rfa offers full services in Architecture, Planning, and Interior Design. We work with a diverse group of clients to plan and design significant renovations, additions or expansions, 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 philosophies, aspirations, and objectives.
• Consider industry trends, evolving technology, and future needs.
• Identify every room, space, and area needed for the facility.
• Meticulously identify and allocate space for every piece of equipment, furniture, fixture, and amenity.
• Present options for consideration with the pros and cons for each choice.
• 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 goals, schedule, and budget.
• Balance individual goals and group requirements to effectively reach consensus.

Site Planning

• Obtain a certified site survey.
• Evaluate zoning ordinances 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 the Program and, when required, assist the owner to obtain variances.
• Locate the building to achieve predetermined 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 ordinances.
• Obtain boundary and topographic surveys and document existing conditions.
• Develop a Floor Plan that incorporates every component of the Program.
• Develop circulation patterns that reflect 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 3D massing studies of the project.

Construction Documents

• Create precise plans and elevations from the Schematic Design Drawings.
• Select exterior finish materials.
• Incorporate and integrate the Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems.
• Develop buildings sections to determine and coordinate vertical elements.
• Select interior floor, wall, and ceiling materials.
• Develop the lighting layout and select the light fixtures.
• Develop exterior and interior details.
• Produce Drawings and Specifications for Permitting and Construction.
• Coordinate and integrate 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 questions and issue answers to all bidders via addenda.
• Review and evaluate alternative materials and systems.
• Respond to Requests for Information (RFIs).
• Receive, evaluate, and document final bids into a comprehensive matrix.

Contract Negotiations:

• Assist in selecting one bidder to negotiate the Construction Contract.
• If necessary, undertake Value Engineering to meet the budget.
• Draft the Owner and Contractor Construction Agreement.

Construction Administration

• Oversee the construction of the project.
• Monitor the work of the Contractor via site visits and reviewing submittals.
• Approve monthly Requisitions for Payment.
• Process architectural and engineering Shop Drawings, review material samples, and prepare punch lists.
• Secure the Certificate of Occupancy.

Needs Assessment

This is often one of the initial tasks in the development of an animal shelter.

• Determine the quantities and types of animals that need to be sheltered.
• Determine the number of staff and operating budget considerations.
• Determine 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.
• Determine operational factors including days/hours of operation, no-kill policies, and cooperation between public agencies and private organizations.
• Identify progressive public educational programs and programs to help reinforce and ensure the success of adoptions.
• Identify fundraising opportunities and events and establish fundraising policies, procedures, timing, and sequencing.

Fundraising Opportunities

• Orchestrate, when requested, the inclusion of profit centers in a facility that often change the financial viability of a project as 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/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 generate excitement about taking part in its realization through donation. These materials also tend to build public advocacy and volunteer pools for projects.