Most Projects Choose the Wrong Structural System
Because decisions are made without full alignment across the team.
Once that decision is locked, it defines cost per key, rentable area, schedule, and guest experience for decades.
Most Projects Get This Wrong
Most teams don’t miss because the structure is complex.
They miss because decisions are made in isolation:
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Architecture moves forward before structure is defined
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Structure reacts instead of driving efficiency
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MEP is forced to adjust later
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Late changes trigger redesign and delays
By the time teams align, the structure is already locked.
The 5 Drivers of Structural Performance
Structure doesn’t just support the building. It defines how the project performs across five key areas:
1. Cost
- Cost per key
- Rentable square footage
2. Speed
- Construction duration
- Sequencing and coordination
3. Risk
- Insurance exposure
- Fire rating and long-term durability
4. Guest Experience
- Acoustics
- Thermal comfort
- Perceived quality
5. Operations
- Maintenance requirements
- Energy performance
- Staffing efficiency
Every structural system optimizes some of these and compromises others.
These are not construction problems.
They are early design decisions showing up later.
The Wrong Structural System Is Expensive to Fix Later
Choosing a system early without testing options creates risk. Each system comes with tradeoffs.
No structural system optimizes all categories. The right choice depends on what your project needs to prioritize.
Most teams select a system before evaluating these tradeoffs.
BASE4 Turns Structure Into an Advantage
We evaluate multiple structural systems early before design is locked so developers can compare cost, speed, risk, and performance upfront.
Faster decisions. Better alignment. Stronger outcome.
Thank you,
Blair Hildahl
BASE4 Principal
608.304.5228
BlairH@base-4.com
