Working with Us

Summary of Services Provided/Offered

The process of working with BAI follows a defined and phased sequence.

The firm needs to feel that they are a match for the project and client. We do not accept commissions that we feel are not suitable to our experience and talents. Our ultimate objective is a cooperative and energetic collaboration with our clients culminating in a project that satisfies or exceeds their needs and expectations and that is a source of pride for both parties. Our office views compensation in two parts: monetary (fees) and satisfactorily completed projects. We cannot afford to provide services for projects that are not destined to be completed. This office places as much "value" to the completed project as is derived from fee compensation.

Each project and each client is a unique experience requiring "a new set of eyes". The unique combination of client input, environmental input and regulatory input define the solutions to every new project. Architectural solutions are not predetermined.

Upon an initial interview with the client and a visit to the proposed site or building, the architect prepares a proposal for services to be delivered. Customarily our compensation or fees are structured on an agreed upon percentage of construction cost determined by project scope and complexity. Projects of limited scope are occasionally handled on an hourly basis. We offer only full architectural services and see all projects through construction. Our interior design services are generally provided as well.

Upon acceptance of the proposal, a Standard AIA Contract is executed outlining in detail all conditions of service and responsibilities of all parties and terms of compensation.

The initial phase of work is the Pre-Design or Programming Phase. It is during this phase that data is collected describing all facets of the project. Work sessions will be held with the client to discuss, identify and document all wants, wishes, needs, objectives and constraints. As part of this phase data will be gathered pertaining to the site and its context. Finally, regulatory issues will be identified and documented that affect design and construction of the project. The results of this pre-design work is often, depending upon the scope of the work, organized and documented in the form of a written program for the review of the client. Any adjustments are discussed and made at this time, prior to any design work. This serves to insure that both client and architect are on the same page before moving forward. Our office views the pre-design portion of the work as the single most important phase of any project.

Next, based upon a defined program, a design/construction team is identified. All consultants and general contractor are pre-selected and invited to participate along with the client in the evaluation of potential solutions. Having the expertise of consultants and contractors on board from the outset makes for efficient use of time and constant evaluation of solutions effecting cost and time. The architect does not select the general contractor but will assist the owner in contractor evaluations. We have recent experience in design/build and will consider such an arrangement depending upon specific circumstances. Successful projects inlude both commercial and residential types.

Schematic Design

The initial effort at incorporating programming into a documented design solution occurs next. Often multiple solutions will be generated in order to evaluate options. These will be conceptual and general in nature primarily indicating various approaches and establishing scope and scale and general relationships of spaces and circulation. These conceptual approaches are evaluated and a design is identified to be further developed.

The general contractor provides a preliminary estimate of probable construction costs based upon unit values.

Design Development Phase

The agreed upon design is further developed and made more specific to include possible systems and materials, more specific circulation and relationships. What emerges is a complete design. Typical deliverables may include site plan, floor plans, exterior elevations, building sections, preliminary mechanical electrical and plumbing diagrams, preliminary finish schedules and an outline specification.

The general contractor assists by providing an updated estimate of probable construction cost. The owner and architect evaluate this information. The architect, in response to the information, makes any adjustments to scope or approach. The client issues a written notice to proceed.

Construction Documents Phase

The design is further refined and documented to the level that there is sufficient information for the General Contractor to fully price all aspects of the scope of work. Subcontractors are selected, and a preliminary construction schedule is developed.

Negotiation Phase

The architect assists the owner during this phase to negotiate the final AIA Owner/Contractor Agreement for Construction. The architect is available to answer the inevitable questions that arise at this juncture. Upon approval of the Contractor Agreement, the Architect's fees will be reviewed and adjusted as necessary.

Construction Phase

The architect serves as the owner's representative to administer the contract. The contractor, through the office of the architect, will make applications for payment. Applications will be reviewed and certified and forwarded to the owner for payment. The architect and their consultants also receive and evaluate all submittals for construction assemblies and materials, requests for information, and construction schedules. Finally, the architect receives and evaluates certificates of substantial completion and assists the owner in the preparation of a "punch list" of items to be completed prior to completion of construction.

For a complete description of services and responsibilities please refer to AIA Document B151, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect 1997.

The Architect's services are intended to be consistent throughout all the phases outlined above. It is this continuity that best serves the client and the project.