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Expertise

We approach projects from a Master Plan perspective, that is, looking at the whole project environment as we define the specific scope and program for each particular phase. We start with  a broad template of questions and checklists to better define the constraints and parameters that will ensure that the final outcome is inclusive and thereby successfully meets the needs of our clients and those using the facilities that we design. Essential questions and activities similar to those noted below form the backbone of the project program and create a template for the design process and final product.

Building Renovations, Entitlements & Adaptive Re-Use

  • What (selective) demolition is required / appropriate?
  • Determine utility systems’ re-use/renovation/upgrade
  • Develop a list of recyclables/energy-saving enhancements
  • Review adequacy/flexibility of interstitial spaces
  • Is the Use acceptable in this Zone? Confirm alternatives
  • Parking alternatives/options – maximize layout
  • Assess multi-tenant vs. single user options and leasing/use scenarios
  • Analyze ADA accessibility & compliance measures
  • Identify deferred maintenance issues
  • Research expansion options
  • Prepare/assess new building façade modifications & imagery
  • Review need for environmental studies (Haz Mat/Noise- Acoustic/Traffic/neighborhood impacts, etc.)
  • Is a Variance required? If so, review the process & timing
  • Collect & review surveys & building/site improvement plans
  • Establish budget, phasing, & time schedule
  • Review agency processes & project delivery strategy
  • Assess possible environmental impacts & mitigations
  • Evaluate required entitlement actions and sequencing of procedural approvals
  • Review appropriate applications & exhibits needed
  • Procure necessary professional engineering support & environmental services
  • Deliberate with the team about process sequence and concurrent actions
  • Re-establish the project objectives & validate the intended resultsServices that may be required
  • Obtain & review previous entitlements, permits, case reports, and Occupancy Certs.

Education

  • Develop a Use program/strategy
  • Determine activities and/or athletics & support requirements
  • Are secure or defensible spaces required?
  • What age group(s) will use the facility?
  • Assess public vs. User accessibility
  • Review land area requirements & orientation
  • Layout facilities orientation(s)
  • Prepare a list of facility uses (Commissary)(Performing Arts) & magnitude
  • Discuss Public Address, lighting, audio-visual
  • Determine site amenities
  • Review drop off/traffic patterns
  • What is the need for multi-purpose & flexible space utilization?
  • Identify special construction systems (Acoustics, Arts, Music)
  • Discuss funding mechanisms & cup requirements
  • Review spectator/audience considerations & equipment storage
  • Understand facility access
  • Are locker facilities pertinent? Define magnitude
  • Determine food service criteria/needs
  • Establish budget, phasing, & time schedule
  • Student projections – current & future
  • Staffing needs
  • Review utility needs – dry & wet

Industrial & Manufacturing

  • Develop lists of equipment specs & loads
  • Are mezzanines needed current/future?
  • Plan truck court maneuvering and loading
  • What are the fire sprinkler hazard requirements/class?
  • Assess Use scenarios – Warehouse vs.
  • Manufacturing vs. Distribution
  • Are generators/UPS needed?
  • Determine optimal structural bays & materials
  • Discuss dock configurations/equipment
  • Coordinate dry utility services and phasing scenarios
  • Review demising alternatives/requirements
  • Is there cold storage/refrigeration?
  • Special operation(s)/processes to plan for? Need (isolated) equipment pads?
  • Address containment and/or exhaust requirements
  • Determine area(s)/room(s) environmental & comfort requirements
  • Address slab/floor levelness/finish
  • Expandability & product change effects/scenarios
  • Requirements for Receiving, Quality Assurance & Inspection, Fulfillment, etc.
  • Establish budget, phasing, & time schedule

Mixed-Use & Retail

  • Are there Live-Work opportunities?
  • Determine Affordable components/ratios & credits
  • Assess advantages of condo vs. apartments
  • What is the Open space target
  • Address visible vertical circulation
  • Schedule Neighborhood Council meetings
  • Assess design criteria for food concessions vs. service retail
  • Review glazing & visibility priorities
  • Need Drive-Thru access?
  • Develop architectural style & patterns
  • Layout entry/delivery access for multi-tenant buildings
  • Signage options
  • What are the local signage requirements/restrictions?
  • Confirm rent/sales structure projections
  • Discuss level of security systems & alarms
  • Establish budget, phasing, & time schedule

Office & Medical Office

  • Assess advantages of condo vs. lease
  • Research life-safety design criteria
  • Establish design levels: Ambulatory Care vs. Professional vs. Office
  • Calculate load factors
  • Prepare leasing scenarios
  • Plan for optimal Core configurations & service components
  • Review FAR vs. market-rate parking
  • Ambulance/drop-off required?
  • What is the cost of structured vs. surface parking
  • Strategize shell utilities distribution
  • What sustainable qualities can be introduced?
  • Determine Class & quality of construction advantages vs. rent/return
  • Establish budget, phasing, & time schedule
  • Review agency processes, entitlement actions required, & project delivery strategy

Planning Advisors & Project Delivery

  • Develop Planning Department issues & approval requirements
  • Perform Building(s) density/coverage analysis
  • Coordinate the Civil engineer & site consultants
  • Prepare/update the design & delivery schedule
  • Are there geotechnical issues?
  • Determine site & Zoning requirements
  • Research utility infrastructure & distribution
  • Review off-site improvement requirements
  • Calculate the costs of retention/detention
  • Review parking densities vs. landscape
  • Obtain fire flow & water pressure info
  • Decide what market sector(s) is/are targeted
  • Establish budget, phasing, & Agency processing schedule
  • Develop a “running” schedule of critical delivery dates
  • Communicate with the team & develop professional consultant contracts
  • Identify document conflicts & distribute corrective action
  • Perform Peer-Review for deficiencies and document completion
  • Assess LEED options and points structure
  • Monitor & observe progress & identify key decisions and timing
  • Analyze bids & evaluate contracts
  • Brainstorm cost-saving options and alternatives
  • Assess Special Engineering Components & Services that may be required

Recreation & Community Facilities

  • Develop a Use program/strategy
  • Determine activities and/or athletics & support requirements
  • Are secure or defensible spaces required?
  • What age group(s) will use the facility?
  • Assess public vs. User accessibility
  • Review land area requirements & orientation
  • Layout facilities orientation(s)
  • Prepare a list of facility uses (Commissary)(Performing Arts) & magnitude
  • Discuss Public Address, lighting, audio-visual
  • What is the need for multi-purpose & flexible space utilization?
  • Identify special construction systems (Courts, Pools, Enclosures)
  • Identify ventilation requirements by zone/activity
  • Review spectator/audience considerations & equipment storage
  • Understand parking needs and facility access
  • Are locker facilities pertinent? Define magnitude
  • Determine food service criteria/needs
  • Establish budget, phasing, & time schedule
Project solutions are the result of critical thinking, and the synthesis of good analysis

John Parezo, AIA