Value Engineering in Building Design and Construction

A knowledgeable real estate professional, Alex Getelman serves as the founder of Milestone Building Ventures in New York. In his work at the consulting firm, Alex Getelman keeps current with best construction practices and implements value engineering to get the highest returns from new projects.

Value engineering involves identifying unnecessary expenses while improving overall quality. In the construction industry, this requires looking at material availability, construction methods, site limitations, and more to identify cost-saving measures that will not jeopardize quality. 

The process of value engineering starts with identifying the key elements of a given construction project and analyzing the function of these elements. Next, professionals look for alternatives that deliver the same functions at a lower cost. Typically, they identify a wide range of solutions and slowly narrow them down to the one that has the ideal balance of value and quality. 

The benefits of value engineering are greatest when it is implemented from the very start of a project. However, contractors may have input, so it is important to remain flexible.

Equipment Required For Kiteboarding

As the founder of the real estate development and consulting firm Milestone Building Ventures, Alex Getelman has forged business relationships with industry leaders in New York. When he isn't busy, Alex Getelman enjoys staying active by hiking, sailing, and kiteboarding.

Regarded as the world's fastest growing water sport, kiteboarding is similar to water skiing, except the participant is propelled into the air by the force of wind upon a kite, rather than being dragged by a boat. Naturally, the most important pieces of equipment required are a large kite at least four meters in length and a board similar in size, but varying in shape, to that of a wakeboard. There are three classes of kites - bow, hybrid, and C - which provide different advantages or disadvantages, depending on your skill level. Boards are also categorized into three classes: twin tip, directional surf board, and race boards.

Additional gear required that can often be overlooked includes the harness, which connects rider to kite, eye protection, sunscreen, and a travel bag. You also need to wear a wetsuit, especially when the water temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center Run for Teens

 


Alex Getelman is a New York University graduate and founder of Milestone Building Ventures, a project management and consulting firm. As an avid runner and supporter of charities, Alex Getelman combines his two passions through his involvement with the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center Run for Teens' team at the New York City Marathon.

The Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center has organized a competing New York City Marathon team for the past seven years, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support youth access to free, comprehensive primary care and other health services. Last year's team of 15 runners raised more than $80,000, while this year's group has raised over $45,000. The 2016 New York City Marathon was held Nov. 6 and, to date, more than $20 million has been raised by thousands of teams.

Team members who raised a minimum of $3,500 received automatic entry into the marathon as well as a team running shirt. Every $1,000 raised by members of The Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center team covers a full year of all-inclusive health services for young people ages 10-24.

AHRC Travel Training Program - Funded by AHRC New York City Foundation

Alex Getelman is the founder and head of Milestone Building Ventures, a project management and consulting firm located in New York City. Alongside his commitment to the construction and development industries, Alex Getelman is involved with several local charities. He particularly enjoys supporting children's hospitals, and sits on the board of directors for the AHRC New York City Foundation.

Nearly 70 years ago, a group of parents of children with disabilities banded together for support. At the time, these children were excluded from public schools and generally underserved. This group of parents grew into AHRC New York, which now offers a wide array of educational and other services for young people and adults who live with mental disabilities. 

The AHRC New York City Foundation is the organization's fundraising and grant-making arm. It funds special programs, like the recently revamped AHRC Travel Training Program. The newly expanded service gives people with disabilities the tools they need to safely use public transportation by themselves, which helps them be independent. 

In the training program, AHRC coaches accompany program participants on the bus or train most days for several months. They help participants learn to get on transit vehicles and learn their normal routes. With safety and confidence as the highest priorities, program participants eventually get to travel independently.

The Construction Industry Forecast for 2017

 

Alex Getelman works with architects, engineers, and contractors as the head of his real estate and construction management firm. Despite years of industry experience, Alex Getelman refers to construction industry forecasts to provide sound advice to his clients.

According to one 2017 forecast, the construction industry remains sound despite threats to the US economy. The American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Architecture Billing Index continues to show a positive growth in the design activity of its firms since 2012. Although there were signs of a decrease in activity during the second half of 2015, the general trend and projection of the new contracts index - signifying new project activity - remains above the current billing index.

The Urban Land Institute does predict an increase in vacancy rates and a decrease in rent in the housing and hotel market for the succeeding years, however. For the non-residential building sector, the AIA predicts a slower growth in 2017, with only a 5.6% rate projected in construction activity.

The strongest performer in the construction industry will be the commercial sector, which is expected to grow 6.5% in 2017 - largely due to thriving office and retail businesses.