ARCHITECTURE
Architecture is the core service of Architecture Plus-Chicago, all other related specialties of our practice are rooted in our dedicated commitment to responsive service for our clients, quality design which uplifts the spirits of our users, sustainable practices which enhance our environment and strengthen our communities, and thoughtful application of appropriate construction technologies to solve the challenges of building design in order to create both practical and spiritual value in our buildings. Our project expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of building functions including commercial, office, hospitality, residential, and academic and ranging in size from small interior remodeling to high rise buildings over a million square feet. We believe that architectural excellence can only be achieved through a rigorous process that explores, evaluates, and compares the best options available as a project concept is progressively refined to the point of completion. This process involves intense collaboration of the entire development team – owner, architect, consulting engineers, and specialty consultants. Through this approach, we are able to achieve cost effective, sustainable, and serviceable buildings which will be a lasting credit to the owner, the community, and the design professionals involved.
OWNER’S REPRESENTATIVE
While serving as Owner’s Representative, we augment the owner’s in house staff by providing value added technical and process expertise including day to day oversight and coordination of the project design and construction. Initially, we will work in close collaboration with the owner to develop overall project parameters – programming, budget, schedule, and regulatory requirements. Once these key elements are established and mutually agreed, Architecture Plus–Chicago, will assist the owner in selection of the design and construction team and, based on market conditions, advise the owner concerning the project delivery method – conventional design/bid/build, design/build, lump sum or GMP. During the design phases of the project, we will support the owner’s interest and advise the owner concerning advantages and disadvantages of planning and design options under consideration. During the construction phases, we will monitor the contractor’s performance and facilitate the work as the owner’s advocate. Upon completion of construction, we will assist the owner with move in requirements, and collaborate with the construction team to expedite completion, and then continue to monitor and consult with the owner to resolve any operational issues which arise during the first year of occupancy.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
A successful project depends upon day to day management of all project details over the duration of the planning and delivery process which typically may span two or more years. As a building project progresses from inception to completion and occupancy, numerous individuals have key roles at different stages of development much like a relay with the baton being passed between the professionals involved. Many individuals have critical, but limited, roles in the course of development. Architecture Plus-Chicago will review project goals with the owner and develop a specifically tailored Management Plan and provide consistent management oversight from inception to successful completion to ensure day to day coordination of the many individual professionals involved over time. This consistency of oversight is essential for project success to insure that the initially established project goals are not lost as the project faces the typical challenges of regulatory approvals, cost control, schedules, or simply by communication breakdown as key player’s transition throughout the development process.
FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
A Feasibility Analysis will assist the owner in making key predevelopment decisions such as site selection, building size, zoning requirements, access, and infrastructure. Architecture Plus-Chicago will can develop height and bulk studies to test a prospective site’s ability to accommodate the requirements of the development program before the owner invests a great deal of effort in land acquisition and related due diligence. This relatively quick process can reveal opportunities or liabilities associated with a particular development approach early in the process.
LEED
Architecture Plus-Chicago is qualified to provide a range of services which can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each project. With a heightened awareness of the importance of sustainable building practices, owners must evaluate whether or not to pursue LEED certification and once a decision is made, manage the certification process with USGBC. Initially, Architecture Plus-Chicago will prepare a draft LEED checklist which the owner can use in evaluating the options of Silver, Gold, or Platinum Certification on a particular project. In the event that the owner elect’s to pursue certification at any level, Architecture Plus-Chicago can prepare the necessary submittals, and instruct the design and construction professionals in the certification submittal and record keeping requirements, and periodically update the owner, designers, and builders of current status of submittals
PEER REVIEW
Architecture Plus-Chicago offers Peer Review services in an effort to assist Owners and Architects of Record in their effort to improve quality of project documentation and minimize errors and omissions. Peer Review does not guarantee elimination of errors or omissions, or in any way relieve the Architect of Record of full responsibility for document quality, rather it allows a “second set of eyes�, which will bring advice and collaborative suggestion of alternatives to the Architect of Record. A project will achieve maximum benefit from structured peer review when it is performed throughout the project at the Programming, Schematic, Design Development, and 33%, 66%, and 100% Construction Documents.
At each stage, we will review the documents and prepare a page by page comments list and meet with the architect to review and explain the items of concern and suggestion for resolution.
INSURANCE
Architecture Plus-Chicago carries standard form insurance with the following limits:
Professional Liability:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $1,000,000 per claim and in aggregate
Commercial General Liability:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 in aggregate
Comprehensive Automobile Liability:Â Â Â Â Â $300,000 per occurrence