By the Metal Structure Concepts (MSC) Team, based on a conversation with Steve Ivanitz, Co-owner of MSC | September 2026

Hybrid steel building construction in BC combines pre-engineered steel and conventional structural steel in one building. The approach gives architects far more design freedom while keeping much of the speed of a pre-engineered system. The trade-off is added complexity, which calls for a skilled, well-coordinated team.

Metal Structure Concepts (MSC) is the design, supply and install partner for the steel on the Don Folk and Family Recreation and Wellness Centre at Okanagan College's Kelowna campus. The project followed more than three years of planning, from early conversations and budgeting support through to concept planning. The 35,000 sq. ft. facility brings recreation, wellness and community programming under one roof, with gymnasium space, fitness and training areas, multipurpose rooms and an indoor walking and running track supported by the structural steel.

The hybrid structure combines pre-engineered and conventional structural steel, with steel supplied by Behlen. The building is enclosed in Falk insulated metal panels with a custom cladding overlay, and it marks MSC's first time partnering with Falk. Here are the key lessons from the build.

Why Complex Steel Building Construction Takes Longer

"The more complex, typically the longer the construction cycle is." - Steve Ivanitz, Co-owner, MSC

Each interface between the two steel systems requires specific detailing. On this project, additional time was needed due to:

1. More trades, including specialty roofing and membrane crews

2. More certifications to meet the code

3. More suppliers, each with its own lead time

4. A tighter supply chain as tariffs made Canadian steel plants busier

How Drawing Review Protects the Schedule

The architect is the lead consultant and drives all the design decisions. Any custom detail you add will inevitably have an effect on the work that comes after it. A simple example would be the addition of a deck, which would in turn require a new beam, extra flashing and the involvement of another trade.

If it's spotted in the office, it leads to a drawing update. If it's found in the field, it becomes a change order, which adds time and cost. That's why every change needs to be reviewed before fabrication.

What Pre-Engineered Steel Building Project Management in BC Requires

The key lesson is around staffing. A complex hybrid build requires a dedicated project manager who is fully committed to being in the office as well as on site.

This person needs an engineering and design mindset. On the Okanagan College project, Brian Keyser, co-owner of MSC, was doing the detailed coordination out of MSC's office.

"The solution to a project like that is a dedicated project manager in the office and in the field." - Steve Ivanitz, Co-owner, MSC

Why Design to Install Matters on Complex Jobs

With design-to-install delivery, a single team is responsible for the steel from shop drawings through to the final installation. That team reviews the architectural changes, orders the materials and briefs the crew. That gives you clear ownership if anything goes wrong.

Before you hire a steel partner for a complex build, ask:

• Who's actually managing your project on a day-to-day basis, and how many other jobs do they have?

• Who looks at the drawing revisions, and how quickly do the changes get to the field?

• Where do you source your steel, and what are the current lead times?

Planning Hybrid Steel Building Construction in BC

The Okanagan College project was the proof of concept for a hybrid build and has, in fact, shaped the way MSC staff do their complex builds today. See the full project page, from steel start to panel installation, or take a look at our community and multi-purpose builds.

See similar builds

Metal Structure Concepts supports commercial, industrial and community builders throughout BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and the North with complex steel buildings delivered via design-to-install project management and Canadian steel.