MISHKON SIGNED A CONTRACT in May with KCK Architects, an accomplished historic preservation firm, to oversee Phase 1 of renovations in our historic sanctuary building. After meeting with representatives of seven firms, I recommended this one as the best suited for our needs among those available to undertake our project.
The planned work is to be carried out in several phases over a period of 3–4 years. The only phase we have contracted for at present is the first one, which includes restroom remodeling (lobby level), lobby renovation, and the siting/integration of a possible elevator, within the context of an overall entry accessibility plan. Future phases are subject to approval by the board and/or B&G Committee.
Below the jump, this post discusses the background, the need, and the architect’s services to be performed—with brief status notes as we near the 6-month mark.…
Background
Our overall objectives (for all phases) are to increase the appeal and comfort of the restrooms, revive the Social Hall, and to improve accessibility to the building’s spaces—all while paying due respect to its status as a historic-cultural monument.
The particular planned renovations are among those that were identified earlier this year by the Ad Hoc Committee on Capital Priorities, whose report was accepted by the board in February.
The contract establishes the cost of services on an hourly basis, with a “not-to-exceed” maximum for the accomplishment of our Phase 1 goals.
The Need for an Architect
Our architect is providing a comprehensive design vision and careful planning, to ensure that our capital is spent efficiently, and that the outcome will be satisfying. Along the way, their guiding hand not only is helping us decide what should be done, but also is carrying out the following tasks:
- coordinate with expert consultants,
- ensure that the project obtains City approval,
- prepare construction specifications,
- identify competent contractor candidates, and
- administer the contracts.
Five Stages of Architectural Services
Architectural services are typically performed in five stages, which in this case apply as follows:
1. Schematic Design: After reviewing our requirements, the architect collaborates with us to prepare design options. (DONE.)
2. Design Development: The architect prepares a set of documents in accordance with applicable laws and codes, while coordinating with selected consultants as necessary to satisfy City requirements.
3. Permit/Construction: The architect prepares and coordinates a set of documents for submittal to the City for approval; drawings are then modified as required to comply with city requirements. The architect works to gain approval for the building permit, meeting with the City as needed, and to have it ready to issue for the general contractor.
4. Scope of Work: The architect prepares a final set of documents covering the work to be performed, sufficient for bidding by contractors. The architect also assists us in obtaining bids from proven, qualified contractors, and in awarding the construction contract.
5. Administer the Construction Contract: During construction, the architect serves as a representative of, and consultant for, the Owner—visiting the site at appropriate intervals, in order to ensure that progress is on track, and that the architect’s and our intentions are being properly carried out.
No comments:
Post a Comment