When it comes to great engineering, a quality design is just the beginning. A lot of the heavy lifting actually starts when the plans leave an engineer’s hands. Whether it’s a sprawling infrastructure project or a small site upgrade, our goal at Keller is to see that our designs are built right. Because when engineers stay invested through construction and beyond, your investment is protected, missteps are avoided, and quality results are delivered.
A Client Story: Tackling the Unknown Together
One recent experience reminded us of the value of staying connected from start to finish. The client had an incredible DIY spirit and took construction inspection and oversight into their own hands to save a little extra funding. And while the can-do attitude was full of good intentions, it didn’t take long for a few cracks to show.
Just weeks into construction, emails started to flood in from the owner. They encountered unknown utilities and were unsure how to deal with them. And despite our clear and thorough plans, questions about materials and the contractor’s construction approach kept rolling in. These red flags raised our concern for the owners and that the overall project may end up falling short too.
Then the client sent us the photos.
Even to the untrained eye, it appeared that some elements were being installed incorrectly. This was a big problem because the site was tight and there was little room for mistakes or corners being cut.
Rather than stepping back, Keller decided to step back in.
So our team stepped in with a time-and-materials contract, quickly mobilized staff to the site, and helped get the project back on track. At this stage, it was more than protecting the design. It was about protecting the bottom line. And most important, it was about doing the right thing.
4 Ways Keller Delivers Client Confidence and Project Success
Looking back, this project taught us some valuable lessons. Not just about construction oversight, but about the role we play as a trusted partner throughout the process. At Keller, we take pride in building relationships like these.
Here are four ways we help our partners keep things running smoothly and on track once the design phase is complete:
1. A little education goes a long way
Helping our clients understand the long-term value of doing things right from “Day 1” is key. We work hard to set them up for success—by either formal construction support or informal check-ins—to steer clear of shortcuts that compromise quality. Even when we’re not officially involved in construction, being available to answer questions and check for conformance adds real value. Many clients may not be aware of what we provide, but our involvement helps guide the final product to match up with design intent.
2. Teamwork makes the dream work
Regular updates, shared correspondence, and consistent check-ins help keep the communication flowing. We make a point to loop the owners in on emails and correspondence, so they can see what’s happening in real-time. That way they don’t feel overwhelmed or left in the dark. And in the end, it helps bridge the gap between design and construction.
Even if a client prefers minimal involvement, engaging them in the process fosters collaboration and confidence. It also helps them understand the complexities of construction and the importance of following proper procedures, like timely submittals and independent materials testing.
3. All the best things in life take time—and commitment
The design is just the beginning—the real outcome is what gets built. Staying engaged throughout construction—even in a limited capacity—can make a meaningful difference. From reviewing submittals to identifying misalignments before they become costly errors, our involvement benefits both owners and contractors. Because when engineers are part of the whole process, it’s easier to help protect the investment, preserve the integrity of the design, and keep the project on track so it reaches its full potential.
4. Being all in isn’t optional
Keller takes immense pride in the quality and integrity of our work. Over the years, we’ve found that it’s not just about technical know-how. It’s about showing up with purpose, consistency, and care. From engineering to construction management, we take satisfaction in minding the details and staying committed through every phase of each project. That intentional, human approach builds trust, grows relationships, and leads to better outcomes. This client experience is a testament to that.
Success is in the Follow-through
At Keller, our goal isn’t just to see projects completed. It’s to help them reach their full potential and bring lasting value to the owners and the community. That commitment doesn’t end when the plans are submitted. It’s in our DNA.
Our culture of communication and collaboration is also at the core of who we are. Clients should feel supported, informed, and confident throughout the process. While our post-design involvement might have appeared minimal, its impact was anything but. We helped prevent costly missteps and see to it that the final product stayed true to the original vision.
It’s not about adding fees. It’s about adding value and doing what’s best for the project. That’s the Keller Difference. Our support helped save the client and the contractor precious dollars and unnecessary headaches. While the project still has a way to go, it’s finally on track—and getting built right.
Because when owners are happy and projects shine, it opens the door to future opportunities, happy clients, and a portfolio we can all be proud of. For Keller, engineering above and beyond is not a bonus—it’s what we do.
To see how Keller can bring engineering excellence to your next project, click here.