We will perform a thorough evaluation of the proposed site to examine the positive and negative aspects of the proposed location, as well as examine alternative solutions for orienting the structure on the site. Our evaluation will examine both the physical considerations of placing the building at this location (i.e., impact on traffic, vehicular and pedestrian accessibility and circulation, views to and from the building, etc.), as well as the potential cost implications of each alternative.

The pre-design program is the most critical step in the project because it guides all subsequent design decisions. The program defines the building users’ requirements and establishes the spatial standards and quality levels for each required space. We will conduct face-to-face interviews with key personnel to get their personal input on the project’s needs. Once these requirements are defined, we will develop a preliminary construction cost and project budget, and we will proceed with the design phase and preparation of documents to help secure the contractor.

The schematic design phase will translate the design program requirements into initial design plans. We typically will make all major project design decisions in this phase. Preliminary selection of materials, structural systems, furnishings, HVAC systems, etc. are all reviewed to maintain the design budget and schedule of the project. This process may lengthen this phase of the project, but it will shorten coordination in the remaining phases while allowing the highest degree of client input.

The design development phase takes the schematic design to a much higher level of development and refinement, detailing the technical and physical aspects of the building. Research is conducted on particular building elements and systems while continuing to compare the results back against the original program and budget.

Construction documents translate the detailed information of the design development phase into a highly detailed set of architectural, interior design, landscape design, and engineering drawings and specifications sufficient for contractor bidding and construction. We utilize state of the art CADD to produce the construction documents and facilitate coordination of all the other disciplines. Once approved, we will proceed with the bidding phase of the project.

We will assist the owner in bidding the project and maintaining project requirements in any number of project delivery systems (General Contractor, Construction Manager at Risk, etc.).

Our design team will, during Construction Administration, act as the Client’s agent on the jobsite to monitor the progress of construction and observe the contractor’s compliance with the construction documents. Our staff will regularly visit the job site to attend progress meetings and prepare field reports. We will also process contractor’s submittals, including Requests for Information and shop drawings, as well as review change orders and process payment applications.

We will, beginning approximately three months before completion, begin to monitor and manage the transition process between construction and owner move-in. We will actively take steps to schedule and conduct information meetings to fully acquaint the building user with the new facility. We will perform a final punch-list of items to be completed by the contractor and review the work performed before certifying final payment. All systems will be checked for proper operation during the punch-list process.