Architectural Consulting Services

Once the root cause has been established, I specialize in communicating the issues to the Owner in a clear, understandable way with an eye towards solutions that best suit the needs of the user and the goals of the institution. The cheapest solution may not solve a long term need. Time sensitivity to building usage may drive the selection of a product or solution. Aesthetics may dictate a direction. I use my executive function to understand the motivations of the Owner so that I can help them make decisions.

Cost estimates are critical for decision making by the Owner. I use a four part method to estimate the cost of a project: 1-Use cost estimating consultants, programs and databases to create the initial spreadsheet. 2-Compare against projects of a similar nature that we have done recently to compare. 3-Speak to contractors who normally perform this type of work. 4-Adjust based on the current local economy, the region, and the availability of contractors and subs.

Communication and planning can streamline outcomes and handle expectations. We often meet with building users, maintenance folks, project managers, contractors, and building officials to obtain their input and perameters and to understand how their needs/constraints will affect the job.

We once did an emergency roof replacement project in a fully occupied elementary school that had special needs children. Because of extensive coordination with all stakeholders, including the superintendent, the principal, teachers, and maintenance staff, facility manager, building inspector, and the contractor, we were able to perform the roof work without disruption to the educational process or the health of the students. In a carefully coordinated phasing operation, we were able to move classes to open spaces in the building, (cafeteria, gym, auditorium) for a day at a time, so the roof could be performed, safely, overhead. There were no complaints or health issues and the project got done on time. 

We also had to completely replace a five story glass and aluminum curtain wall in a fully occupied office building for one of the biggest financial institutions in the world and keep their business going at the same time. Planning had to occur months in advance and included the installation of a temporary weather wall, to keep the rain out and heat in, during multiple years of construction.

All design starts with a list of spaces, desired, number and activity, the number and types of activities, that will occur in the space or what is known as a Program. The size of each room, the number of people using the space, the activities to be performed in each area, as well as the adjacencies of each activity to each other are critical. We also need to consider who needs to sit near who and what activity is important to any other person or activity. There also has to be space for storage, copiers, coffee stations, kitchens, conference space, meeting rooms, bathrooms, mechanical space, electric rooms, IT rooms, and circulation.

Integrated design and sustainability means that spaces should have clear views to the exterior, natural light, for maximum health and productivity, low water and power usage, and clean air. It goes without saying that it has to meet the current building code. Buildings have to be very well insulated and weather tight. HVAC systems have to be very efficient. Handicap accessibility is a given. Meeting the energy code is a given. And the most important job of the architect is to provide a safe means of egress, in an emergency, while meeting zoning regulations for fire ratings and proximity to other buildings – all for public safety.

It should go without saying that all architects have the ability to design handsome buildings that will fulfill all the functionality needed by the client, within their budget. This may entail difficult conversations about the true cost of construction and the effects on schedule. 

The architect’s role during construction cannot be understated. The architect’s job is to generally determine if the construction, in place, meets the requirements of the contract; meaning the plans and specifications. The review of shop drawings, project submittals, and physical mockups before construction begins is a critical part of the process for quality assurance. And in the case of historical restoration, physical mockups are crucial, on the building, to verify that they match the existing in color scale and texture, that they blend in and do not catch the eye as something new or different - and to satisfy the requirements of the local historic commission

Historic restoration is an art as much as it is a science. When we are done with a historic project, we want it to look it's age and well-maintained, rather than new. Repairs should be consistent with the existing construction types and methods and, if possible, using products that can be easily maintained. This is dependant on each Owner’s ability to provide the appropriate maintenance on a periodic basis.