Nelson Design, Inc.: Code Study, BIM, Design-Assist

Design insight that strengthens decisions early

Nelson Design is more than an in-house design subsidiary. It is an integral part of how Carl A. Nelson & Company delivers facility assessment and pre-construction services—supporting owners across market sectors with estimating support, code review, BIM coordination, interior finish recommendations, and third-party design review focused on cost accuracy, constructability, and long-term value.

By integrating design expertise directly with construction leadership, we help owners make informed decisions earlier—when flexibility is highest and the opportunity to influence cost, schedule, and long-term performance is greatest.

What this means for owners

Fewer surprises during permitting and construction
Clearer alignment between early concepts and final construction cost
Design decisions grounded in how facilities are built, maintained, and operated

The result is fewer surprises, clearer coordination, and decisions grounded in how the facility will actually be built and used. That’s how we approach every project at Carl A. Nelson & Company: Deliver Value. Build Trust. Repeat.

Design & Design-Assist

Nelson Design, Inc. provides full architectural services — from programming and schematic design through construction documents and construction administration — when an integrated, end-to-end design solution best serves the client's needs.

Nelson Design also supports owners and project teams in a design-assist role, working alongside third-party architects and engineers already engaged on the project. In these situations, our focus is on aligning design intent with budget, constructability, and long-term facility performance. These services are provided during the project planning phase — needs assessment, master planning/programming — and pre-construction; and regardless of delivery method.

While typically integrated into Design-Build and Construction Management delivery, CANCO's design capabilities also can be brought to bear for General Contracting clients who wish to take advantage of our value-added services.

Code Study

Code study at CANCO is not a checkbox exercise — it is a risk-management tool. Nelson Design staff work alongside CANCO project leaders to validate code assumptions, prevent misapplication that can lead to costly redesign, and identify compliant alternatives that protect both first cost and long-term operational efficiency.

Code review commonly addresses life safety, hazardous materials, occupancy classification, and related construction standards, and is available as part of design-build and construction management projects, or as an independent service for owners who are trying to manage issues in existing facilities.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) coordination

Nelson Design uses BIM to resolve conflicts before they reach the field, support sequencing and prefabrication decisions, and reduce disruption during construction. Models are developed to support decision-making — not just visualization.

By identifying clashes between structural, mechanical, electrical, and process systems early, BIM coordination helps shorten schedules, reduce rework, and improve construction certainty across all project delivery methods.

Better Built with BIM

At CANCO, BIM is used to support real construction decisions—not just visualization. During pre-construction, coordinated models are used to identify structural and MEPT conflicts, validate routing and clearances, and support sequencing, prefabrication, and installation planning before work reaches the field.

For owners, that means fewer surprises during construction, tighter coordination between trades, and more predictable outcomes for cost, schedule, and facility performance.

Contact us today

Nelson Design strengthens CANCO’s ability to support owners from the earliest planning conversations through construction and beyond—whether providing full architectural services or design-assist alongside an existing design team.

If you’re planning a new facility, evaluating an existing one, or navigating early design decisions with cost, constructability, and long-term value in mind, we’re ready to help. Call 319-754-8415 or fill out the contact form to start the conversation.