JE Dunn Construction’s innovative preconstruction tool, Align, was honored with Fast Company’s 2024 Innovation by Design award in the large business category this July. Developed in collaboration with design and technology consultant Crema, Align can revolutionize how the industry handles project cost estimation and budgeting. It eliminates much of the initial uncertainty and stress typically accompanying these processes.
Simplifying Preconstruction with Align
Align solves a common challenge in the construction industry: translating raw numbers into a clear, visual understanding of what can be built within a specific budget. With Align, JE Dunn has enabled clients to work closely with their team to set precise, achievable budgets. The tool draws on the company’s extensive database of completed projects, offering users cost estimates and comparable project visuals that help bring those numbers to life.
This tool represents a reimagining of JE Dunn’s previous Lens Search tool. The collaboration between JE Dunn and Crema has led to a more intuitive, user-friendly interface that guides users through the often complex preconstruction planning process. Align’s new design allows clients, trade partners, and architects to engage in more informed and less stressful budgeting conversations.
Enhancing Collaboration and Accuracy
“Using Align creates a more collaborative and engaging process,” said Jason Hickam, national preconstruction and estimating director at JE Dunn. “It allows our clients and design teams to establish a realistic foundational budget that reflects their project goals and delivers certainty of results tied to historical costs and visual representations as well as live estimate updates.”
One of Align’s key strengths is its ability to contextualize cost estimates with data from over 1,400 completed JE Dunn projects. The large body of relevant data ensures accurate cost baselines and provides clients with visual references that help them grasp what their budget can achieve. The result is a more interactive and reliable estimating process that supports all parties involved.
Crema Product Designer Jeremy Murray highlighted Align’s transformative impact, describing it as a “collaborative playground” that offers speed and accuracy on a scale previously unseen in the industry.
Given that JE Dunn produces over 20,000 estimates annually, the introduction of Align represents a significant step forward in the efficiency and accuracy of preconstruction planning.
The tool is now an integral part of JE Dunn’s suite of preconstruction services and will support a growing number of projects in the years to come.
About the Innovation by Design Awards
Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Awards is one of the most prestigious design competitions in the industry. Now in its 13th year, the awards recognize designers and businesses solving today’s most pressing challenges and anticipating tomorrow’s needs. The 2024 awards feature entries from blue-chip companies, emerging startups, and innovative talents judged in functionality, originality, beauty, sustainability, user insight, cultural impact, and business impact.
JE Dunn’s recognition in this competition underscores the importance of innovation in the construction industry and highlights the company’s commitment to enhancing the preconstruction experience through cutting-edge technology.
Source: JE Dunn, August 12, 2024
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