PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PROVIDED
We try to create a smooth, enjoyable, and seamless process for each and every one of our clients, and use the following steps to make sure that the clients dreams become a reality on-time, on-budget, and above expectations.
Client Consultation/Project Programming with Owner Interaction and Client Goals
Subsequent to one’s initial contact with Architects Collaborative and their desire/intent to enter into an architect/client relationship, we will arrange a time to meet with our client to discuss the owners intent of the project. Together with the client, we will develop the owner’s goals and objectives through the project programming phase which will describe more specifically the scope of the project, programming spaces, space relationships, sizes, square footage(s), and general building systems and components.
Architects Collaborative Design Partnerships is an account holder with the National Institute of Building Sciences, provider of the Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG). The WBDG is a gateway to ‘whole building design’ techniques and technologies. The goal of Whole Building Design is to create a successful high-performance building by applying an integrated design and ‘team’ approach to the project during the design and programming phases.
Site Evaluation/Site Planning & Design
Together with the project programming phase, we as the architect along with the client evaluate the specific site where the proposed Project will be constructed. Evaluation of the site consists of the building orientation on the site, access to the site and circulation within the site, existing topography and grades, environmental aspects of the site, consideration of views, and accessibility of utilities to mention key elements.
We as the architect, in collaboration with our partner relationship with the site/civil engineering consultants, engage with our client/owner to conceptualize the site design, review, evaluate, and continue to revise throughout the schematic design phase to achieve the optimum site solution which optimizes the owners design intent, and the environmental and physical characteristics of the project site.
Concept Project Design/Schematic Design Phase
It is during this phase that the client’s vision and the project program requirements are translated into visual, graphic representations of the project through initial, preliminary site development plans; preliminary floor plans, and conceptual exterior building elevations (how might this building appear when completed).
The project process continues where we as the architect together with our project team and the owner meet to discuss and review the concept project design in detail, consider alternative ideas and designs, as well as potential revisions/changes for the enhancement of the final project design. Other key components of the project are being developed during this phase (i.e. mechanical systems, electrical systems, and structural framing). The Design Development drawings are then completed for a final review by the architect, the project team, and the owners/client for the approval to proceed with the construction documents.
Construction Documents & Project Specifications Phase
Subsequent to the owner’s (client’s)approval of the design development drawings, we as the architect and the project team will begin to prepare the required construction drawings and project specifications by expanding the design development drawings with all necessary construction drawing details, wall sections, building cross sections, general notes, project specific notes, room finish and door schedules, exterior elevations. The construction documents also include all necessary structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and site/civil engineering drawings, and any other project-specific documents/drawings.
Following completion of the construction documents and project specifications, we as the architect will issue the construction documents ‘out for bids’ to several general contractors, and/or other contractors with the purpose to obtain construction costs for the described ‘scope of work’ of the project.
Project ‘Punch’ & Project Close-Out
After the completion of the project, Architects Collaborative will again meet with the design team, the owner or owner’s representative; the general contractor; and sub-contractors to walk through the completed project to determine and list all items that will need to be corrected, replaced, and/or repaired prior to the ‘hand over’ of the project to the owner.
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing Engineering (MEP) and Structural Engineering & Design
The approach that Architects Collaborative engages in is one of assembling a project specific ‘team’ of design professionals together as our design partnership which includes structural engineering, mechanical, electrical, and plumping engineering; site/civil engineering; fire suppression, and other necessary and required disciplines assembled for project. This approach enables Architects Collaborative to focus on the specific program requirements of the project with professional disciplines ‘aimed’ directly toward those programming requirements.
Most generally Architects Collaborative provides a limited range of both construction management, and construction administration. However, we are also able to broaden our scope to include a full range of comprehensive CM and CA services for the project. These services can be provided on the project as the architect of record, or we can provide these services as a third-party owner’s representative..
Construction Administration (CA)
Most generally Architects Collaborative provides a limited range of both construction management, and construction administration. However, we are also able to broaden our scope to include a full range of comprehensive CM and CA services for the project. These services can be provided on the project as the architect of record, or we can provide these services as a third-party owner’s representative.