May 10, 2019

ABC Awards -- Electrical & Communications

Photo from SME

Coordinating the many contractors needed for the renovation of Cortina Restaurant was one of SME’s challenges on the project.

SME, Inc. of Seattle
Cortina Restaurant

Owner: Ethan Stowell Restaurant Group

SME, Inc. of Seattle was awarded an Excellence in Construction award in the Electrical & Communications Category for their work on the Cortina restaurant in Seattle. This tenant improvement project reimagined the use of new and existing systems in order to fit the space and deliver the quality touch that a high-end restaurant requires.

This lump sum, 7,000 square-foot project lasted 34 weeks in total. The scope involved research of existing circuitry, design and submission for permit of electrical drawings, and rework of the fire alarm. SME also provided dedicated circuitry to the back bar and kitchen area, an elaborate and user-friendly lighting package control system, and general-purpose power for customer use.

The biggest challenge they faced was the ceiling design and construction and the potential for a clash with other contractors. To overcome this, SME conducted an analysis which layered the varying scopes of other trades (mechanical, sprinkler, security, and acoustical ceiling installer). Then they laid out the build on the floor, prior to installation, allowing everyone to remain on the same page throughout the process.

This clever coordination tactic also allowed SME to overcome a challenge with a difference in toleration distance (¼ inch to 1/16 inch) in the ceiling, which was much closer than anticipated. They addressed this issue by waiting for the ceiling to go up then used an elaborate strut system to minimize fixture movement and adjust the fixture boxes to match the ceiling, then thread the fixtures through the ceiling to their applicable mounting box. The result was a great-looking final product and a happy customer.

SME completed this project while keeping employees safe on the job. Out 2,293 man hours recorded, there were zero OSHA-recordable cases of injury that required days away from work or required job transfer or restriction.

Other Stories:

• ABC Awards -- Eagle of Excellence • Historical Restoration/Renovation ($10 million to $25 million)
  
• ABC Awards -- Merit Award: Multi-Family Construction
  ($10 million - $25 million)
  
• ABC Awards -- Merit Award: Tenant Improvement/Renovation
  (Less Than $4 million)
  
• ABC Awards -- Mechanical: Industrial
  
• ABC Awards -- Other Specialty Construction: Commercial Less than $5 million
  
• ABC Awards -- Exteriors
  
• ABC Awards -- Multi-Family Construction ($10 million to $25 million)
  
• ABC Awards -- Tenant Improvement/Renovation
  ($10 million to $100 million)
  
• ABC Awards -- Tenant Improvement/Renovation
  (Less Than $4 Million)
  
• ABC Awards -- Pre-Engineering Building
  
• ABC Awards -- Healthcare
  
• ABC Awards -- Commercial Construction ($5 million to $10 million)
  
• ABC Awards -- Merit Award: Mechanical: Industrial