Design Matters: Behind the Stakes of Construction Staking

The Construction Staking department at FOCUS plays a critical role in turning design into reality. We held a group interview with Construction Staking department manager Travis Benson and junior project managers Cory Thompson, Carson Griffin, and Wes Prime to gain a better understanding of what goes into construction staking and how it impacts the success of a project.

Travis and Cory primarily oversee operations from the office, while Carson and Wes are typically working on job sites. Together, these managers navigate shifting timelines, coordinate with designers, and troubleshoot in real time, often while juggling multiple projects. It’s a role that requires both technical expertise and strong relationships. As Travis explains, there’s much more to the job than placing stakes in the ground. “Schedules change constantly, and plans evolve up to the last minute. We have to stay flexible, communicate clearly, and still get it right every time.”

Whether in the office or on a project site, FOCUS collaborates at a high level. “We’re out there in the field representing FOCUS,” says Carson. “We’re laying out the job, but we’re also answering questions, solving problems, and helping clients understand the bigger picture.” In the office, coordination is key. “Cory’s second title should be cat herder,” Travis remarks. “Calls come in, texts come in, emails come in, and he’s constantly working to wrangle things that are going a million different directions.”

Precision and Perspective

When it comes to the hurdles within their line of work, Cory reflects, “Construction timelines are always now, now, now. We are constantly grabbing everything from design and getting it transferred to the field as quickly as possible.” While navigating tight deadlines, FOCUS maintains its commitment to reliable, quality work. Cory adds, “We are always applying the QAQC process behind the scenes and doing the research to make sure the plans are accurate, updated, and buildable.”

Carson recognizes the frustration clients sometimes feel when a stake can’t be moved at a moment’s notice, not realizing the extensive planning and setup built into the tools our field crew relies on: “There isn’t a magic button. We can’t just go put points in the ground. Those points have to be precise,” he shares. “They can’t be based off last week’s design. It has to be based off this week’s design. Any revisions that happen, we have to be able to catch and verify that what we’re putting in the ground is correct.” Cory adds that the key is to utilize frequent, detailed communication to ensure successful projects, “Perspective is everything,” he shares. “What looks right on a screen doesn’t always work in the field. You have to know when to stop and ask questions.” The team emphasizes internal collaboration, sharing knowledge across both office and field roles.

Consulting in Construction

This collaborative mindset is central to FOCUS’s approach. Wes reflects on how the team prioritizes client success: “There are a million different ways to stake a design. Contractors and subcontractors prefer it done differently on every single project. A priority for us at FOCUS is figuring out how our clients would like it staked, rather than just doing the same thing every time. It’s about being able to keep up with the differences our clients want and truly knowing your client and their preferences.” Carson adds, “A big part of our work is consulting. If we notice that the client is asking for something and it can be staked a better way or done a better way, it falls on us to speak from experience while consulting with our client to help them be successful.”

At FOCUS, construction staking is all about precision, adaptability, and trust. Our team’s ability to coordinate seamlessly between the field and the office, communicate across disciplines, and prioritize client needs sets them apart. By combining technical accuracy with a client-focused mindset, FOCUS ensures that each project starts and finishes on solid ground.

To partner with FOCUS Engineering & Surveying, contact our team at info@focus-es.com or (801) 352-0075.