Publications

Construction Project Management: A Complete Introduction, by Alison Dykstra AIA, focuses on the fundamental issues in the development and management of construction projects. This straightforward and readable yet thorough textbook focuses on the role of the contractor as it takes the reader from start to finish in construction projects — from the early developmental stage through bidding, selection of the contractor, construction itself, and close-out. A wide range of practical issues are explored and frequently asked questions answered:

  • Exactly who the players in construction are and what each does
  • Why contractors should avoid some jobs, and how to get the right ones
  • What bidding is, and why the low bid isn’t always the best bid
  • Why different types of construction contracts carry different levels of risk
  • The link between the type of contract and how the contractor gets paid
  • Why cost estimates and schedules are keys to project success
  • How a general contractor brings in a job on time and on budget

And much more:

  • Bonds, insurance, and liens
  • Avoiding and resolving disputes
  • Project delivery methods, including design-build and integrated project delivery
  • Change orders
  • Getting paid
  • Includes an extensive glossary of construction management terminology.

Green Construction: An Introduction to a Changing Industry

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Green Construction: An Introduction to a Changing Industry, by Alison Dykstra, assists the reader transition into and within an industry that is going through major change. Published in February 2016 and available now, this hardcover book is written in a highly accessible and readable style.

The book presents an overview of an industry that is going through profound changes, many of which are tied to the increase in the use of green construction principles. How buildings are designed, the materials and products used, even construction practices and the nature of work, are all changing because of tightening energy requirements and building performance expectations. Industry professionals—designers, engineers, and builders—understand that success is increasingly tied to their response to and understanding of these changes.

Not another how-to book, nor a sermon on the benefits of environmentalism, Green Construction provides answers to the questions: What is green construction? How is it impacting jobs, workers, and the built environment? And what do these changes look like in the field?

Green Construction: An Introduction to a Changing Industry is available now. Click here for the table of contents, excerpts, and information for teachers interested in adopting the book for their classes.

LEED Certification: An Introduction to Certifying a Green Building

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This 50 page publication deconstructs the process of certifying a LEED building. Presented in two parts, Part 1 provides the reader with background information on green buildings:

  • What is green construction?
  • The development of the green movement
  • The problems with how we currently design and build
  • Why LEED is important.

Part 2 describes the LEED green rating systems, and the steps involved in certifying a building, including:

  • The U.S. Green Building Council and the development of LEED
  • How LEED works
  • The 10 LEED green rating systems
  • Steps in the certification process
  • Performance categories
  • Fulfilling credit requirements for certification.

LEED Certification: An Introduction to Certifying a Green Building is available as an electronic publication. Click here.

Other titles in development for the series include:

  • Commercial Property Condition Assessment, by Linda Kade
  • The Green Construction Site: Construction and Demolition Waste
  • Becoming a Green Electrician
  • Green Building and the Job Superintendent
Dykstra Construction Project Management 3rd edition cover
Construction Project Management is informative and easy to read. It clearly outlines the professional building processes and procedures. It is a great book not only for students, but for the building professional as well.”
~ Andy Briglio, contractor

For more information: Construction Project Management

“This book is a great introduction to the field and represents a powerful argument for an increased focus on green construction. Dykstra’s writing is clear, concise and well informed by decades of experience in the field.”
~ Jerry Yudelson, PE, LEED Fellow, author and speaker, founder of the Yudelson Associates consultancy

Available now; for more information:
Green Construction: An Introduction to a Changing Industry