment to not only meet but exceed the standards required for modern public facilities.
Burnaby Firehall #4 joins our portfolio of public institutions including:
A Look Ahead: RWC Systems’ Exciting Journey into 2024
As we step into 2024, I am thrilled to share with you the strides RWC Systems has made and our vibrant vision for the future. The past year, 2023, was a remarkable period of growth for us, marking not only a series of successful projects but also a significant expansion of our horizons.
Building Milestones: Completing and Starting Major Projects
Before we delve into our exciting expansion plans, I want to highlight some significant projects that we aim to complete and begin in 2024.
Ongoing major projects
The Royal Columbian Hospital This landmark project is a shining example of our capability in healthcare infrastructure, where precision and quality are paramount. We are on track to complete our work, contributing to a facility that will serve the community for generations.
The Mills Memorial Hospital Another cornerstone in healthcare construction, this project showcases our expertise in creating state-of-the-art medical facilities, especially one that is outside of the Lower Mainland.
Capstan Way Skytrain Station This project adds to our portfolio of existing Skytrain stations and further underlines our capability to contribute to public infrastructure. Our work here emphasizes not just construction excellence but also our part in enhancing urban mobility and connectivity.
Exciting New Projects for 2024
New St Paul’s Hospital East Tower This new addition to the Jim Pattison Medical Campus in Vancouver is a significant project for us in 2024. RWC Systems will be responsible for 2.2 million square feet of drywall installation in the East Tower, marking our fourth collaboration at this landmark healthcare facility.
Cariboo Hospital Redevelopment A transformative project set to revolutionize healthcare services in the Williams Lake and Cariboo-Chilcotin region. Our role includes the installation of steel stud framing, drywall, acoustic ceilings, and specialty ceilings, which are crucial for the hospital’s functionality and aesthetics.
Kelowna Airport This significant project at British Columbia’s second major gateway, Kelowna International Airport, involves optimizing both existing and new spaces with an emphasis on environmental sustainability. Our role encompasses the installation of steel studs, drywall, and acoustic ceilings, leveraging our expertise in transportation infrastructure projects.
Cloverdale Ice Rink A state-of-the-art community hub in Surrey, this project is a symbol of community growth and engagement. Our contribution to this sports complex includes the construction of walls and ceilings, featuring steel stud framing and drywall construction. This project is a testament to our dedication to community development and our experience in public community center projects.
Expanding Beyond Borders
Our journey began in the heart of Vancouver and The Lower Mainland, a region that has been the bedrock of our success. British Columbia’s dynamic market has shaped our expertise in constructing complex, specialty, and large-scale drywall, acoustic ceilings, T-bar ceilings, steel studs, and exterior soffits. Our dedication to excellence here has set a strong foundation for what comes next.
Now, RWC Systems is setting its sights further afield. Our goal of growth will be taking us beyond the familiar landscapes of British Columbia and into Western Canada and beyond.
Delivering Excellence with Proven Expertise
The cornerstone of our Geo graphical expansion lies in our solid value propositions that have defined RWC Systems since 1978. Known for handling complex jobs with precision, we have a track record of completing projects on time and within budget. This reliability and efficiency have become our signature in the industry.
Our capability is underpinned by a robust team of hundreds of skilled trades staff. This vast pool of expertise ensures we have the capacity to execute large-scale and intricate projects with the same finesse and attention to detail that we are known for. It’s these factors, coupled with our commitment to quality, that have earned us the trust and respect of our clients.
In fact, it’s our reputation for excellence and reliability that has led many of our customers to encourage us to seek opportunities outside our core market. They recognize the value we bring to the table – a blend of experience, skill, and commitment to delivering the best. As we step into these new markets, we aim to uphold these values in every project we undertake.
Bright Horizons Ahead
Looking ahead, the future is radiant with possibilities. Our journey into 2024 and beyond is not just about expanding our geographical footprint; it’s about strengthening relationships, building new partnerships, and continuing to deliver the exceptional service that RWC Systems is known for.
We are more than just a construction company. We are a team of dedicated professionals who believe in creating spaces that matter while embracing our core values. As we embark on this exciting phase of growth, we invite you to join us in this journey.
Together, let’s build a future that’s as solid as the walls we create.