Eng. Boryana Kovacheva graduated from UACEG with a Degree in Civil Engineering. She has worked as a member of the IPA team since 2016, assisting with the management and review of numerous projects, preparing documents, and implementing tender procedures for the main contractor. Leader of the "Construction Tenders" team.
"It takes more than just well-designed drawings and visualizations to make a project successful," she often tells her IPA colleagues. It is imperative that we provide a finished, complete, and quality product that shows the high standard of service we provide. This ensures security for both the Employer and the Contractor."
1. Why was the "Construction tenders" department established in the IPA?
The idea at the beginning was to offer our clients an exclusive and different service for architectural offices. This was the organization of a tender procedure and assistance in choosing a contractor for the building designed by us.
In addition to the standard design stages such as concept, conceptual, technical, and working design, we wanted to close the design process by creating a tender document and a technical specification for the project. The idea of all this was, on the one hand, to make it easier for investors, and on the other - to guarantee quality implementation.
After organizing, starting, and conducting the bidding procedure, we prepare technical analyses and evaluations of the bids. In the last phase of this project stage, we also take part in negotiations with the candidates. We assist in the selection of the Chief Contractor for the project.
2. How does IPA benefit its clients?
As the service was launched and operating at full capacity, it became clear that our customers gained more investment security. A complete package can help investors realize their investment intent.
Our main difference is that, in addition to the developed project in all its phases, we provide a detailed description of the building solution in the technical specification, along with the general and specific requirements for materials, equipment, and facilities, the specific and general requirements for implementing construction and assembly (SMP).
We also place bets on the quality and class of materials used during project realization. In this way, we convey the client's wishes to the builder and ensure their implementation.
3. How can an investor have sustainable investment value?
We like the word "more" - as another service, we also offer project budgeting in the various design phases. Every client wants to know how much their investment will cost in the context of the project solution we offer. We provide a draft budget during the various stages of the project and help investors make informed decisions.
4. What are the biggest problems your team solves?
An in-depth review and understanding of all the components of a project is necessary before the preparation of technical and tender documents. Our team of specialists performs an internal check that clears gaps and inconsistencies.
This internal control turned out to be a very effective and profitable approach for us as an architectural company.
With coordinated and completed projects, everyone in the chain is satisfied - the builders, since everything is clear as soon as the site is offered, as well as the contractors because there are no unforeseen events and the budget fits.
5. Which customers use your services?
Our team serves all types of architectural projects - residential, industrial, and public. Over the years, our department has established itself as a trusted partner and won the trust of leading companies - leaders in their industry. Residential investors include the GORA and River Park complexes. In the industrial sector - SEG, Wirtgen Group, F&F, Silver Star - the licensed Mercedes-Benz distributor for Bulgaria, IPS, Megatron, VolaPlast, and the big Bulgarian company ZORA.
In addition, many of our projects have been nominated and won national "Building of the Year" competitions. This is a great indication of our work's quality.
6. When did you get involved in investment design?
In all phases. Often in the conceptual phase, if project budgeting is required.
We work most intensively and extensively on a ready-made technical and working project. Then we have all the information available to draw up the tender specification.
7. Do you foresee upcoming trends in construction that will have a greater impact on the future of the services you provide?
Next, we want to move on to the implementation part of the project lifecycle. Our goal is to form a team of specialists and provide professional project management during construction.
8. What brings you personal and professional satisfaction?
When I started working, the department was one person. Over time, it turned out that this venture was not only an excellent idea, but also a win-win for all parties.
Throughout the years, our team has grown, so we can now truly call ourselves a team. We are looking for more adventurers to join us.
9. Share with us a funny IPA office story
At IPA, there is a very collegial atmosphere, and a lot of fun working with all the teams. It's important for us to tell each other things as they are, without any hidden agendas. Lastly, we joke and have fun whenever we feel like it.
Our team is like a demanding teacher. In this regard, I remember one incident when we commented on the BWS team during an inspection. They came to the meeting wearing helmets - for increased security during the dialogue.
