Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building

University of Miami Health System | Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Meraki transformed a high-risk FF&E program into a controlled, performance-driven delivery—delivering measurable savings, eliminating coordination gaps, and protecting both schedule and design intent within a complex medical environment.

Project Overview

The Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building is a state-of-the-art, 244,000-square-foot, 12-story research facility located on the University of Miami Health System Medical Campus. As part of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, the facility was developed to advance cancer research, accelerate translational medicine, and foster collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and patients.

Meraki Consulting Group was engaged during active construction to perform an independent FF&E Budget & Procurement Audit and stabilize the furniture program. Acting as the University's independent Furniture Management consultant, Meraki identified opportunities to improve budget performance, strengthen procurement controls, preserve design intent, and reduce schedule and construction coordination risks while maintaining project momentum.

Project Size

Location: Miami, Florida
Facility: Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building
Project Size: 244,000 Square Feet
Facility Type: Cancer Research & Clinical Facility

Meraki Services

Furniture Investment Strategy

FF&E Budget & Procurement Audit
Cost Management, Budgeting & Benchmarking

Procurement & Design Integration

Furniture Strategy, Design Due Diligence & Risk Advisory
Product Evaluation & Program Refinement

FF&E Project Management

Process Protocol, Scheduling & Vendor Management
Procurement, Purchasing & Supply Chain Management
Installation Oversight & Construction Integration
Quality Assurance, Project Closeout & Day-2 Continuity

These services established a project governance framework integrating procurement, budgeting, construction coordination, vendor accountability, and field execution while protecting budget, schedule, and design intent.

Challenges

Budget pressure resulting from pricing volatility, procurement exposure, and evolving project requirements
Complex coordination between furniture vendors, electrical systems, and construction trades supporting powered furniture installations
Protecting approved specifications while avoiding unnecessary value engineering
Managing schedule-sensitive procurement decisions within an active healthcare construction environment
Strengthening vendor accountability while minimizing downstream project disruption

Meraki Solution

Meraki performed an independent FF&E Budget & Procurement Audit followed by implementation of a comprehensive Furniture Management strategy integrating budgeting, proposal analysis, product evaluation, specification governance, change-order containment, scheduling, procurement coordination, construction integration, and field oversight. The engagement improved procurement controls, strengthened vendor accountability, optimized budget performance, and protected project objectives without compromising design intent or schedule.

Outcomes & KPIs

9.4% project savings realized within the first 30 days
170% ROI on Meraki consulting fee within the first 30 days
Budget optimization achieved without changes to design intent
No impact to the project schedule
No contract modifications required
Eliminated the need for value engineering through proactive specification governance
Reduced procurement risk through strategic change-order containment, including avoidance of tariff-related cost exposure

Business Value

Meraki transformed a high-risk FF&E program into a controlled and predictable delivery process through an independent Budget & Procurement Audit and disciplined Furniture Management. Within the first 30 days, the engagement delivered measurable cost efficiencies while preserving design intent, maintaining schedule integrity, strengthening vendor accountability, and eliminating the need for value engineering. The result was a more resilient procurement program that protected both the University's capital investment and long-term project objectives.

Additional Project Complexity

Meraki coordinated procurement, scheduling, and field execution across four furniture dealers, multiple manufacturers, and construction trades while maintaining schedule integrity, protecting design intent, and minimizing project risk.

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Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building

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