b'48 MIA TERMINALSwith this data, the project team knows it is crucial to provideSmith also stresses the importance of expert installation. ample nearby alternatives when crews renovate those particularRather than hiring a general contractor, the Aviation Department restrooms. Intervals for maintenance, restocking and cleaningand its outside design firms are working with several different intervals also may need to be adjusted for the extra volume. Thesubcontractors to ensure straight lines in the tile work, solid situation may even warrant a restroom attendant, Smith notes.substructures with proper sloping, power installation for electric hands-free devices and other individual project elements. As you Facing Challenges, Learning Lessons know, water and electricity dont mix, so having an expert installer Deciding how many, and which particular restrooms, to closereally pays, Smith remarks.simultaneously for renovation is an ongoing issue for the projectLooking ahead, he notes that maintaining an appropriate team. We know going into it that we are in a very busy airport andinventory of spare fixtures, parts and hardware is a proactive way that operations have to continue smoothly as we go through designto keep ahead of urgent repair or replacement needs.and construction of these restrooms, Carvallo says. Carvallo credits the Miami-Dade Aviation Department and The airport consequently assigns each construction team aMIA for prioritizing restroom renovations over other projects. specific number of restrooms to work on at a given time, withIt demonstrates a dedication to improving the passenger renovations occurring in phases. It would be both impracticalexperience, she says. It shows that they want to make Miami a and operationally challenging to close or remodel all restrooms atplace you want to fly in and out of.once, Carvallo notes.For Smith and other MIA leaders, the restroom renovation Durable, high-quality materials are essential, Smith adds. Yourprogram is delivering important upgrades and new features. I maintenance should occur in between when aircraft arrive and inthink that is something we can be very proud of, he reflects. between when folks are coming to the airport, so its importantAnd I think its something that our passengers deserve. that the materials you have can actually withstand the volume and the duty that will be required, he says. THE QUEENS AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE:INTERNATIONAL TRADE2021March | April 2024AirportImprovement.com'