Kirk Kendall | Bridging the Gap Between Design Intent and Field Reality

Every engineering project lives in two worlds: design and delivery. Kirk Kendall explains that success depends on bridging those worlds through communication, respect, and adaptability.

Designers create intent. They visualize function, safety, and efficiency. Builders deal in constraints—weather, materials, deadlines, and evolving conditions. When these perspectives meet without alignment, the result is conflict, delay, and cost growth.

Kendall argues that design intent must remain flexible. Field adjustments aren’t signs of failure; they’re signs of collaboration. The goal isn’t to protect the drawing—it’s to deliver performance that meets the drawing’s purpose.

Preconstruction meetings and interdisciplinary coordination sessions should be treated as design tools, not formalities. They allow engineers and contractors to reconcile assumptions before ground is broken. The earlier the conversation, the fewer surprises appear on-site.

Documentation also plays a role. Clear version control, accessible drawing updates, and consistent communication protocols prevent misunderstandings that lead to rework.

Technology helps bridge this gap. 3D modeling and BIM platforms allow teams to visualize issues before they become physical. But Kendall notes that even the best digital tools require professional discipline—up-to-date information, verified models, and accountability for input quality.

Ultimately, bridging the gap requires humility. Design professionals must accept field input without ego, and site teams must respect design rationale. Both groups are problem solvers, working under different pressures toward the same goal.

When design and delivery function as partners instead of checkpoints, projects move from coordination to collaboration. That’s where true engineering excellence begins.