The Design & Pre-construction Team: We will assemble the best team based on the complexity and subject matter expertise required.  We will begin by defining the project requirements, clarifying the scope, goals, and specific needs, including sustainable design and historical preservation. Next, we will research architectural firms, seeking referrals and reviewing portfolios. We will prequalify firms based on experience, reputation, design style, and expertise, verifying qualifications and gathering client feedback. Shortlisted firms will undergo interviews to assess their understanding of the project.  An RFP will be prepared, detailing project objectives, scope, evaluation criteria, and submission guidelines. Proposed submissions will be evaluated against predefined criteria. After selecting a preferred firm, we will negotiate terms and finalize the contract with agreed-upon conditions. Finally, a kickoff meeting will be scheduled to initiate the project, set expectations, and establish communication protocols.

Architecture & Engineering Management: We will oversee the productivity and unity of the design team.  As the primary point of contact, we will ensure seamless communication and collaboration between team members. Roles and responsibilities for each team member will be clearly defined, establishing expectations regarding deliverables, timelines, and communication protocols. Identifying and resolving conflicts will be crucial, with discussions facilitated to find effective solutions and maintain project momentum.

A comprehensive project timeline will be developed and tracked, integrating milestones to ensure timely progression towards objectives. A quality assurance process will also be implemented to review design and engineering documents at multiple stages, ensuring project and regulatory compliance.  Budgets related to architectural and engineering services are monitored to address variances and facilitate necessary adjustments.

Regular progress reports will detail status updates, challenges, and achievements, providing stakeholders with transparent insights. Finally, we will oversee the final review of all deliverables before project completion, ensuring requirements have been met, enabling a smooth transition to subsequent phases.

Value Engineering: Value engineering contributes significantly to the overall efficiency and economics of a project.  With careful attention during the design phases, opportunities for better solutions are often discovered.  We begin by reviewing the project's goals and desired outcomes, including cost, quality, functionality, and total cost of ownership.  From the first sketches to specifications and construction documents, we are seeking opportunities to get the most bang for the buck. We identify and analyze essential functions of project components to determine their value. Focus on understanding the needs they fulfill. We then brainstorm alternative solutions or methods for achieving the same functions at a lower cost or with higher value. As alternatives are presented, we will assess the feasibility, costs, impacts, and benefits of each, using criteria such as cost-effectiveness, performance, and quality. The best alternatives that meet project objectives will be chosen and incorporated into the project, detailing the necessary changes in design, materials, or processes.

Total Cost of Ownership Analysis (TCO):  This exercise delivers significant benefits that greatly enhance the decision-making process in real estate and investment scenarios. It informs strategic planning, prioritizes investments for long-term value, justifies expenditures, and establishes performance benchmarks. This insight empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions based on complete data, leading to optimal investment choices and improved resource allocation. It also, aids in effective budget management by predicting long-term expenses, thereby reducing the risk of unexpected financial burdens. Additionally, it allows for meaningful comparisons between properties or investment options, identifying those that deliver the best value.

The process begins by defining the objectives and scope, specifying properties to be analyzed and costs to include. Next, we will identify cost categories such as acquisition, development, operating, financing, capital expenditures, and end-of-life costs. Data will be gathered to provide relevant financial information and estimates of future expenses. The analysis will assess a time horizon reflective of the expected holding period and project future costs based on historical trends and inflation assumptions.  Finally, we will calculate the present value of future costs for accurate comparison, compile total costs across all categories, and present a detailed report of our findings and recommendations.

Perform Periodic Constructability Reviews: Constructability Reviews are essential within the design process to confirm the project can be built efficiently, safely, and within budget and possibly at a lower cost. These reviews help streamline the design process, reduce requests for information during bidding and construction, minimize construction risks, reduce costs, and ultimately lead to successful project outcomes.  We will apply our expertise to analyze all design documents to identify potential construction challenges and opportunities. The construction site is examined for logistical challenges, access, material staging, environmental considerations, and site constraints.  We verify design assemblies for alignment with construction methods and practices, ensuring they are realistic and achievable.  The team will discuss different construction methods and techniques, evaluating their practicality for the project. We confirm specified materials are availabile and suitable, considering lead times and market conditions.  Costs of proposed designs and construction techniques are reviewed, identifying potential overruns and value-engineering opportunities. Safety risks associated with the design and construction processes are identified and mitigation strategies are proposed.  Lastly, we confirm that final design documents reflect constructability improvements and are ready for the construction phase

Sustainable building solutions will be aligned with the organization’s mission and objectives for the project.  Our approach includes defining clear sustainability targets, conducting feasibility studies, and assembling a team of experts in sustainable building practices to ensure compliance with leading certification programs.  A review of sustainable programs and designs will be conducted to determine the most impactful solutions to increase efficiencies and reduce waste. By implementing green building strategies, you will not only elevate your project's sustainability credentials but also reduce its environmental footprint. 

Hazardous Materials Analysis and Testing:  Begins with assembling a project team to identify potential hazardous materials based on the site’s history, including any old buildings or known contamination sites, while adhering to relevant local, state, and federal regulations.  Detailed testing plans will be developed, specifying types of hazardous materials for analysis and establishing sampling strategies.  Certified laboratories with appropriate accreditations will be selected for conducting the analyses. Proper site surveys will be performed for sample collection, adhering to safety protocols. Following sample submission, results will be reviewed to identify any necessary remediation strategies. These will be integrated into the project plan with safety measures for workers and ongoing monitoring. Detailed documentation of testing results and compliance will be maintained throughout the project, culminating in a post-project review to enhance future processes.