Observing Construction: Techniques, Tips & Thoughts

8:00-8:30 Registration / Continental Breakfast / Exhibitors

8:30-9:45 Keep It Out of Court

Panelists: Rory M. Farrell, Esq., McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney and Carpenter, LLP; Christopher P.

McCormack, Esq., Pullman & Comley, LLC; and Robert J. O’Brien, Esq., Shipman & Goodwin LLP.

Moderator: Louis Fusco, ASLA, Louis Fusco Landscape Architects

How do you ensure your contracts for Construction Observation accurately, clearly and legally convey

the Landscape Architects role? What are the key items that should be documented and what are the

best ways to avoid litigation and protect your clients?

9:45-10:45 Swimming Out of Trouble

Presenter: William Drakeley, Drakeley Pool Company

This module will discuss proper pool construction techniques versus some of the more egregious

improper techniques. Proper subsoil, drainage, forming, steel reinforcement, and concrete installations

will be reviewed so attendees will feel confident observing pool construction. Photos and videos of

improper techniques will also be reviewed so attendees will know what to look for on a jobsite.

10:45-11:00 Break / Exhibitors

11:00-12:00 Sky’s the Limit — Leveraging Drone Technology to Add Value

Presenters: Vitalij Staroverov, PE, and Amy Stula, PE, Connecticut Department of Transportation

Use of drones has reached many industries, including the transportation industry, and number of UAS/

drone applications is increasing steadily. Drones offer State Departments of Transportation a new aerial

perspective which leads to obtaining quality data, improves design and construction documentation,

allows for making better-informed decisions, and increases safety by replacing boots on the ground.

12:00-1:00 Lunch / Exhibitors

1:00-2:00 Quality Concreting Practices – A Recipe for Success 

Presenter: Douglas O’Neill, LEED AP, National Ready Mixed Concrete Association

This program is designed to give attendees a deeper understanding of the inner workings of a yard of concrete and how water plays such an important role as it relates to “in the field” issues. We’ll look at what types of issues can arise and what to look for in order to prevent these issues from affecting the quality of the final product.

2:00-3:15 Construction Observations In the Field

Panelists: Phil Barlow, ASLA, To Design; Abigail Adams, ASLA, A2 Land Consulting; Susan Fiedler,

ASLA, CTDOT; Ryan Lewis, CTDOT. 

Moderator: Louis Fusco, ASLA

A panel of landscape architects working in both the public and private sector will discuss their role and experience as it relates to the construction phase of their work. Interaction with construction teams and allied professionals, along with observation methods, tools, and data recording will be explored.

3:15-3:30 Closing Remarks / Evaluation Forms / Certificates of Completion