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�. divi n olordano & Associates, Inc. An excellent recent example of this process was exemplified in the South Post Road/Saddle Club Road Roundabout designed for the City of Weston. Once the decision to move forward with the roundabout concept was made, a variety of preliminary design concepts were developed, which were then narrowed down to four principal design alternatives, and then ultimately one preferred alternative that was adopted for final design. The preferred alternative was then expanded upon and further refined through the peer review process, which resulted in an even more overall improved design. Design- Decision Documentation Although documentation is an important part of all projects, it is critically important to fully document the assumptions, reasoning, calculations, etc. leading up to any key design decisions made on a project, particularly if safety issues are involved. The process of documentation not only provides good records, but it provides another opportunity for the decision makers to examine the logic of the decisions made, as things often become more apparent when a written record of the process is made. This inherently leads to better decision- making, and in turn, better projects. Most people can remember making a decision, but how and why they made that decision, or who else was in agreement, may not be so easily remembered months later. Documenting decisions also establishes a record of the "coalition of concurrence" that existed at the time the decision was made, but which may become more difficult to recreate as time passes. It is also important to document the assumptions and environment at the time the decision was made because these things can also change after time. Constructability Review The "constructability" of a design is an important facet to consider during each phase of a design's development, however, when a preliminary design is nearing substantial completion (90% plans), it undergoes an in -house constructability review by our CEI and Construction Management departments. This review specifically ensures that the plans make sense from a construction perspective, and is intended to minimize potential problems in the field during construction. Many of the items targeted for this review include, but are not limited to: • Grading & elevations • Drainage • Materials and testing • Standard details and specifications • Potential utilities conflicts • Coordination with adjacent construction projects • Conflicting agency permitting requirements • Logic of construction timing and phasing • Maintenance of traffic / work zone safety • Adverse impacts to community during construction Value Engineering Value engineering is one of those industry buzzwords that is sometimes overused or misinterpreted. All projects should inherently be value- engineered an integral part of the design process is to produce a cost - effective project for the owner or client. This being said, most agencies view "value engineering" as a separate step in the design process in which engineers are asked to "step out of the box" and examine whether there may be creative ways to provide an