How to Be Facility Planner - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 30, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increasing demand for reliable, efficient, and cost-effective facilities has resulted in the need for facility planners. A facility planner is responsible for designing and planning the layout of a facility in order to maximize its potential. By taking into account the needs of the organization, its staff, and its customers, facility planners are able to create an effective and efficient plan.

This plan can help with the optimization of space and resources, as well as provide enhanced customer service and improved safety standards. Furthermore, a facility planner can help ensure that the facility is able to meet its goals while staying within budget. In short, facility planners play an important role in the success of any organization or business by providing a comprehensive plan for its facility.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelor's degree in facility planning or a related field, such as architecture, engineering, or construction management.
Gain relevant work experience in a related field such as project management, construction management, or architecture. This can include internships or entry-level positions.
Develop strong communication and problem solving skills, which are essential for the job.
Obtain certifications in facility planning or related fields such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or APPA (Association of Physical Plant Administrators).
Identify and contact potential employers in the field of facility planning and submit resumes and cover letters.
Participate in interviews and demonstrate knowledge of the field of facility planning.
Receive job offers and accept employment as a facility planner.

Good facility planning is a critical component of any successful business operation, as it helps to ensure that resources are used efficiently and that employees are operating in the most productive manner possible. The goal of facility planning is to optimize the use of space and resources for the best possible outcome. This can be achieved through careful analysis of the current layout and operations, and then making adjustments to maximize efficiency.

By ensuring that personnel and equipment are arranged in the most efficient manner, it is possible to reduce costs, improve workflow, and enhance productivity. effective facility planning can help to minimize risks associated with health and safety, as well as increase morale among employees. All of these benefits combined can result in a more successful organization.

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Job Description

Facility Planner: Responsible for planning, designing, and coordinating the construction and renovation of facilities, including overseeing the selection of contractors, architects, and engineers.
Space Planner: Develops and implements plans for efficient use of space. Reviews existing space and creates plans to increase efficiency and productivity.
Contract Administrator: Negotiates contracts between the facility owner, contractors, and other stakeholders involved in the facility project. Ensures contracts are compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.
Project Manager: Oversees the entire facility project from start to finish. Coordinates work among project team members, contractors, and stakeholders. Ensures the project is completed on-time and within budget.
Construction Manager: Coordinates the construction process, including working with subcontractors, equipment vendors, and other stakeholders involved in the project. Ensures construction is completed according to plan and within budget.
Cost Estimator: Analyzes cost estimates for constructing or renovating facilities. Prepares detailed estimates of labor, materials, and other required resources.
Building Inspector: Inspects buildings to ensure they meet local building codes and regulations. Reviews blueprints to determine construction compliance.
Safety Coordinator: Develops and implements safety protocols for construction sites. Inspects sites to ensure they meet safety standards and regulations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Project management skills
Proficiency in AutoCAD or other CAD software
Knowledge of the principles of architectural design, planning, and construction
Ability to interpret blueprints and engineering drawings
Knowledge of facility layout and material handling systems
Knowledge of construction codes, regulations, and safety standards
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders
Knowledge of building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical
Knowledge of budgeting and financial management principles
Ability to identify and resolve facility issues

Planning and organization are the most important skills for a Facility Planner to have. When facilities are properly planned and organized, they are more efficient and cost-effective, leading to better results for clients. This can include everything from ensuring the best layout for a conference room to making sure all necessary supplies are available for a workshop.

Facility Planners need to be able to anticipate and solve problems quickly, as any delay or disruption can lead to costly mistakes. By staying organized and prepared, Facility Planners can help ensure that their projects run smoothly and on time. Furthermore, Facility Planners must have excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with clients, vendors, and other stakeholders in the process.

Good communication helps ensure that everyone involved understands their roles, the goals of the project, and how to reach them. Facility Planners must possess strong organizational and communication skills to ensure that projects are successful and clients are satisfied.

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Frequent Interview Questions

How have your past experiences in facility planning prepared you for this role?
What strategies do you use to manage a diverse facility planning project?
How do you prioritize tasks and meet deadlines when faced with competing demands?
What methods do you use to ensure that facility planning decisions are cost-effective and budget-friendly?
Describe a situation where you had to interact with stakeholders to resolve a conflict in a facility planning project.
How do you ensure that relevant regulations and codes are adhered to in facility planning?
What steps do you take to ensure the safety of occupants in designed facilities?
Describe a time when you had to coordinate multiple teams in order to successfully complete a facility planning project.
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in facility planning?
What challenges have you experienced in your past facility planning projects?

Common Tools in Industry

AutoCAD. A professional computer-aided design (CAD) software used to create and modify technical drawings. (e. g. creating floor plans of a building or designing furniture)
SketchUp. A 3D modeling program used to create 3D models and designs. (e. g. creating 3D models of buildings or designing landscapes)
OmniPlan. A project management tool used to plan and manage resources for facility projects. (e. g. tracking project progress, assigning tasks and monitoring budgets)
SpaceGass. A structural analysis software used for analyzing the strength and stability of structures. (e. g. analyzing the load bearing capacity of a wall or assessing the seismic resistance of a building)
Revit. A building information modeling (BIM) software used to design and document building systems and components. (e. g. designing plumbing systems or creating electrical diagrams)
Microsoft Project. A project management software used to plan, manage and track progress on facility projects. (e. g. creating Gantt charts, tracking project milestones and assigning tasks)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Architects
American Planning Association
International Facility Management Association
Urban Land Institute
Project Management Institute
International Council of Shopping Centers
International Facility Management Association
Building Owners and Managers Association International
Society of American Architects
International Association of Architects

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Common Important Terms

Building Maintenance. Building maintenance generally refers to the activities involved in preserving and restoring a building to its original or desired condition. This includes tasks such as cleaning, painting, replacing broken fixtures, and other general upkeep.
Capital Improvement Plan. A capital improvement plan is a long-term plan for investments in facilities, equipment, and other physical assets that will provide a lasting benefit to an organization or community.
Design Standards. Design standards are the guidelines and criteria used to ensure that the design of a facility meets certain requirements, such as structural integrity, aesthetic appeal, and functionality.
Space Planning. Space planning is the process of analyzing the available space and determining how it can best be used to meet the needs of an organization.
Site Selection. Site selection is the process of researching and evaluating potential locations for a facility or project. Factors such as accessibility, cost, zoning, and environmental impact are all taken into consideration.
Construction Management. Construction management is the planning, coordination, and control of a construction project from its start to its completion. It includes scheduling, budgeting, and supervision of the project.
Facility Utilization. Facility utilization is the measurement of how effectively a facility is being used. It is determined by analyzing the number of people using the facility, the amount of time they spend there, and the types of activities taking place.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Facility Planner?

Facility Planner is a web-based software platform designed to help organizations manage their facilities and resources more efficiently. It offers a range of features, including event scheduling, resource management, inventory tracking, space planning, room booking, and more.

What are the benefits of using Facility Planner?

Facility Planner enables organizations to streamline their facility management processes, improve resource utilization, increase operational efficiency, and reduce costs. It also provides real-time visibility into the status of facilities and resources, allowing organizations to better plan for future needs.

How much does Facility Planner cost?

Facility Planner has a range of pricing options, depending on the features and services required. Pricing starts at $9 per user per month, with discounts available for larger organizations.

How secure is Facility Planner?

Facility Planner is built with security in mind, employing industry-standard encryption technologies and multi-factor authentication to protect user data. It is also regularly audited and tested to ensure that user data remains secure and confidential.

What devices and browsers are supported by Facility Planner?

Facility Planner is designed to work across all modern web browsers and mobile devices, including iOS and Android. It is also compatible with popular calendar applications, such as Google Calendar and Outlook.