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Our technological society gives us a variety of options to facilitate worship services. Audio-visual systems provide better definition to the message from the pulpit via large screen displays, sophisticated wireless audio systems, theatrical lighting, and even broadcast capabilities.
Like all technologies, though, the prospect of how best to manage A/V integration within a facility can be daunting. Clients may ask questions such as: What do A/V systems really offer a facility? Which systems best serve a church’s individual needs? What will it all cost? How are we going to pay for it? The National Systems Contractors Association’s (NSCA’s) National City Media Finance program is one way for churches to bankroll their congregational needs.
Once the money is in place, it’s time to decide upon the best strategy. Like many large-scale projects, a team approach to A/V integration often leads to a greater chance to meet expectations. While the ultimate outcome of such a project should be defined by the real needs of the church, the team can essentially follow one of two construction paths: Design Bid Build or Design Build. The remainder of this article offers working insight into these processes, as well as the pros and cons of each.
Understanding Terminology and Nuances
Let’s begin with some definitions. A Design Bid Build project involves retaining the services of a design consultant. Claiming an independent place within the marketplace, an A/V design consultant creates a project blueprint with detailed specifications, and notes the components and exactly how they should be installed. Generally speaking, a consultant is usually skilled in the following areas: video, audio, data networks, power distribution, acoustics, lighting, and aesthetic design. He or she is also available to work with other building trades personnel to better coordinate activities.
Once the consultant completes a blueprint and its accompanying specifications, the job is passed along to systems integrators for competitive bids or to a preferred integrator to begin the installation.
Conversely, taking a Design Build approach to A/V integration removes the independent consultant and bid process from the project. While traditionally the role of a systems integrator is to do the actual physical work required, many now offer consulting and design services as well, making them a one-stop comprehensive source to job completion. When system consulting, design, and installation are grouped together under a single umbrella, the services are collectively given a Design Build label.
There are many factors to consider in determining whether a Design Bid Build or Design Build approach is right for your application. Does your house of worship have an existing A/V system? If yes, you may be better served by a Design Build approach; you can use an integrator skilled in adapting the new system elements to the old. If, on the other hand, you're constructing a brand-new sanctuary that requires audio and video systems, as well as broadcast capabilities, choosing a Design Bid Build route may make better sense, as a consultant could provide invaluable guidance to the architect.
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Chuck Wilson is executive director of the National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA). The NSCA is the leading not-for-profit association representing the commercial electronic systems industry. With a slate of more than 2,500 member companies worldwide, the National Systems Contractors Association is a powerful advocate of all who work within the low-voltage industry, including systems contractors/integrators, product manufacturers, consultants, sales representatives, architects, specifying engineers, and other allied professionals.
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