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Tom Dawson Architecture looks forward to translating your specific needs and goals into a physical, buildable solution. As your advocate, TDA addresses state and local regulations, oversees the work of the builder, and coordinates all technical and aesthetic aspects of the project. We solve space problems, manage your budget, help protect you from unreasonable extra costs, and resolve disputes that may arise with your town, other consultants, or your builder.
Most TDA architectural projects include all or some of these services:
Meet with you, listen more than talk, and Program the Project, helping you define the problem to be solved or goal to be reached. Discussion of budget parameters is prudent here, to ensure project feasibility and success.
Documentation of the existing building and/or site environs, considering region and location, topography, orientation, sun and shade, wind, ground and surface water, views, etc. Zoning regulations, utilities, and survey data are combined into comprehensive Existing Conditions.
Harvest of clean and green power, from the sun, the wind, or from Mother Earth can be investigated and reviewed, and evaluated with existing mechanical equipment, if applicable. Through the integration of solar panels (PV), wind turbines, and geothermal energy (heat pumps), interconnection to the utility or off-grid; any or all of these systems have enormous potential for LifeCycle cost savings, and your sustainable responsibility signature. "The future belongs to the efficient".
Here we develop the general concept for you, through rough sketches, adjacency and bubble diagrams, TDA starts to communicate a path to a logical and reasonable solution. Considering structure, form and function, outside massing and aesthetics, we prepare option(s) in a 3D format, and present them to you for approval, before moving to the next phase of the project. Cost estimates preliminary in nature can be derived, to also include interior design and desired landscape improvements.
Partnering with your input and direction, here we Refine the Design, incorporating more detail in the proposed design. Enhanced building envelope components may also be considered for inclusion, derived from Energy Star efficient-construction detailing, as an example. An outline specification of materials and finishes to be used is presented with fairly detailed drawings, including any research of products, design of custom work or special installations.
With approved design at about 75% complete in our cumulative process, TDA assists you in preparation and distribution of documents (drawings, specs.) to qualified bidders to build the project. We also can help you review and evaluate the bids, qualify substitutions, recommend alternatives or re-designs, and negotiate terms and/or working scope.
Note: On larger projects, this step usually occurs after CD's.
Nearing 90% completion of approved direction and design, we prepare detailed drawings and specifications, used by the selected builder to refine and adjust his cost and/or scope, apply for building permits, and start the construction. A fully-integrated visual and technical prescription for construction of the project is the goal!
Historically an optional service, we prefer to represent you on-site during construction. As your advocate, TDA will observe the progress, preserve the design intent, be available and responsive to the builder for resolution of issues and concerns, and help control substitutions and costs driven by potential "change orders". This is even more critical in complicated and sensitive design situations or integrated energy system applications. Periodic reporting intervals are our standard of care.
Note: The builder is fully responsible for the construction of the project, the site safety, means & methods, techniques & procedures, and the schedule.
These include Operation and Maintenance Programming (O&M), start-up and commissioning assistance, warranties review, and the preparation of Record Drawings & As-Builts. We can also assist you in a post-construction interview, debrief, and survey, if desired.
Included here are design changes over the contracted amount or design direction changes, computer or hand drawn renderings, model making, material mock-ups, photography, graphic design, special, product or furnishings design, leasing and/or advertising materials (brochures), etc. Also, since architects' usually have such varied training, we can help with LifeCycle cost analysis, value engineering, detailed cost estimates, occupancy surveys, energy studies and environmental monitoring (ex: consulting on the installation of a meteorological tower to study a wind-regime for a 1-year period), and tenant-related design work or services.
Items that TDA has experience with, that may not fit in any of the service categories above:
Green energy consulting (other than as prime designer);
Wood & steel beam design (Structures);
Hand drawings including early massing studies to isometrics, axonometrics, and perspectives;
Occupancy/Egress Studies & Reports;
Barrier-free design and design for the elderly;
Giving back, community enrichment, pro-bono work.