The Architectural Process:

For some the prospect of taking on the development of a new church can be daunting.  We've broken the process up into manageable phases and the experienced Adams Architectural Associates will guide you through the process to an ultimately successful end result.

We have often been asked: "How do you, as the architect, serve your client"

Following is a step-by-step outline that explains how Adams Architectural Associates operates.

The seven steps that follow are basic functions of most architectural firms.  Many of the features, however, are indicative of only Adams Architectural Associates.

Throughout the design and construction processes, meeting memos and correspondence are sent to those individuals involved so that everyone is informed of the decisions made.  A written building program parallels this philosophy by recording all of the criteria that make up the total building requirements.

ARCHITECTURAL CONTRACT:

The contract will include the extent of architectural service, the fee arrangements and a list of all the parties involved in the contract.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The scope of work will outline

  • The General Requirements of the owner
  • Site Selection
  • Financing
  • Specific Requirements of the Project
  • Time Schedule
  • Method of selecting contractor
  • Consultants
  • Promotion or public relations
  • Feasibility and research studies

SCHEMATIC DESIGN:

The information assembled in the Program Master Plan and Space Utilization Study is turned into a building design.  The Schematic Design includes an updated site plan, showing the next proposed phase of construction, a floor plan and exterior elevations.  It may include interior elevations or a building section.  The Schematic Design includes a color artist’s rendering to show what the building will look like along with a master plan & future building program booklet.  The Schematic Design, booklet and rendering are often used as aids in fund raising.

 

A.  Programming:Adams Architectural Associates determines your project objectives and space needs.  Analyze your church’s growth patterns and current space utilization.  Meet with you to develop a complete view of your situation and long term needs.  Prepare a written Program of Space Needs.

B.  Master Planning:Adams Architectural Associates analyzes your site layout, taking into account traffic flow, parking, pedestrian movement, building ingress and egress, building orientation, long range building expansion needs, and long range site development potential.   The objective is a Site Master Plan which shows the long term best use of the entire property.  Site Master Plans usually show the long range maximum development of a site, showing its best layout and use including phasing of expansion. 

C.  Budgeting:The Project Budget is more than an estimate of the construction cost.  It involves preparing a budget of total project cost including: Building and Site Construction Cost, Architectural and Engineering Design, Site Survey, Subsurface Soils Investigation, Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment and Contingency Fund.  Total project costs can be 10% to 25% more than construction cost alone. 

D.  Space Utilization Study:A total inventory of existing classrooms, offices, fellowship, and worship spaces is prepared to see how existing space is being used.  Adams Architectural Associates then recommends reallocation of space, renovation of spaces so that they can be better utilized and addition of new space where required.  A complete conceptual floor plan may be developed to show potential improvements.  The Space Utilization Study is often done in conjunction with Programming and Budgeting. 


DESIGN DEVELOPMENT:
Once the church has reviewed and approved the Schematic Design, Adams Architectural Associates continues to develop the design in more detail including building sections, wall sections and details of construction.  During Design Development engineers are employed to begin the structural, civil, mechanical, plumbing and electrical design.  Interior Design is started and preliminary color and finish selections are made.  If the project requires a sound system or special lighting, consultants who specialize in this area are brought in to begin their work.  
 
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS:
During this phase, Adams Architectural Associates and our consultants complete all working drawings and specifications in order that the project can be priced and built.  Work of all engineering consultants is coordinated with one another and with architectural plans.  Interior Design is completed.

BIDDING / NEGOTIATION:
The project is priced through one of several optional methods.  The project can be bid out to several invited contactors.  Or a contractor can be selected who then prices the job for a negotiated contract.   Often a negotiated contract has a guaranteed maximum cost and a set percentage mark up for the general contractor.

CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION:
During Contract Administration Mr. Adams visits the job on a regular basis to monitor the quality and progress of the work and to report observed deviations from the contract drawings and specifications.  Adams Architectural Associates and consultant engineers review and make recommendations on change orders, shop drawings, sample submittals, and applications for payment.  Adams Architectural Associates acts as the churches representative and point of contact with the contractor.  When the project is finished, Adams Architectural Associates does a complete final inspection, and issues a certificate of Substantial Completion. 

POST OCCUPANCY:
Adams Architectural Associates will continue to be available after occupancy, and will continue to act as an intermediary with the contractor during the warranty period.  We will be available to do an on site inspection one month before the one year warranty expires.