Tectonica’s Unique Approach Turns Construction And Project Management On Its Head
NANAIMO – Launched in 2005 by Bil Derby, Darren Moss, Bob Moss, and Barry Fairbank, Tectonica Management Inc. is a Nanaimo-based construction and project management company with a unique perspective in their deeply competitive industry.
Tectonica’s Directors from left-to-right: Bob Moss, Darren Moss, Barry Fairbank, Alan Staight, Buddy Roozenburg, Bil Derby and Florian Schultz
With commercial, industrial, institutional, retail and residential projects across Central Vancouver Island, Tectonica has built a considerable reputation for strong values, dedication to clients and a highly successful approach to construction and project management This industry experience is reinforced by the diverse expertise of its founding members in professional fields such as architecture engineering services, real estate, and development.
“While I am technically the President, among the seven directors we make decisions via consensus,” explains Bil. “Often, in our strategic decision making, we seek input from our deeply knowledgeable staff. Core to our philosophy is a strong belief that every person has a stake in decisions, and can contribute to the strength and health of the enterprise.”
The Cardea Residences, a 46-unit mixed use commercial and residential building, was developed by Darren Moss, Barry Fairbank, Bob Moss and Bil Derby in downtown Nanaimo
Their set of guiding values have made them a popular choice for clients, consisting of local governments, advanced education organizations, health authorities, large and small developers and private commercial property owners.
These bedrock principles include a persistent desire to add value to their client’s planning, design and construction processes through rigorous, creative, thoughtful, and professional application of their considerable skills and experience.
Elaborates Bil, “We believe that construction management, where the construction manager works as the owner’s agent, results in a more collaborative and creative design and construction process. This has proven one-hundred percent accurate over the last fifteen years. We assemble and lead teams that design and construct complex and challenging projects that would be otherwise challenging to complete under more traditional project delivery models, whether that challenge be cost, schedule, construction complexity, and constraints of existing conditions, heritage reconstruction standards, or challenges with the municipal approvals processes.”
Tectonica acted as project and construction manager for the seismic upgrades of the Duncan Fire Hall
This frequently requires educating prospective clients, helping them understand the limitations imposed by low bid stipulated priced (fixed price) contracting. Once clients experience the benefits of Tectonica’s particular brand of construction management, the team regularly finds customers returning time and time again with new projects.
On Tectonica’s approach, Bil further explains, “In our model, the owner typically hires us at the same time as the architect, and we work as an integral part of the design team as the construction expert providing reliable information on constructability, cost and schedule in addition to managing most or all aspects of permitting and approvals. Using the completed construction drawings, we undertake competitive Trade tendering processes, evaluate bids, prepare and manage trade contracts, and construct the project as the Prime Contractor.”
Tectonica chose to focus on construction management as a project delivery model, creating a strong and collaborative team-based approach to building that avoids the pitfalls of more conventional construction contracts and approaches.
The Double High house in Nanaimo, built under supervision and support of Tectonica, retained by Checkwitch Poiron Architects
“With us, many issues experienced during a traditional build are resolved before they ever break ground. The trades are hired in a different way, sometimes being brought in early on a design assist contract. By implementing this type of risk assessment and risk management earlier in the project, the client is able to make well informed decisions about their project and how to achieve their goals.”
Still, It takes a certain level of trust in a company to allow them to manage so many moving parts. Tectonica’s foundational tenets of honesty, integrity, transparency and reliability have given them a reputation of being up for that challenge.
“We conduct our business in a manner consistent with our core values,” notes Bil. “This way, we construct and maintain trust-based relationships with our clients and the communities we serve.”
Tectonica provided project and construction management services on the UK Sailmakers Northwest loft in Sidney
Tectonica’s approach and value proposition is clearly convincing, having made and continuing to make their mark on the Island. A small sampling of projects include the Aspengrove School in Nanaimo, Port Alberni Community Dialysis Facility, the Spirit Water bottling facility in Port Alberni, the Nanaimo Train Station rehabilitation project and the Duncan Fire Hall Seismic and Envelope Upgrade project.
A noteworthy collaboration with the Uchucklesaht Tribe Government resulted in The Thunderbird, a mixed-use commercial residential development designed to create cultural, economic and social development opportunities for tribal members, and act as a cultural bridge to non-First Nation communities. Providing both project and construction management services on the project, The Thunderbird won the 2017 VIREB award for Excellence in its class.
They’ve also branched into their own development projects.
Notes Bil, “Cardea Residences, a 46-unit mixed use commercial and residential building, was developed by Darren, Barry, Bob and myself to fill a need for high quality, architecturally driven, purpose-built residential units in the heart of downtown Nanaimo. As both developer and construction manager, this project has shaped our growth strategy moving forward, and is one of the most rewarding projects we’ve completed to date.”
This rewarding work would not be possible without applying their external values within. Tectonica is increasingly employee owned. Of their seventeen current employees, seven are directors and shareholders. Tectonica’s leadership sees their team as their greatest strength in an increasingly competitive market.
Tectonica worked with the Uchucklesaht Tribe Government to build The Thunderbird, a mixed-use commercial residential development in Port Alberni
Says Bil, “Hiring highly motivated and skilled individuals who understand our value proposition is essential. As a matter of course, we invest significantly in each team member’s professional and personal growth. Each of our colleagues contribute to the success of the company in ways not always associated with their specific role. By offering ownership opportunities we have one more way to reward leadership, commitment and vision.”
As Tectonica moves into the new year, their ambitions for the future remain strong, with a growth strategy designed to carefully, deliberately expand into more unique and complex projects large and small, and seeking partnerships with clients who share their vision. They also intend to continue development of their own projects. And while they are always keeping an ear to the ground for opportunities across the island, Central Vancouver Island remains Tectonica’s playground.
Concludes Bil, “Central Vancouver Island has incredible potential. We are excited to play a part in the continued growth of this region.” –
SPONSORED BY:
Gold: Erickson Roofing & Waterproofing, Faucet Plumbing & Heating
Silver: BJK Architecture, Mazzei Electric, Viking Reinforcing, Enersolv
Bronze: Sorenson Trilogy, Hub City Glass
