Five rooms in two days was ambitious, but when WPH Architects and Essex Alliance Church joined us in our offices Sunday evening through Tuesday morning, the results were impressive. The church's ministry team, Todd Phillippi and Jeff Harris, Paul Rouis of Ryan-Biggs Associates (structural engineer), and John Stetson of Engelberth (preconstruction services) rolled up their sleeves and we all went to work on the rapid prototyping of the church's new worship center, youth facility, lobby and children's worship spaces.

And the process was amazing.

At one point, Jason Foster moved a post to improve the aesthetic of the lighting. Paul let him know that it wouldn't work. "What would work?" Jason asked. The two then collaborated to acheive the result while maintaining the structural integrity. The architect agreed and the decision was a "go." The best part is that the process of making the change took five minutes rather than multiple meetings and a report.

The dynamic of having all of the members of the design team--including the contractor--as part of the interaction with the client and creating a structure where they can provide real-time input and give immedate feedback is powerful.

At the end of the session, the client left with renderings, the architect left with the 3-D models and Courtney McGinnes, Craig Janssen, Vance Breshears, Jason Foster, Casey Sherred, Jason McKelvey, David Stephens and Dan Schoedel left to go home and get some sleep.