Northwest.

The Challenge

ISEC faced a complex project involving several unique wood ceiling systems, none of which had been built before. At the bid stage, critical details and specifications were incomplete, and some of the selected materials did not meet the design intent. The sealed bid format restricted clarifications or exclusions, putting the project’s timeline, budget, and quality at risk. We couldn’t accurately define material lead times, costs, or performance parameters, adding to the uncertainty.

The Solution

After being awarded the subcontract, ISEC joined design sessions with the general contractor, architect, and owner’s representative, collaborating closely to address the project’s challenges. We engaged our network of custom millwork manufacturers to review and develop solutions that met both aesthetic and performance requirements. For the wood comb ceilings, we selected Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) to ensure dimensional stability, avoiding the warping and twisting that could occur with the initially specified materials. By sawing and re-configuring the LVL, we created architectural-grade wood panels  which combined stability with a refined appearance.

The Results

ISEC successfully delivered custom wood ceiling features, including wood combs, chandeliers, wormwood planks, and meeting planks, all of which turned out warm, natural, and visually stunning.

Lessons Learned

This project highlighted the importance of early design influence, engaging vendors for creative solutions, and building offsite mockups for unique features, ensuring that ISEC could deliver exceptional results despite initial challenges.