Replacing operating tool cleaning and sterilizing equipment is important in trauma centers, which means that this project at Harborview Medical Center was of critical importance. The project upgraded and replaced critical elements of the Hospital Campus CPU, specifically introducing new cart washers and higher output sterilizers. The entire project had to be performed while maintaining continuous use of the current equipment at any given moment to maintain full functionality. As a result, the project was successful in replacing operating room tool cleaning and sterilizing equipment nearing the end of its useful life while providing additional capacity and throughput to keep up with growing demands while maintaining the same physical space.

Adapt and React – A Successful Design-Build Approach

Harborview Medical Center/UW envisioned the major challenges facing this project would be mechanical and electrical infrastructure, but throughout the selection of the architecture team and the subsequent preliminary planning phases, the team discovered even bigger challenges. These revolved around integrating owner-procured equipment into a program that enhanced operational efficiency of the Central Processing Unit, allowing greater throughput without increasing operational space. The entire team was able to quickly recognize the change in project understanding and pivot to resolving a different set of issues resulting in much different (and much greater) solutions for the Owner. The collaborative nature of design-build project delivery was on display during this successful Progressive Design-Build Project which came in on time and under budget.

Design-Build Team

Client/Owner:	University of Washington Capital Planning & Development
Design-Build Firm:	Mortenson
Architect:	Ankrom Moisan Architects, Inc.
Engineer:	Lund Opsahl
Specialty Contractors:	Shinn Mechanical, Inc.
Construction Duration:	10 Months
Project Cost:	$3,176,163.00

Photo Credit: Kindra Scobba – Mortenson