Design Approach
As a service oriented firm, we work closely with our clients to identify project scope and develop design solutions to best address their needs, wants, and budgets. From design concept through construction completion, we work with you to bring your vision to life. Our full service firm provides all of the following:
Project Evaluation- Whether new construction or remodelings/additions: we document existing conditions through use of available drawings, surveys, and on-site review. Meetings with owners and key stakeholders help synthesize information into a manageable plan of action for your project.
- We focus on potential design solutions to best meet your needs and refine the scope of work and budget for each component of the project.
- We leverage the experience and expertise of our long-standing relationships with consultants in structural engineering, mechanical/electrical engineering, civil engineering, interior design, historic preservation, and landscape architecture.
Schematic Design- Working through potential design solutions and evaluating them with respect to overall need, and budget, we continually refine concepts until we agree upon the “right” solution for your project.
- By concurrently working with building codes, ordinances, ADA compliance, and the broad range of regulatory issues, we identify specific conditions that pertain to the final evaluation and planning effort.
- We propose schematic design solutions and focus on those most acceptable to key stakeholders from both a design and cost standpoint with drawings and computer generated images that clearly explain the intent of the proposed project.
- We provide statements of probable construction cost for your project working with local and regional cost estimators who are involved daily in the construction industry.
- Design solutions and supportive information are compiled into a feasibility study report, together with demonstration drawings and images, and are provided for use in meetings, promotional activities, and display by our clients.
Design Development- When initial design solutions are reached and a preliminary budget is agreed upon, we further develop a series of design documents for review, comment, and use during informational and approval meetings. This set of documents is used as the basis upon which final construction documents are completed.
Construction Documents- Construction documents are the physical/electronic documents that building contractors use to complete construction.
- Upon final approval of the plans and probable cost statements, we follow through with project implementation.
- We issue final construction contract documents, specifications, and updated probable cost statements prior to assisting with obtaining bids or negotiated costs from building contractors. Documents include architectural, structural engineering, civil engineering, mechanical/electrical engineering, and other related drawings. Specifications are completed using the Master Spec system that describes in detail the level of quality and finish expected at project completion.
- We conduct document and procedural review meetings with owners and qualified contractors during the bidding or cost negotiation process on your behalf.
Construction Observation & Contract Administration- Upon bid or negotiated cost acceptance we provide recommendations regarding award of the contract for construction.
- We adhere to using American Institute of Architects Owner/Contractor forms to further ensure a quality product and provide you with a contractor who has a consistent history of working well with private clients, architects and engineers.
- Construction observation services include regular site visits, consistent progress meeting attendance with the contractor/owner representative/consultant(s)/and sub-contractors, shop drawing review, contractor pay request procedures to assure conformance with contract documents, etc., through construction completion on all projects.
- Field reports are issued consistently, supplemental instructions are provided as needed, and contractor inquiries are answered.
- We assure construction is being completed according to the agreed upon construction documents and address issues that may arise.
- We provide final checklist (punch list) review, close-out documents, and issue substantial completion documents that confirm the project has been completed according to the owners intent.
Warranty Review- We provide notification and review of the project near the end of the one-year warranty period to our client and the contractor to identify issues possibly needing attention prior to the warranty expiration.