We offer services in Architecture, Planning and Interior design. We work with a diverse group of clients to plan, design and construct significant renovations, additions and new construction projects. The professional services we provide, which are tailored to each unique project and client, fall into the roughly chronological categories below.

Project Programming

• Determine each client’s practice philosophies, aspirations and objectives.
• Consider industry trends, evolving technology and future needs.
• Identify every room, space and area needed for the facility.
• Present options to consider, along with the pros and cons for each choice.
• Meticulously identify and allocate space for every piece of equipment, furniture, fixture & amenity.
• Calculate the square footage for each room, space and area to determine the total area of the project and estimate the construction cost.
• Provide suggestions or recommendations to improve effectiveness, efficiency and/or profitability.
• Prioritize or modify the program to meet the project goals, schedule and budget.
• Balance individual goals and group requirements to effectively reach consensus.

Site Planning

• Obtain a certified site survey.
• Evaluate Zoning Regulations and Building Code requirements to determine building setbacks, height restrictions, parking requirements and a myriad of other constraints.
• Determine climate, terrain and contextual factors that will impact the design.
• Assess site feasibility to accommodate program and, when required, assist the owner to obtain variances.
• Locate the building to achieve pre-determined program goals such as visibility, access, etc., and tailor the footprint to balance project goals, requirements and constraints.
• Develop parking layout and configure public, staff and delivery access.
• Design exterior areas for outdoor exercise, pedestrian circulation, landscaping, etc.

Schematic Design

• Research Building Codes and Zoning Regulations.
• Obtain boundary surveys, topographic surveys and/or document existing conditions.
• Develop a Floor Plan that incorporates every component of the Project Program.
• Develop circulation patterns that reflect the Owner’s operational methodologies.
• Develop a Site Plan to locate the building, parking areas and exterior spaces (See "Site Planning").
• Analyze and potentially integrate the local architectural vernacular, character, materials and details.
• Create Schematic Drawings, including Floor Plans and Exterior Elevations.
• Using our sophisticated computer modeling tools, develop renderings and/or 3-D massing studies of the project.

Construction Documents

• Create precise computerized Plans and Elevations from the Schematic Design Drawings.
• Select exterior finish materials.
• Incorporate and Integrate the Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical Systems.
• Develop buildings sections to determine and coordinate vertical elements.
• Select interior floor, wall & ceiling materials.
• Develop the lighting layout and select the light fixtures.
• Develop exterior and interior details.
• Produce all required technical Drawings and Specifications for Permitting and Construction.
• Coordinate and integrate the Owner’s equipment and fixtures.

Bidding & Negotiations

Bidding:

• Evaluate available contractors to compile a list of appropriate Bidders.
• Provide Construction Documents to selected Bidders.
• Administrate and coordinate the Bidding process.
• Document all individual questions and issue answers to all bidders by Addenda.
• Review and evaluate alternative materials and systems.
• Respond to Requests for Information (RFI’s).
• Issue Addenda to all Bidders.
• Receive, evaluate and document final Bids into a consistent, comprehensive matrix.

Contract Negotiations:

• Assist the Owner to select one bidder with whom to negotiate the Construction Contract.
• If necessary, undertake Value Engineering to meet the Owner’s Budget.
• Draft the Owner and Contractor Construction Agreement.

Construction Administration

• Oversee the construction of the Project.
• Monitor the work of the Contractor by making site visits, reviewing submittals and Shop Drawings.
• Approve monthly Requisitions for Payment.
• Make sure the Owner gets what the Owner is paying for.
• Process architectural & engineering shop drawings, review material samples and prepare punch lists.
• Secure the Certificate of Occupancy.

Needs Assessment

• Often one of the first steps in the development of an Animal Shelter.
• Determines the quantities and types of animals that need to be sheltered.
• Determines the number and types of staff needed and operating budget considerations.
• Determines site selection criteria, design concepts, interior features, amenities, number and types of profit centers, appropriate square foot areas, preliminary construction costs and long term operating costs and budgets.
• Determines operational factors including days and hours of operation, kill or no kill policies, cooperation between public agencies and private organizations.
• Identifies progressive public educational programs and programs to help reinforce and ensure the success of adoptions.
• Identifies fundraising opportunities and events and establishes fundraising policies, procedures, timing, sequencing and types of fundraising.

Fundraising Opportunities

• Orchestrate, when requested, the inclusion of profit centers in a facility that often change the financial viability of a project from being a financial drain to being a revenue generator for the life of the facility.
• Connect clients that require financing to a group of lending organizations with whom we have developed longstanding relationships.
• Introduce clients to a broad spectrum of fundraising opportunities tailored to the development of each specific project.
• Explore and facilitate a number of donor naming opportunities such as: engraved walking surfaces, public wall displays, commemorative wing, room and/or area plaques, etc.
• Organize fundraising events for individual and/or corporate donors.
• Provide visual materials needed to help potential contributors and donors understand the project and become excited about becoming a part of its realization through their donation. These materials also tend to build public advocacy and volunteer pools for our projects.