Preliminary Consultation
As the name suggests, we offer a preliminary meeting to discuss the client’s property and outline the process of completing a project from start to finish. Some of the subjects we cover are:
Design process
Estimated project schedule
Consultants required
Governmental approval sequence
Building codes and ordinances
Building costs
Pre-Design
Before beginning a project, we research property restrictions such as zone regulations and easements. We walk the property to ascertain the important views, solar angles, wind direction, site access points and tree or rock outcropping locations. We also discuss the goals for the project. The general scope of work may be:
Site survey
Feasibility studies
Programming
Code analysis
Schematic Design
Once the vision has been established and the parameters defined, we reconfigure all information into graphic form. We begin by preparing diagrams that illustrate space relationships and sizes. These diagrams evolve into floor plans that become the basis of the building sections and elevations needed for review
and construction. These drawings are physical representations of all previous work and usually include:
Site plan
Space plan
Exterior and interior design
Preliminary structural design
3-D modeling
Accessibility analysis for commercial ....projects
Design Development
This phase begins the technical work of determining the best alternatives of materials and systems to use. It involves the following:
Design and engineering of systems ....including site drainage, electrical, ....heating/ventilation, fire protection, ....plumbing and structural systems
Review of preliminary costs and ....adjustment of space if needed
Check code conformance
Construction Documents
This service further refines the documents into a form that depicts all areas of the project in detail and allows for complete and accurate project bidding. This phase includes the following:
Preparation of architectural working ....drawings
Preparation and coordination of all ....engineering drawings including civil, ....structural, mechanical, plumbing, ....electrical, energy documentation, ....accessibility standards, & coordination ....with utility companies
Landscape and irrigation plans
Preparation of agency applications and ....meeting and coordinating with all ....agencies to obtain building permits
Permit Processing
Once all the documents have been prepared, there is the sometimes formidable task of negotiating the bureaucracy of agency approval. Some jurisdictions are more streamlined than others, but usually this extends to the departments of planning, building, public works, fire, waste management (recycling), health and schools.
Bid Administration
The bid process is where the owner seeks to get the best value for project construction. We are familiar with the building process and will perform the bid services as follows:
Prepare bid documents including: ....Instructions to bidders, notice to bidders, ....bid forms and list of bidders
Prepare and distribute the addenda to ....bidders as needed during bidding. This ....may include supplementary drawings, ....specifications, instructions and notice of ....any changes in bidding procedures
Receive and respond to questions from ....the bidders
Evaluate bids, certify bid compliance ....and provide recommendations to client ....for award of the contract
Construction Support
During the construction phase, we review the work to ensure quality control and provide recommendations to the client. This phase will also include:
Review of the construction contract
Construction observation and ....attendance of pre-construction meetings
Review and comment on all shop ....drawings, submittals, and any proposed ....change orders
Evaluation of the amount owed to the ....contractor based on progress
Project close-out including a detailed ....inspection with the client to verify ....conformance with documents
Creating a list of items to be completed ....prior to filing for a certificate of ....occupancy
Completion of record drawings showing ....all “as-built” information on original plans
