Start with Animal Care Experts
One of the most common questions we get from clients is “where do we start?” Our answer is “with us!”. We can assist you with anything from understanding the design process to figuring out your facility needs. Our role as a lead design firm is to make the process as smooth and understandable as possible for you.
Consult Animal Care Experts
Our first step is a consultation. During this meeting, we will work to determine your current needs as well as future needs. We will also take inventory of what you currently have (if anything). We will discuss animal numbers, room requirements, and special operational considerations, along with equipment requirements. We can also discuss any potential project sites or how we may either renovate an existing facility or create a new one on an existing site. With the close of this step, you will have a program of spaces to help determine overall building size and scope along with an opinion of probable construction cost that we create from our past project experience to help you get a better idea of project cost.
Receive a Conceptual Design of the Building
The second step is conceptual design. During this phase, we will create a floor plan, provide an engineering and interiors narrative that can help with pricing, and we will also determine the additional subconsultants that we will need for the project (e.g. architect, civil engineer, cost estimator). With the close of this step, you will have a defined floor plan along with preliminary engineering information that a cost estimator or construction manager can price. This stage will also be when a site plan is developed by a civil engineer that can go through any potential Planning and Zoning approvals that are required.
Receive Construction Documents
Once the project gains approval or the client is comfortable with moving forward, the next step is to create construction documents (blueprints). During this step, we, along with all of our subconsultants will work together to coordinate a detailed set of drawings and specifications. At the end of this step, you will have all of the blueprints and specifications required for both obtaining a building permit from the building department as well as a pricing set of documents that the construction manager or contractor can use to bid the project to come up with a concrete construction cost.
Begin Construction
The final step is construction. This is usually the longest portion of the project. During this step, we will monitor the contractors work though RFI (requests for information) and submittal reviews, bi weekly construction calls, and targeted site visits. Once the construction of your new building, addition, or renovation is complete, we will also be available for post occupancy services to support you through the lifecycle of your new facility.
We Love Building Questions
There are a lot of moving parts with a project like this. Animal care facility design is complex and the process is not simple. Our job is to walk you through the process, educate you, and answer any question you may have. It is also our responsibility to be your advocate throughout the process to make sure you receive the best animal care facility that you can have. Give us a call or request a consultation online to find out how else we can help you answer your questions and guide you through the design and construction process.