Office of Planning, Design and Construction

Michael L. McKimmey P.E., Deputy Commissioner

The Office of Planning, Design and Construction (OPDC) is responsible for all phases of state building project management from project initiation and development to final design and construction. The Office's project managers and engineers work closely with client agencies throughout the planning, design, and construction process. OPDC oversees the work of architectural and engineering firms who prepare building studies, and develop final design and construction documents, as well as the general contractors who perform work on both new construction and building repair projects. OPDC provides the following services to its clients:

Programming Services
Michael B. Williams AIA, Director of Programming

Programming services include all pre-design activities as required by statute for state building projects and public development initiatives including strategic long-range capital planning. OPDC oversees the development of a wide range of project studies including architectural programs, master plans, agency capital development plans, and feasibility studies. Project studies seek to:

• Define the scope of the project in terms of space needs, required space program, construction costs and scope of work for final design.
• Identify issues, needs and technical requirements for the particular activities for which space is required. This involves close work with client agencies throughout the study process.
• Address problems of feasibility: site constraints and opportunities, permit requirements, technical concerns such as utilities, engineering and potential cost premiums.
• Establish a basic framework for more detailed design decisions that must be made in subsequent phases of the project.

Designers Procedures Manual -- This document was prepared to assist designers in delivering to DCAM professional services which result in high performance buildings that are cost-effective and constructed in a timely manner.

Guidelines for the Preparation of Studies for Building Projects, October 2000 -- This 68 page PDF is often referenced in Designer Selection Board advertisement for study consultants and serves as the base reference for study designers working with DCAM.

Court Facilities Unit
Liz Minnis AIA, Director of Court Facilities Unit

The Court Facilities Unit oversees the reconstruction of the Massachusetts court system facilities infrastructure. It is responsible for managing the planning and design for approximately $150 million per year of new construction, renovation and repairs. Services include:

• Managing the professional architectural and engineering consultants hired through the states’ procurement process to plan, design and construct the new and renovated facilities for the court system.
• Acting as liaisons with trial court judges, staff, planners and administrators, as well as the legislators, local officials, members of the Bar and other interest groups that are inevitably involved in the court facility development process.

Design and Construction Services
Michael J. Lambert, Director

Design and Construction Services include final design and construction activities for all state building projects. OPDC oversees new construction and major renovation projects including courthouses, correctional facilities, health and human service facilities, recreational facilities, state office buildings, and state and community college buildings. Other projects include preventive maintenance and emergency repairs, energy conservation and other efficiency improvements, environmental assessment and site remediation, and building improvements needed to meet accessibility requirements and fire, health and safety code compliance. Construction services provided by OPDC include:

• Managing studies for preventive maintenance and needed repair projects.
• Overseeing the development of final design documents for both new construction and renovation projects. OPDC's project managers and engineers work with clients and the project consultants to formulate designs that address the client's identified program needs and are responsive to the project budget.
• Overseeing the development of detailed construction documents to guide new construction, renovation and repair projects.
• Managing all aspects of construction for new buildings, renovation and repair projects. This includes overseeing the work of general contractors on each project.