University Architect @FrankCunhaIII Leads Architectural Walking Tour of @MontclairStateU’s Campus for Architect Guests, @AIANJ AIA Newark Suburban #AIA #University #Architect
Posted: May 18, 2019 Filed under: Architectist, Architecture, More FC3, University | Tags: AIA, Architect, Architecture, Campus, Campus Architect, Design, Diversity, FC3, inclusion, Innovation, Montclair NJ, traditional, University, University Architect Leave a commentOn May 18th, AIA Newark Suburban held a campus walking tour of Montclair State University led by fellow member, Architect Frank Cunha III, AIA. The tour addressed the history of the campus and the way it has been designed and constructed to protect and promote the health, safety, and welfare of the occupants of the buildings and grounds.
Building on a distinguished history dating back to 1908, Montclair State University is a leading institution of higher education in New Jersey. Designated a Research Doctoral University by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the University’s 11 colleges and schools serve more than 21,000 undergraduate and graduate students with more than 300 doctoral, master’s and baccalaureate programs. Situated on a beautiful, 252-acre suburban campus just 12 miles from New York City, Montclair State delivers the instructional and research resources of a large public university in a supportive, sophisticated and diverse academic environment. University Facilities currently manages 70 buildings and approximately 5 million gross square feet of space on our campus. More information available: https://www.montclair.edu/about-montclair
Frank Cunha III, AIA, University Architect, has been with the University Facilities team since 2007. Since graduating from the New Jersey Institute of Technology School of Architecture in 1998, he has obtained licenses to practice architecture in 9 states. Frank is currently completing his Masters in Business Administration at Montclair State University and expects to graduate in May 2019.
Frank is passionate about strategic planning, architectural design and constructing of complex projects in a challenging and ever-changing environment. He considers the environment, energy, and the health and wellness of the occupants during all phases of the project while addressing the programming needs to ensure the stakeholder’s program requirements are met and align with the organization’s mission, vision and values.
With the assistance of his design and construction teams, Frank has been responsible for many projects of various size and scope around campus. Some project highlights include: Student Recreation Center, Center for Environmental Life Sciences, Cali School of Music, School of Nursing, the Center for Computing and Information Science, Sinatra Hall, School of Business, Schmitt Hall and historic renovation and addition to College Hall, to name a few.
We would love to hear from you about what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
13 Examples of Green Architecture
Posted: July 15, 2018 Filed under: Architecture, Design, Green, More FC3 | Tags: AI, AIA, AIA Architect, AIA COTE, Amherst, Amsterdam, anti-terrorism regulations, archdaily, Architect magazine, Artwork, Atrium, Automation, Benchmark, BRE, BREEAM, BREEAM certification, Building Research Establishment, cafe, California campus, Campus, carbon dioxide, Certification, Chatham University, Chesapeake Bay, Chief Sustainability Officer, City, city of the future, coffee machines, cooling, cooling recovery system, COTE, cross-ventilation, Deloitte, Deloitte Netherlands, Drinking Water, DTTL, Eco Architect, Eco Builder, Ecology, Eden Hall Farm, Environment, Environmental Center, Facilities, Falk School, Falk School of Sustainability, future city, General Hospital, George Washington University, GHG emissions, Global Chief Sustainability Officer, green, Green Architect, Green Builder, green building, Green Office Building, green roof, greenest, Greenhouse, Hampshire College, heating and cooling, heating recovery system, Innovation, Inouye Regional Center, Landscape, LEED Certification, LEED Certified, lighting, lighting and ventilation, Living Building Challenge, Manhattan, Massachusetts, Metrics, Milken Institute, municipal, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, native vegetation, natural ventilation, naturally ventilated, Netherlands, New York, New York City, Ng Teng Fong, NOAA, NYC, NYCity, Office, Oregon, Pearl Harbor, Public Health, rainfall, Re:Vision, recovery system, resources, salt shed, Savings, School, shading, Singapore, Stanford, Stanford University, Starbucks, Sustainability, Sustainable, Technology, The Edge, University, USGBC, ventilation, Virginia Beach, water resources 2 CommentsThe Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Environmental Center
The nickname for the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Environmental Center is the Grass Building, and it perfectly captures its spirit. It’s a structure so thoughtfully designed it’s almost as energy-efficient and low impact as the greenery that surrounds it.
The Maryland building is part of an educational farm on the Potomac River Watershed that the Alice Ferguson Foundation used to teach people about the natural world. This new building—which became the 13th in the world to receive full Living Building Challenge certification in June 2017—is an educational facility designed to blur the lines between indoors and out, while still providing shelter as needed. “Part of the intent of the building is to be in the landscape and still have a bathroom to use,” says Scott Kelly, principal-in-charge at Re:Vision, a Philadelphia-based architecture and design studio.
Further Reading:
https://gbdmagazine.com/2017/grass-building
https://www.aia.org/showcases/92581-the-morris–gwendolyn-cafritz-foundation-env
https://living-future.org/lbc/case-studies/morris-gwendolyn-cafritz-foundation-environmental-center
http://hughloftingtimberframe.com/gallery/commercial/cafritz-foundation-environmental-center
http://www.cafritzfoundation.org/
Brock Environmental Center
Drawing thousands of students, the Brock Environmental Center is a regional hub for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, supporting its education and wetlands restoration initiatives. A connection to nature defines the building’s siting, which provides sweeping views of the marsh and also anticipates sea-level rise and storm surges with its raised design. Parts were sourced from salvage: Its maple floors once belonged to a local gymnasium while school bleachers, complete with graffiti, were used for interior wood trim. The center was recognized for its positive footprint: It has composting toilets, captures and treats rainfall for use as drinking water, and produces 80 percent more energy than it uses, selling the excess to the grid.
Further Reading:
http://www.cbf.org/about-cbf/locations/virginia/facilities/brock-environmental-center
https://living-future.org/lbc/case-studies/the-chesapeake-bay-brock-environmental-center
https://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/listing/chesapeake-bay-foundations-brock-environmental-center/979
https://www.aia.org/showcases/76311-brock-environmental-center
Discovery Elementary School
Students have three distinct, age-appropriate playgrounds—with natural elements such as rocks and fallen trees—at Arlington, Virginia’s Discovery Elementary School. The name honors astronaut John Glenn, who returned to space on the Discovery shuttle and once lived in the neighborhood. Exploration is a theme at the school, whose interior focuses on forests, oceans, atmosphere, and the solar system. The largest zero-energy school in the country, it offers “hands-on learning around energy efficiency and generation,” jurors noted. The school maximizes natural light and provides views to the outside in all classrooms.
Further Reading:
https://www.aia.org/showcases/71481-discovery-elementary-school-
https://www.google.com/search?q=Discovery+Elementary+School+AIA&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjS-pnHo6LcAhUMON8KHSlUDlYQsAQIdA&biw=1583&bih=1187
Bristol Community College
A laboratory is an energy-intensive enterprise, with specialized lighting and ventilation needs. That’s why jurors praised the airy health and science building at Bristol Community College, in Fall River, Massachusetts, for its net-zero energy achievement, “a difficult feat,” they noted, “in a cold climate like New England’s.” The move saves $103,000 in annual operating costs and allows the college, which offers a suite of courses in sustainability and energy, to practice what it teaches. Part of a holistic campus redesign, the new building’s location increases the density—and thus walkability—of campus for students.
Further Reading:
https://www.aia.org/showcases/71576-bristol-community-college-john-j-sbrega-heal
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/bristol-community-college-john-j-sbrega-health-and-science-building
http://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/bristol-community-college-john-j-sbrega-health-and-science-building_o
Central Energy Facility
Orange and red pipes flaunt their role in “heat recovery” at Stanford University’s Central Energy Facility. The center for powering the California campus—more than a thousand buildings—the facility was transformed from an aging gas-fired plant to one fueled mostly by an off-site solar farm, fulfilling a goal of carbon neutrality and reducing energy use by a third. With large health care and research buildings, the campus needs as much heating as cooling; now a unique recovery system taps heat created in cooling processes to supply 93 percent of the heating and hot water required for campus buildings. The plant reduces Stanford emissions by 68 percent and potable water usage by 18 percent, potentially saving millions of dollars and one of the state’s scarce resources.
Further Reading:
https://www.aia.org/showcases/25976-stanford-university-central-energy-facility
https://sustainable.stanford.edu/new-system
https://www.archdaily.com/786168/stanford-university-central-energy-facility-zgf-architects
https://www.zgf.com/project/stanford-university-central-energy-facility
Ng Teng Fong General Hospital
Like other buildings in Singapore, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital incorporates parks, green roofs, and vertical plantings throughout its campus. But the city-state’s hospitals haven’t traditionally offered direct access to fresh air, light, and outdoor views. This hospital marks a dramatic change, optimizing each for patients. About 70 percent of the facility is naturally ventilated and cooled by fans, cross-ventilation, and exterior shading, saving on precious water resources. The building uses 38 percent less energy than a typical hospital in the area.
Further Reading:
https://www.aia.org/showcases/76821-ng-teng-fong-general-hospital–jurong-commun
http://www.hok.com/about/news/2017/07/25/ng_teng_fong_general_international_academy_for_design_and_health_awards
https://www.archdaily.com/869556/aia-selects-top-10-most-sustainable-projects-of-2017/58f7c23ce58eceac31000615-aia-selects-top-10-most-sustainable-projects-of-2017-photo
http://www.topicarchitecture.com/articles/154396-how-modern-hospitals-recognize-the-impact-o
Eden Hall Farm, Chatham University
After receiving the donation of 388-acre Eden Hall Farm, 20 miles north, Pittsburgh’s Chatham University created a satellite campus centered around a sustainable living experiment. The university views the landscape—an agricultural area adjacent to an urban center—as critical to supporting cities of the future. The original buildings are complemented by new facilities for 250 residential students (and eventually 1,200), including a dormitory, greenhouse, dining commons, and classrooms. Students get hands-on experience in renewable energy systems—the campus generates more than it uses—sustainable agriculture and aquaculture, waste treatment, and water management. Now home to the Falk School of Sustainability, the farm is producing the next generation of environmental stewards, who follow in the footsteps of alum Rachel Carson.
Further Reading:
https://www.aia.org/showcases/76481-chatham-university-eden-hall-campus
http://www.chatham.edu/news/index.php/2018/01/chatham-views/from-eden-hall-pioneer-to-farm-manager
https://www.archdaily.com/869556/aia-selects-top-10-most-sustainable-projects-of-2017
https://falk.chatham.edu/masterplan.cfm
Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University
At George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health, located in the nation’s capital, design embodies well-being. Built around an atrium that admits light and air, the structure encourages physical activity with a staircase that spans its eight levels. A green roof reduces storm runoff; rainwater is collected and stored for plumbing, resulting in a 41 percent reduction in toilet fixtures’ water use. Limestone panels (left) were salvaged from the previous building on the site. Materials used throughout the building contain recycled content.
Further Reading:
https://www.aia.org/showcases/71306-milken-institute-school-of-public-health
https://publichealth.gwu.edu/content/milken-institute-school-public-health-wins-excellence-architecture-new-building-merit-award
http://designawards.architects.org/projects/honor-awards-for-design-excellence/milken-institute-school-of-public-health-george-washington-university/
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Inouye Regional Center
Located at the heart of Pearl Harbor, on Oahu’s Ford Island, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Inouye Regional Center repurposed two airplane hangars—which narrowly escaped destruction in the 1941 attack—linking them with a new steel and glass building (right). The research and office facility for 800 employees was raised to guard it from rising sea levels. Given the size of the hangars, daylight illuminated only a small fraction of the space, so specially crafted lanterns reflect sunlight further into their interiors. Necessity required invention: Due to anti-terrorism regulations, no operable windows were allowed in the space. Through a passive downdraft system that taps prevailing sea breezes, the building is completely naturally ventilated. The adjacent waterfront was returned to a more natural state with native vegetation.
Further Reading:
https://www.aia.org/showcases/76911-noaa-daniel-k-inouye-regional-center
http://www.hpbmagazine.org/NOAA-Daniel-K-Inouye-Regional-Center-Honolulu-Hawaii/
http://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/noaa-daniel-k-inouye-regional-center_o
http://www.hok.com/design/type/government/national-oceanic-and-atmospheric-administration-noaa/
R.W. Kern Center
Serving as the gateway to Hampshire College, in Amherst, Massachusetts, the multipurpose R.W. Kern Center holds classrooms, offices, a café, and gallery space—and is the place where prospective students are introduced to campus. The school converted what was once an oval driveway into a wildflower meadow, now encouraging a pedestrian approach (seen above). The center is self-sustaining, generating its own energy through a rooftop solar array, harvesting its water from rainfall, and processing its own waste. Its gray water treatment system is in a pilot program for the state, and may pave the way for others.
Further Reading:
https://www.aia.org/showcases/76921-rw-kern-center
https://architizer.com/projects/rw-kern-center
https://www.hampshire.edu/discover-hampshire/rw-kern-center
Manhattan 1/2/5 Garage & Salt Shed
Two buildings belonging to New York City’s sanitation department redefine municipal architecture. Resembling a grain of salt, the cubist form of the Spring Street Salt Shed holds 5,000 tons for clearing icy streets. The Manhattan 1/2/5 Garage (background), whose floors are color-coded for each of the three districts, is home to 150 vehicles, wash and repair facilities, and space for 250 workers. The garage is wrapped in 2,600 aluminum “fins,” shading devices that pivot with the sun’s rays, reducing heat gain and glare through the glazed walls while still allowing views to the outside. Municipal steam heats and cools the building, so no fuels are burned. A 1.5-acre green roof reduces heat-island effect and filters rainwater. A condensate by-product of the steam is also captured, and, along with the rainwater, used for toilets and the truck wash. Combined with low-flow fixtures, the process reduced water consumption by 77 percent.
Further Reading:
https://www.dattner.com/portfolio/manhattan-districts-125-garage/
https://www.ohny.org/site-programs/weekend/sites/dsny-manhattan-125-sanitation-garage-salt-shed
https://www.aia.org/showcases/76671-manhattan-districts-125-garage–spring-stree
http://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/manhattan-districts-1-2-5-garage-spring-street-salt-shed_o
https://www.burns-group.com/project/manhattan-125-garage-and-spring-street-salt-shed/
Starbucks Hillsboro, Oregon
Starbucks has been a leader in the development and implementation of a scalable green building program for over a decade .Starbucks joined the U.S. Green Building Council® (USGBC) in 2001 and collaborated with them to develop the LEED® for Retail program, an effort to adapt LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) to new construction and commercial interior strategies for retail businesses. In 2008,Starbucks challenged themselves to use LEED certification not just for flagship stores and larger buildings, but for all new, company-operated stores. Many people, even internally, were skeptical, especially with Starbucks growth across the globe. But by collaborating with USGBC and other like-minded organizations, we have been able to integrate green building design not only into new stores but also into our existing store portfolio. Starbucks has also succeeded in providing a practical certification option for retailers of all sizes.
Further Reading:
https://www.starbucks.com/responsibility/environment/leed-certified-stores
The Edge, Deloitte
The Edge, located in Amsterdam, is a model of sustainability.is billed as the world’s most sustainable office building and has the certification to prove it. But, it’s more than that. The place is, well, fun. And interesting. And inviting. So much so that professionals are actually applying for employment with Deloitte Netherlands because they want to work in the building. That it has become a recruiting tool is a satisfying side effect of a project designed to both redefine efficiency and change the way people work. “We wanted to ensure that our building not only had the right sustainability credentials, but was also a real innovative and inspiring place for our employees,” says Deloitte Netherlands CEO Peter Bommel.
The 7 Dimensions of Building Information Modeling
Posted: July 5, 2018 Filed under: Architecture, Design, More FC3, Science & Technology | Tags: 3 Dimensional, 3-D, AIA, AIA Architect, Architect, Architects, architectural, Asset Management, BIM 4D, BIM 5D, BIM 6D, BIM 7D, Builder, Common Data Environment, Construction, Construction Management, Construction Manager, Construction sequencing, Contractor, Cost, Cost Estimate, Data, Design Architect, Designer, Disaster & Emergency Planning, Disaster Planning, ECO, Eco Architect, Eco Building, Emergency Planning, Estimating, Facility, Facility professionals, General Contractor, green, Green Architect, green building, Level of Detail, Level of Development, Lifecycle, LOD, Maintenance, Milestones, O & M, Operations, Preventative Maintenance, Preventative Maintenance Scheduling, Primavera, Probable Cost, Production Architect, professionals, Project Lifecycle, Project Lifecycle Information, project management, Project Manager, Schedule, Sequencing, Space Utilization Management, Subcontractor, Sustainability, Sustainability Analysis, workflow 1 CommentIt has increasingly become crystal clear that BIM represents the opening of the architectural design community and construction industry to interoperability. There is no doubt that it’s a long and tedious way to being fully developed, however, important steps have been made during the last decades and the future of construction looks brighter day by day.
What is BIM?

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the process of creating information models containing both graphical and non-graphical information in a Common Data Environment (CDE) (a shared repository for digital project information). The information that is created becomes ever more detailed as a project progresses with the complete dataset then handed to a client at completion to use in the building’s In Use phase and potentially on into a decommissioning phase.
When we talk about BIM maturity we are essentially talking about the supply chain’s ability to exchange information digitally. The maturity levels from Level 0, through Levels 1, 2, 3 and beyond are often visualized via the maturity ‘wedge’ diagram conceived by Mark Bew and Mervyn Richards. Our article on BIM Levels Explained is a good place to start if you’re looking for more information.
BIM dimensions are different to BIM maturity levels. They refer to the particular way in which particular kinds of data are linked to an information model. By adding additional dimensions of data you can start to get a fuller understanding of your construction project – how it will be delivered, what it will cost and how it should be maintained etc. These dimensions – 4D, 5D and 6D BIM – can all feasibly (but not necessarily) occur within a BIM Level 2 workflow.
In this blog post we explore what it means to add different dimensions of information to a BIM process and explore what this looks like in practice and what benefits might be expected.
3D (The Shared Information Model)
3D BIM is perhaps the BIM we are most familiar with – the process of creating graphical and non-graphical information and sharing this information in a Common Data Environment (CDE).
As the project lifecycle progresses this information becomes ever more rich in detail until the point at which the project data is handed over to a client at completion.
4D (Construction sequencing)
4D BIM adds an extra dimension of information to a project information model in the form of scheduling data. This data is added to components which will build in detail as the project progresses. This information can be used to obtain accurate programme information and visualisations showing how your project will develop sequentially.
Time-related information for a particular element might include information on lead time, how long it takes to install/construct, the time needed to become operational/harden/cure, the sequence in which components should be installed, and dependencies on other areas of the project.
With time information federated in the shared information model planners should be able to develop an accurate project programme. With the data linked to the graphical representation of components/systems it becomes easy to understand and query project information and it is also possible to show how construction will develop, sequentially, over time showing how a structure will visually appear at each stage.
Working in this way is enormously helpful when it comes to planning work to ensure it is safely, logically and efficiently sequenced. Being able to prototype how assets come together before ground is broken on site allows for feedback at an early stage and avoids wasteful and costly on-site design co-ordination and rework. Showing how projects will be constructed visually is also handy when engaging with stakeholders, giving everyone a clear visual understanding of planned works and what the finished construction will look like with no surprises.
Adding sequencing information can be extremely useful, not just in the design phase, but earlier too, allowing for the feasibility of schemes to be assessed from the off. At tender stage this kind of information can allow initial concepts to be explored and communicated to inspire confidence in the team’s ability to meet the brief.
It’s important to note that working with 4D information doesn’t negate the need for planners who remain an integral part of the project team. Rather than creating programs as proposals develop, as is the case in traditional workflows, in a digital workflow planners can now influence and shape proposals from a much earlier stage in a project. Indeed, by being closer to the wider project team and providing feedback earlier in the process, there is the potential for planners to add significantly more value to a construction project.
5D (Cost)
Drawing on the components of the information model being able to extract accurate cost information is what’s at the heart of 5D BIM.
Considerations might include capital costs (the costs of purchasing and installing a component), its associated running costs and the cost of renewal/replacement down the line. These calculations can be made on the basis of the data and associated information linked to particular components within the graphical model. This information allows cost managers to easily extrapolate the quantities of a given component on a project, applying rates to those quantities, thereby reaching an overall cost for the development.
The benefits of a costing approach linked to a model include the ability to easily see costs in 3D form, get notifications when changes are made, and the automatic counting of components/systems attached to a project. However, it’s not just cost managers who stand to benefit from considering cost as part of your BIM process. Assuming the presence of 4D program data and a clear understanding of the value of a contract, you can easily track predicted and actual spend over the course of a project. This allows for regular cost reporting and budgeting to ensure efficiencies are realized and the project itself stays within budget tolerances.
The accuracy of any cost calculations is, of course, reliant on the data produced by multiple teams and shared within the Common Data Environment. If that information is inaccurate, so too will be any calculations that rely upon it. In this respect using BIM to consider cost is no different to more traditional ways of working. It is for this reason that quantity surveyors and estimators still have an important role to play, not only in checking the accuracy of information but also in helping to interpret and fill information ‘gaps’. Many elements of a project will still be modelled in 2D or not at all. There’s also likely to be differences between models in how things are classified and the cost manager will need to clarify and understand the commonality between what at first feel like disparate things.
An information model is likely to contain three types of quantity. Quantities based on actual model components (with visible details) which you can explore through the model are the most obvious. Quantities may also be derived from model components (such as moldings around windows) that aren’t always visible. The third kind of quantity is non-modeled quantities (these include temporary works, construction joints etc.). Unless the construction phase is modeled then the design model will show, graphically, design quantities but not the construction quantities. A cost manager is likely to be skilled in picking up the quantities that aren’t solely based on model components.
One of the advantages of extrapolating cost from the information model is the fact that the data can be queried at any time during a project and the information that feeds cost reports is regularly updated. This ‘living’ cost plan helps teams design to budget and because cost managers are engaged from the start of a project this allows for faster, more accurate reporting of costs at the early stages of a project. Compare this to a traditional approach where a cost manager’s report may be updated a few times during the early stages of a project with completed designs only fully costed at the end of the project team’s design process.
The cost manager may have to get used to working earlier and more iteratively than in a traditional process but has just as important a role to play in overall project delivery.
6D BIM (Project Lifecycle Information; Sustainability)
The construction industry has traditionally been focussed on the upfront capital costs of construction. Shifting this focus to better understand the whole-life cost of assets, where most money is proportionately spent, should make for better decisions upfront in terms of both cost and sustainability. This is where 6D BIM comes in.
Sometimes referred to as integrated BIM or iBIM, 6D BIM involves the inclusion of information to support facilities management and operation to drive better business outcomes. This data might include information on the manufacturer of a component, its installation date, required maintenance and details of how the item should be configured and operated for optimal performance, energy performance, along with lifespan and decommissioning data.
Adding this kind of detail to your information model allows decisions to be made during the design process – a boiler with a lifespan of 5 years could be substituted with one expected to last 10, for example, if it makes economic or operational sense to do so. In effect, designers can explore a whole range of permutations across the lifecycle of a built assets and quickly get an understanding of impacts including costs. However, it is at handover, that this kind of information really adds value as it is passed on to the end-user.
A model offers an easily-accessible and understood way of extrapolating information. Details that would have been hidden in paper files are now easily interrogated graphically. Where this approach really comes into its own is in allowing facilities managers to pre-plan maintenance activities potentially years in advance and develop spending profiles over the lifetime of a built asset, working out when repairs become uneconomical or existing systems inefficient. This planned and pro-active approach offers significant benefits over a more reactive one – not least in terms of costs.
Ideally the information model should continue to develop during the In Use phase with updates on repairs and replacements added in. Better yet, a myriad of operational data and diagnostics can also be fed in to inform decision making still further.
7D (Operations and Facilities Management)
Studies indicate that over 90% of total building lifecycle costs are related to facility maintenance and operations. Real estate and facility managers are increasingly showing interest in using BIM in facility management.
Some of the highlights of effectiveness of utilizing BIM 7D include:
- Preventative Maintenance Scheduling: BIM can be used to plan and track maintenance activities proactively and appropriately by using the information about the building structure and equipment used in the facility. This type of preventative maintenance activities will help improve building performance, reduce corrective maintenance and emergency maintenance repairs and increase productivity of maintenance staff.
- Sustainability Analysis: BIM integrated with other analysis & evaluation tools are used to track building performance data, which can be compared with specified sustainable standards to identify the flaws in the building systems. Facility’s sustainability program can be improved to better match the sustainability goals.
- Asset Management: Assets of a building consist of the physical building, its systems, equipment and surrounding environment. Asset management is essential in short-term and long-term planning for proper upkeep of building assets. The bi-directional Building Information Modeling (BIM) integration into asset management software can help in better visualization of assets and aid in the maintenance and operation of a facility.
- Space Utilization Management: Facility professionals and department liaisons can utilize BIM to effectively manage, track and distribute appropriate spaces and related resources within a facility. BIM space management application turns out to be beneficial in planning renovation projects and future needs, allocating space for proper usage of each corner of the building and tracking the impact of proposed changes.
- Disaster & Emergency Planning: BIM can provide critical building information to improve the efficiency of disaster response plans and minimize any risk. BIM can be integrated with building automation system (BAS) to display where the emergency is located within a building, to find possible routes to the affected area and to locate other dangerous areas within the building during such emergencies.
Sources & References:
https://www.autodesk.com/solutions/bim
https://geniebelt.com/blog/bim-maturity-levels
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
Our Exclusive ILMA Interview with Daniel D’Agostino, AIA of Plan Architecture
Posted: February 25, 2018 Filed under: Architecture, ILMA Interview, More FC3, Uncategorized | Tags: AIA, Architect, Architecture, commrcial, DAgostino, Design, Design Matters, Designer, Exclusive, FC3, FLW, full service, ILMA, Interview, Kahn, NYC, planarchitecturellc, Residential, students 1 CommentWho is Daniel D’Agostino, AIA?
Dan D’Agostino is an architect with over 15 years of experience as an architectural designer and project manager.
Mr. D’Agostino has extensive experience working on projects of varying scales. His portfolio of work ranges from new and renovations to single-family dwellings to high-rise mixed-use buildings in dense urban areas. Mr. D’Agostino’s work has been recognized for achievement on multiple levels. Winning an AIA Gold Medal for a mixed-use structure designed for Lower Manhattan, recurring appearances on NBC’s George to the Rescue and achieving the coveted “Best Of” award on Houzz.
Daniel received his Bachelor of Architecture Degree from the New Jersey School of Architecture at NJIT where he continues to serve as a visiting critic. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the Little Falls Planning and Zoning Board and Little Falls Economic Development Committee. He is a licensed Architect practicing in Northern New Jersey. In his free time he enjoys being the best father and husband he can be, golfing and playing music.
About Daniel’s firm:
planarchitecturellc is a full-service design firm which specializes in producing innovative client-driven program-based architectural design and budget appropriate problem solving.
Founded by Daniel D’Agostino, AIA, planarchitecture’s mission is to arrive at client and site specific architectural solutions to unique client demands. The firm produces work for public, commercial and residential clients.
You can find Daniel Online by clicking on the following links:
ILMA INTERVIEW
When and why did you decide to become an Architect?
I found drawing to be a great pastime as a kid. I also enjoyed building with my father. Inspired by curiosity, I always wanted to find ways to make things better. Design happens to be a way of making things better. Architecture seemed like a natural fit for me.
What were some of the challenges of achieving your dream?
Becoming an architect in general is a challenging process. While I’m patient with people, I’m not always so patient when it comes to progress. I like to see things getting done, movement and motion. Five years of schooling, 3 years of internship, 7 months of licensing, in the middle of a recession was challenging.
Any memorable clients or project highlights?
Each project has a stand out moment. The best moments occur when we are a part of the building process and able to walk a project with a client and discuss additional opportunities.
How does your family support what you do?
I am lucky to have a very supportive family. Architecture is a big part of our lives. We just had the amazing opportunity to design and build our own home so design is very much a part of our daily conversation. Prior to that, we would travel to see buildings, stop on a walk to discuss a building material. Dining experiences are typically accompanied by a short analysis of how things might have been better.
How do Architects measure success?
I think Architects are an odd bunch if I may say so myself. As such, it’s hard to generalize. For me, if I’m happy – I am successful. Some of the things that make me happy related to the profession are having the time to do something creative or inventive. Having a staff meeting where everything gels. Client meetings that end in laughter, hugs and an optimistic plan for advancing a project. Discussion with a contractor where we walk away saying – this is going to be amazing!
What matters most to you in design?
Function, daylight and views. Each of our projects start and end with how the plan works, how we experience daylight and what we see both internally and externally along a view corridor.
What do you hope to achieve over the next 2 years? 5 years?
I enjoy single family design and construction. Over the last two or three years, we have designed a number of medium density residential developments. I discovered that we were able to bring a neat little twist to this market that isn’t commonly found in these developments. Our attention to detail and space making is needed in these larger projects. I hope that in 5 years, we are doing a lot more of this.
Who is your favorite Architect? Why?
It’s a toss up – Frank Lloyd Wright or Louis Kahn.
As an architect, saying you like FLW is like saying you like the Beatles. I mean, the Beatles are mainstream, have a ton of hits, and reinvented themselves multiple times over the years. FLW did the same thing. His work is accessible and always delivers. If you dig deep and learn about why his buildings look the way they do (sustainability, economics, desire to build cheaply, wartime rationing, etc.) they are amazing.
Louis Kahn, on the other hand, not so mainstream and certainly not so accessible. His buildings manage to be incredibly complex yet simple. Having traveled the world looking at architecture, the Salk Institute was my greatest experience. When you walk that plaza, it’s an actual experience.
Do you have a coach or mentor?
Not really. I’m a pretty good listener and observer. If you keep your antennas up, you are going to learn a lot.
What is your favorite historic and modern (contemporary) project? Why?
The Pantheon in Rome is my favorite historic work. It is structurally significant. The sun is used as a light fixture in the building charting messages. It’s all encompassing. The Salk Institute is my favorite contemporary project due to its connection to site. A strong axis of symmetry and orientation with the horizon. It’s breathtaking.
Where do you see the profession going over the next few decades?
I see the profession going more toward design-build. There’s a lot of waste in the profession. It’s impossible to get every single detail included in a set of plans if you are trying to adhere to an architectural budget and short timeline. In New Jersey, the cost of land and taxes are so high, there is hardly ever an opportunity to draw every single detail and review it with your client. The industry has therefore come to accept (through demanding) a set of plans for base building, and finer elements being decided by the builder. As this process has evolved, we have come to see many features lost because original design intent isn’t considered. It will also help to minimize the number of projects that come in “over budget”.
What type of technology do you see in the design and construction industries?
I think modular still has a chance. When I was leaving college, modular was the new thing because it was faster and cheaper. Over time, it turned out, modular wasn’t exactly faster, or cheaper. We should pay attention to modular building with an emphasis on trying to work aesthetic into it.
Who / what has been your greatest influence in design?
Walt Disney. We need to make sure our buildings work functionally but we also want to be entertained while being part of an experience. Disney was great at this.
Which building or project type would you like to work on that you haven’t been part of yet?
I’d like to do a New York City high rise on the West Side. Growing up in Hudson County, New Jersey, the New York skyline was a big part of my childhood. I drive down a street and see projects I designed going up or completed and you feel a sense of pride and permanence. I’d like to have that feeling looking at the skyline.
How do you hope to inspire / mentor the next generation of Architects?
Our office consists of 10 people, 9 of which are designers. I constantly put forward that our job is to help our clients and serve them. Listen to them and find the best way to deliver that which they are requesting.
What advice would you give aspiring architects (K-12)? College students? Graduates?
I started working as a Sophomore in High School at an architecture firm. I would recommend it. It gives you an opportunity through college to understand “how” you might use what you are learning. I would recommend college students get involved in outreach. Get involved in your local community and start planting seeds for future networking opportunities. Can you join the planning board? Is there a historical society you can join?
For Graduates, it’s going to sound funny but go work at a restaurant as a server. You are going to learn how to interact with people, understand how a person asks for something they need either verbally or with body language. You’ll learn how people feel comfortable by studying where they ask to sit, the way they face, how they talk to one another. You’ll learn about working in a tight space in the Kitchen and the importance of efficiency and flow.
I was lucky – I learned how to speak Spanish working a restaurant while working with the Kitchen staff. This has proven to be invaluable as the two predominate languages spoken on a job site are Spanish and English. I am able to converse in both languages. While sad, it’s worth noting that when I graduated from college, I made more money as a weekend waiter than I did as a full time draftsman. It helps to have money.
What does Architecture mean to you?
Simple, a place to be comfortably protected from natural elements.
What is your design process?
My design process starts with the site. From there, I sit with my clients and I start designing with them. I’m not the type that comes to my single family residential clients with plans for how they should live. With my larger development work, we analyze the site to maximize efficiency and density.
If you could not be an Architect, what would you be?
I couldn’t imagine myself being anything else.
What is your dream project?
I’d love to work on a stage set. Loose some of the parameters of gravity, building code, weather resistance to create an environment.
What advice do you have for a future Executive leader?
Surround yourself with great people in all aspects of your life and consistently invest in yourself.
What are three key challenges you face as a leader in business today and one trend you see in your industry?
As a business leader, I find staffing challenging because we are a service industry – not just design and construction so personnel is the most important. You can get anyone that meet’s your qualifications. You can also get anyone with a good personality. Getting them both isn’t always the easiest. When you do you, do everything you can to keep them. Balancing the administrative elements of the business while maintaining your service qualities is a challenge. I was only able to find success here after hiring administrative personnel. When I started the business five years ago at 29, fresh out of a recession, no portfolio of work and competing against other architects more than double my age was a challenge. We’ve now developed an impressive resume to support my interview process, however being the “young” architect seems to rear its head. I try to convince people, it’s not the number of years you’ve been doing it, rather the number of years you’ve been doing it right. The trend now is the integration of internet design.
What one thing must an executive leader be able to do to be successful in the next 3 years?
Develop patience and resilience which has no regard for timeline. Patience, as I stated earlier, wasn’t one of my virtues. Everything takes time. Resilience is important because the highs are way up there and the lows – we don’t talk about them.
What are some executive insights you have gained since you have been sitting in the executive leadership seat – or what is one surprise you have encountered as the world of business continues to morph as we speak?
As the world of business continues to morph, our industry has stayed the same in principal. We have to be flexible in how we deliver information. A BIM model isn’t always the answer, sometimes a sketch to be texted out in 20 minutes is more important. We also have to remember, architecture is a business. The more successful firms know this.
Final Thoughts on How to Be Successful?
Surround yourself with great people. It starts with family and follows through staff, clients, contractors. Work as hard as possible. While it’s important to get your sleep and rest, you still have to write that extra email or do that extra sketch. Go that extra mile, especially when it may not be needed or no one may be watching.
For more exclusive ILMA interviews click here.
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
An Exclusive Interview with Architect @FrankCunhaIII
Posted: September 1, 2013 Filed under: Architecture, ILMA Interview, JustArch, More FC3 | Tags: AIA, AIA Architect, Architect, Architecture, Ask the Architect, Design, Design Process, Designer, Exclusive Interview, FC3, Frank Cunha, Frank Cunha III, Innovation, Interview 1 CommentAsk the Architect
An Exclusive Interview with Architect Frank Cunha III
by Denise Franklin
Follow Denise Franklin on Twitter
Frank Cunha III, AIA, NCARB is a Registered Architect licensed in CT, DC, DE, FL, MD, NJ, NY, PA and is currently seeking reciprocity in VA as well. Mr. Cunha is the founder of FC3 Architecture + Design, established in 2005 to serve its clients in various markets, including commercial and residential projects. He writes / blogs for I Love My Architect and Just Architecture.
You can find him online at:
- http://www.linkedin.com/in/fc3arch
- https://www.facebook.com/fc3arch
- https://www.facebook.com/fc3architecture
- https://www.facebook.com/ilovemyarch
- https://twitter.com/frankcunhaiii
- https://twitter.com/fc3architecture
- https://twitter.com/ilovemyarch
What was it about Architecture that helped you decide it was the field for you?
I always loved to draw as a child and I always loved to build. Give me scraps of cardboards and leftover bricks and sticks in the backyard and my imagination would take over. I was always fascinated with churches and castles. They have a very obvious Archetype, and from a very early age I always imagined that I too would be able to one day shape the design of our cities and how people inhabit them. Even when I travel, it is the Architecture that defines the people and the place (unless you are in the wilderness, where nature rules supreme). In the city, man (men and women) are able to shape the world we live in. With this ability comes great responsibility not just freedom to do whatever we want. The industrial and post-industrial eras have taught us that!
How long have you been in the profession?
After 5 years of Architecture school and after 3 years of internship and after passing my NCARB IDP Architecture Exam I “officially” became a Registered Architect in January 2004. It was not easy but it was worth it. Going through the arduous process allowed me to learn the different aspects of being an Architect.
It appears that Architecture incorporates many fields of study, for example; astronomy, meteorology, geography and I am sure there is much more. Could you explain?
Throughout history, especially before technology and social media distractions, civilizations, would honor the heavens by building monuments. Examples of this can be seen all over the world and there are plenty of interesting websites that address this.
Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences so it is no wonder that early civilizations would use the mathematics from the heavens to orient their buildings and monuments. Many pre-historic cultures left behind astronomical artifacts such as the Egyptian and Nubian monuments, and early civilizations such as Babylonians, Greeks, Chinese, Indians, and Maya performed methodical observations of the night sky. Climatology, the study of atmospheric science, is another extension coming out from Astronomy. In Architecture both the disciplines that is astrology and climatology, leads to a concept known as Vastu.
If you want to learn more about these interdisciplinary studies, you can click here or click here.
Today, Architects still consider orientation when placing a building and the building components on the site. The building’s orientation can even help Architects obtain LEED credits from the US Green Building Council, an organization that promotes sustainable design and construction around the world.
Is there a deciding factor for you when agreeing to take part in projects?
One thing I have learned over the past 15 years in the field of Architecture is that there are many components to accepting and working on a project. While we all need to make money to eat and survive, here are a few things that should be considered before agreeing to take on a project:
- Is there a chemistry between the client and the designer, i.e., do you like each other? Can you work well together?
- Is the project exciting and challenging?
- Can I assemble the right team to complete the project effectively? And do we have the right fee to allow our design team to perform the project effectively?
If the answer to any of these is “no” then I keep looking for another opportunity. Every time an opportunity passes, two or more new ones appear. Don’t be hasty just for the sake of getting a project!
The projects you are sharing today are they based on specific concepts?
As a young Architect my aesthetic and design concepts are still evolving.
Although we do not force my designs on my clients, we do have some underlying principals we like to maintain on our projects whenever feasible.
FC3 Architecture takes a Holistic approach to each individual project to meet the client’s specific needs. We work with our team of expert consultants to bring the most value to the client through rigorous, integrated design practices. It is our mission to explore and develop the “Architectural Design Aesthetics” & “Building Tectonics Systems” to engage the following issues on a project-by-project basis, where applicable, to discover and address the project requirements established by the client and the Architect during the Pre-Design phase:
- Program / Livability / Functional
- Provide efficient space planning to maximize client’s programmatic needs (don’t over build)
- Contextual/Site
- Determination of most effective use of a given site
- Optimize access to the site
- Maximize land, views, lighting, wind, water elements, other natural features, etc.
- Provide guidance for best use of materials, structure, and form
- Properly integrate new design into existing contextual surroundings
- Sustainable / Environmental
- Coordinate with client’s abatement team when required
- Coordinate with client’s commissioning team when required
- Provide guidance and integration on current sustainable trends
- Sustainable Design
- Energy Use & Conservation
- Waste Management
- Selection of Materials – Reuse, Recycling, Renewable sources, etc.
- Water Use & Conservation
- Structural / Tectonic
- Coordinate with structural team to develop integrated structural design
- Coordinate with MEP team to develop integrated MEP design
- Coordinate with other industry experts as needed to meet project goals
- Historic / Preservation
- When required, document and research preservation of historic elements
- Provide design details that are sensitive to preexisting building/site elements
- Engage our expert consultant team as may be required
- Economic / Legalization
- Provide assistance in developing a feasibility study
- Assist client’s legal counsel with Planning/Zoning Board approvals
- Constructability / Management
- Assist client with project schedules and budgets throughout the project
- Engage our expert construction/project management team as may be required
For anyone in school considering Architecture as a profession, check out this great article by my colleague, William Martin, AIA.
Click here to see some of Frank’s recent featured projects.
Click here to read more “Ask the Architect” articles.
What can be included in an “Architect’s Basic Services” Agreement?
Posted: March 9, 2013 Filed under: Architecture, JustArch | Tags: AIA, Architect, Architecture, Phases of Design, Scope of Basic Services 3 CommentsAlthough an Architect’s scope of work can vary from professional to professional and project to project, this post attempts to define the maximum services Architects can provide. Talk to your Architect(s) prior to signing any agreement to ensure that their fee proposal properly covers all of the services you are looking to procure. This post is for information only and not intended as legal advice from the blogger. Appropriate use of the information provided is the responsibility of the reader.
SUMMARY
A client’s unfamiliarity with the process of architectural design should not hinder that client’s comprehension of the phases of design services. This Best Practice introduces first-time clients to the common services of architectural design and the process of design-bid-build. Note: The deliverables listed below are examples of common architectural deliverables for each phase but are not required of AIA members.
SCHEMATIC DESIGN PHASE SERVICES
During the first phase—schematic design—an architect consults with the owner to determine project goals and requirements. Often this determines the program for the project. The program, or architectural program, is the term used to define the required functions of the project. It should include estimated square footage of each usage type and any other elements that achieve the project goals. During schematic design, an architect commonly develops study drawings, documents, or other media that illustrate the concepts of the design and include spatial relationships, scale, and form for the owner to review. Schematic design also is the research phase of the project, when zoning requirements or jurisdictional restrictions are discovered and addressed. This phase produces a final schematic design, to which the owner agrees after consultation and discussions with the architect. Costs are estimated based on overall project volume. The design then moves forward to the design development phase. Deliverables: Schematic design often produces a site plan, floor plan(s), sections, an elevation, and other illustrative materials; computer images, renderings, or models. Typically the drawings include overall dimensions, and a construction cost is estimated. Note: The contract may actually spell out what is to be delivered.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PHASE SERVICES
Design development (DD) services use the initial design documents from the schematic phase and take them one step further. This phase lays out mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, and architectural details. Typically referred to as DD, this phase results in drawings that often specify design elements such as material types and location of windows and doors. The level of detail provided in the DD phase is determined by the owner’s request and the project requirements. The DD phase often ends with a formal presentation to, and approval by, the owner. Deliverables: Design development often produces floor plans, sections, and elevations with full dimensions. These drawings typically include door and window details and outline material specifications.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENT PHASE SERVICES
The next phase is construction documents (CDs). Once the owner and architect are satisfied with the documents produced during DD, the architect moves forward and produces drawings with greater detail. These drawings typically include specifications for construction details and materials. Once CDs are satisfactorily produced, the architect sends them to contractors for pricing or bidding, if part of the contract. The level of detail in CDs may vary depending on the owner’s preference. If the CD set is not 100-percent complete, this is noted on the CD set when it is sent out for bid. This phase results in the contractors’ final estimate of project costs. To learn more about the most common ways owners select a contractor, see Best Practice 05.03.01, “Qualifications-Based vs. Low-Bid Contractor Selection.” Deliverables: The construction document phase produces a set of drawings that include all pertinent information required for the contractor to price and build the project.
BID OR NEGOTIATION PHASE SERVICES
The first step of this phase is preparation of the bid documents to go out to potential contractors for pricing. The bid document set often includes an advertisement for bids, instructions to bidders, the bid form, bid documents, the owner-contractor agreement, labor and material payment bond, and any other sections necessary for successful price bids. For some projects that have unique aspects or complex requirements, the architect and owner elect to have a prebid meeting for potential contractors. After bid sets are distributed, both the owner and architect wait for bids to come in. The owner, with the help of the architect, evaluate the bids and select a winning bid. Any negotiation with the bidder of price or project scope, if necessary, should be done before the contract for construction is signed. The final step is to award the contract to the selected bidder with a formal letter of intent to allow construction to begin. Deliverables: The final deliverable is a construction contract. Once this document is signed, project construction can begin.
CONSTRUCTION PHASE SERVICES
Contract administration (CA) services are rendered at the owner’s discretion and are outlined in the owner-architect construction agreement. Different owner-architect-contractor agreements require
different levels of services on the architect’s part. CA services begin with the initial contract for construction and terminate when the final certificate of payment is issued. The architect’s core responsibility during this phase is to help the contractor to build the project as specified in the CDs as approved by the owner. Questions may arise on site that require the architect to develop architectural sketches: drawings
issued after construction documents have been released that offer additional clarification to finish the project properly. Different situations may require the architect to issue a Change in Services to complete
the project.Deliverables: A successfully built and contracted project.
RESOURCES
More Best Practices The following AIA Best Practices provide additional information related to this topic: 17.02.05 Qualifications-Based vs. Low-Bid Contractor Selection 12.03.02 How Roles Change in Design-Build 11.02.04 Terminology: As-Built Drawings, Record Drawings, Measured Drawings The Knowledge Resources Staff based this Best Practice on definitions in the AIA Contract Documents as well as in the 12th, 13th, and the forthcoming 14th editions of The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice. For More Information on This Topic See also “Defining Services” by Robin Ellerthorpe, FAIA, in The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, 13th edition, Chapter 16, page 515. See also the 14th edition of the Handbook, which can be ordered from the AIA Bookstore by calling 800-242-3837 (option 4) or by email at bookstore@aia.org.
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments.
If you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
Frank Cunha III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
FC3 ARCHITECTURE+DESIGN, LLC
P.O. Box 335, Hamburg, NJ 07419
e-mail: fcunha@fc3arch.com
mobile: 201.681.3551
direct: 973.970.3551
fax: 973.718.4641
web: http://fc3arch.com
Licensed in NJ, NY, PA, DE, CT.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN HIRING AN AIA ARCHITECT?
Posted: January 19, 2013 Filed under: AIANJ, Architecture, JustArch, More FC3, Uncategorized | Tags: @FrankCunhaIII, AIA, American Institute of Architects, Answers, Ask the Architect, Commercial, Design, Design Services, Education, FC3, Hire, ILMA, professional, Questions, Residential, Success 5 CommentsAsk the Architect
by Frank Cunha III
How Do I Hire an Architect?
Everyone’s needs are different To make sure you get the best person for your project, you should request information on qualifications and experience from a few AIA Architects. After reviewing their qualifications, you may want to interview a number of AIA Architects to determine their understanding of your project and your compatibility. Make sure you select someone you can work with (not just the least expensive fee). During the selection process, you may want to ask some or all of the following questions:
General Information
- How long have you been in business?
- How many persons are employed by your firm?
- Do you have a valid Architect’s license for the state you are doing the design work? If so, what is your license number?
- How have you kept current in your practice?
- Do you intend to use consultants for this project? If so, who do you propose to use? What are their qualifications?
- What has been your experience with them?
- What percentage of your practice involves the type of structure I intend to build/renovate?
- Do you carry insurance? If so, what type(s)? How long have you carried each type and what are the policy limits?
Experience
- Have you recently designed the type of structure I intend to build / renovate? How many times?
- When and what was your most recent project?
- May I see examples of your previous projects that are similar to my project (sketches, photos, plans)?
- May I have the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the clients for these previous similar projects?
- What was the actual construction cost versus budgeted cost for these projects?
Services
- What services did you provide for these clients during the design, bidding, and construction phases?
- What services do you propose to provide for my project during each of these phases?
- Who will provide these services, you or your employees?
Fees & Schedule
- What will the fee schedule be?
- How will your fees for my project be determined and what services do the fees cover?
- Will you provide probable construction cost estimates for my project?
- If consultants (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, geotechnical, testing and inspection, etc.) are necessary, are their fees included in your basic fee or are they separate services?
- What additional costs (e.g., permit and other governmental fees) or services (e.g., time spent obtaining necessary permits and other approvals) do you anticipate for my project?
- How do you establish your fees for additional services and reimbursable expenses?
- Will there be a charge for redesign if it is necessary to meet the construction budget?
- Will there be additional charges for changes required by the building department or other government agency?
- How are additional charges computed for design changes requested by me or requested by a contractor?
- Can you meet my proposed schedule?
Making the Final Decision
It is wise to check the references that each AIA Architect gives you and ask the following questions:
- Did the Architect adhere to required schedules and budgets?
- Were you pleased with the Architect’s services and your working relationship with the Architect?
- Did the Architect listen to your concerns and attempt to resolve them?
- Would you hire the Architect again?
- What problems surfaced during the project?
- If possible, visit the projects the Architects have used as examples of their services.
- In addition, you may call the State Board of Architects or visit their website to verify the license status of any Architect(s) you are considering. Upon written or telephone inquiry, the Board will also inform you of any public complaints, or enforcement or disciplinary action against the Architect.
Note:
When responding to advertisements or solicitations offering professional Architectural Design Services, disaster victims should verify whether the person offering services has a valid license. Only persons licensed by the State Board of Architects may call themselves architects and provide Architectural Design Services.
During a declared state of emergency, the penalty against an unlicensed person who represents that he or she is an Architect in connection with the offer or performance of architectural services for the repair of damage to a structure caused by a natural disaster is increased and punishable (enforcement and punishments varies by state).
Important Links:
- NCARB – NCARB Homepage
- American Institute of Architects – AIA Homepage
- Why hire an AIA Architect?
- What is Building Information Modeling (BIM)?
- More Posts
- About Me , My Experience , How to Contact Me
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments.
If you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
Frank Cunha III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
FC3 ARCHITECTURE+DESIGN, LLC
P.O. Box 335, Hamburg, NJ 07419
e-mail: fcunha@fc3arch.com
mobile: 201.681.3551
direct: 973.970.3551
fax: 973.718.4641
web: http://fc3arch.com
Licensed in NJ, NY, PA, DE, CT.
SHOULD I HIRE AN AIA ARCHITECT FOR MY BUILDING PROJECT?
Posted: January 19, 2013 Filed under: AIANJ, Architecture, JustArch, More FC3, Uncategorized | Tags: @FrankCunhaIII, AIA, American Institute of Architects, Answers, Ask the Architect, Design, Design Services, Education, FC3, Hire, ILMA, professional, Questions 7 CommentsAsk the Architect
by Frank Cunha III
What do Architects do? And how can they help me and my business?
Few people realize how complicated it is to build-that is until they find themselves lost in a maze of design options, building codes, zoning laws, contractors and so on. No two building projects are exactly alike, so there is no single clear-cut path to follow. Whether you’re about to expand your current facility, adapt an existing structure to a new use, or construct an entirely new building, your building project represents a major investment that will affect the productivity and efficiency of your organization for years. Smart decision-makers know that the way to maximize such an investment begins with consulting an architect. Architects are the only professionals who have the education, training, experience and vision to maximize your construction dollar and ease the entire design and construction process.
Why an AIA Architect?
Look for the AIA initials after the name of any architect you consider for your project. AIA architects remain current with professional standards through continuing education and subscribe to a Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct that assure clients, the public, and colleagues of their dedication to high standards in professional practice.
Involving an AIA architect at the earliest stage in project planning can allow for a better opportunity to analyze your needs, develop effective solutions, and propose more ways to reduce costs from the beginning. With a broad understanding of design and construction, an AIA architect can help guide you through the entire process more smoothly.
How Can an AIA Architects Help Me?
- Clarify and define your building needs.
- Look ahead.
- Manage your project.
- Maximize your investment.
- See the big picture.
- Solve problems.
- The Architect can save you money.
“The Architect can make your life easier.”

3-D Modeling Image: Design DCA
Why Are the Architect’s design services a wise investment for the money, not just an added cost to my project?
- A well-conceived project can be built more efficiently and economically.
- An energy efficient buildings can save you money on fuel bills down the road.
- The architect can work with your budget and help you select the appropriate materials and workmanship at a fair price.
- An architect can help you choose materials and finishes that are durable as well as beautiful, saving on frequent maintenance and replacement costs.
- Living or Working in a space that meets your needs and is well designed will make you ( and/or your family, tenants, employees, customers) happy.
- Great design sells.
- Finally, The Architect can make your life easier.
Important Links:
- NCARB – NCARB Homepage
- American Institute of Architects – AIA Homepage
- Why hire an AIA Architect?
- What is Building Information Modeling (BIM)?
- More Posts
- About Me , My Experience , How to Contact Me
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments.
If you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
Frank Cunha III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
FC3 ARCHITECTURE+DESIGN, LLC
P.O. Box 335, Hamburg, NJ 07419
e-mail: fcunha@fc3arch.com
mobile: 201.681.3551
direct: 973.970.3551
fax: 973.718.4641
web: http://fc3arch.com
Licensed in NJ, NY, PA, DE, CT.
How Do Architects Calculate Their Fees?
Posted: September 17, 2012 Filed under: JustArch, More FC3 | Tags: AIA, Architect, Architecture, Builder, calculations, career, FC3, Fees, Info4U, professional, services 11 CommentsAsk the Architect
by Frank Cunha III
There are a few ways, but here are a few true and tried techniques that may work for you:
1. Hours & Hourly Rates
Calculate the fee based on actual hours of service. It is important that even if you are a single practitioner or small office that you calculate the fee based on different rates based on the work being done, even if by the same people. For example, you should bill a higher rate to do “principal work” like reviewing and signing and sealing drawings and specs vs “field work” like documenting existing conditions or “designer work” like drafting details. Have set prices for each level of service (so as not to under-bill or over-bill for different tasks).
2. Cost of the Construction Project
Take a percentage of the overall “brick and mortar” cost for a project. The percentage may change as the size and scope of the project changes. This is tricky as some clients may or not be ready for the soft costs associated with design fees.
3. By sheets
Take the number of construction drawings and put a “per sheet” price on it. This works for simpler projects often referred to as “bread and butter” design work which can include repeat fit out work, small residential or commercial projects, or repeat work where you can anticipate the amount of effort required to successfully complete a project. (Hint: You may want to have different prices established for sheet sizes and typical notes and standard details -vs- non-typical design work).
4. Combination of 1, 2. 3.
I like this method best. Using the techniques developed above work backwards and forwards to check and cross check your fee. If that doesn’t work, here’s one more technique that might be useful:
5. SWAG
Take a “Scientific wild @$$ guess” based on your experience with projects of similar size and scope. Often Architects will go back and look at previous projects to determine how many hours is required to complete a project.
Further Reading: Calculating the Architect’s Fee: Is There a Better Way? By Mike Koger, AIA, July 3, 2018
Good Luck!
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Frank Cunha III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
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