b'R AB E HT G N I S I A RChapter 11A maturingindustry Early subcontractor involvementThroughout the late 80s and early 90s, the face of the construction industry was changing. Construction companies were easing out of the traditional builder role and into project management. Rather than run their own labour teams, they were focused on subcontracting the work. Meanwhile, engineers were spending less time on site as part of their training and more time back at the office concentrating on the theory. As a result, dependence on highly sophisticated subcontractors was growing, sought after for their specialist knowledge, hard-earned experience at the coalface and ability to contribute to effective design.The market was ripe for early subcontractor involvement (ESI) and Dixon & Haddon took the lead. From the get-go, ESI provides the opportunity for thestructural steel fabricator to add real value by collaborating on the design with the structural engineer, architect and quantity surveyor.With a best-for-project focus, they work as a team to explore buildability, timeframes and risk.Left: From left, Rey Dologan (rear), Ricky Ganalon, Aldrin Albo,The approach, says Wayne, sits in stark contrast to the traditionalNoriel Montemar and Ray Gomez preassembling a diagrid in the workshop.Above: In 2019, D&H Steel was invited to be involved in the Universityof Aucklands Recreation and Wellness Centre project in an ESI capacity.It allowed the team to add real value by collaborating on the design withthe structural engineer and the main contractor. 131'