SERVICES & WORK PLAN

Marusich Architecture LLC provides a complete package of Architectural/Engineering/Interior Design services. 

Our customary work plan involves seven phases of activity.  These include project definition, schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding and negotiation, construction administration, and post occupancy review. The intent of this range of services is to work with the client through each stage of the process; from the presently existing conditions to the finished product - designed specifically to meet today’s particular needs.

Building Program Development - Project Definition
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The process of program analysis, to establish parameters for the development of spatial and functional requirements for the project.

Our first task will be to collect, analyze and interpret the information you have generated to assess what may need to be done for completion or clarification of the program.

We will develop specific standards for the various types of spaces individually, in groups, and/or in modules to meet your needs for flexibility, test organizational concepts, clarify intentions, and translate abstract quantitative data into more tangible graphic terms.  At the same time, we will carefully analyze the proposed site and surroundings to identify and evaluate opportunities and constraints that may affect the project and its relationship to the surrounding environment.

The result of this effort would be a report containing data and graphics, which together describe our understanding of the project requirements and goals of the general building organization and internal functional relationships.  This document will also establish or verify other criteria including a conceptual budget, the project schedule, and building code regulations.

In addition, we will prepare graphic diagrams documenting site conditions, including utility locations, existing vegetation, traffic flow patterns, and view orientations.  We will diagram workflow patterns, internal adjacency requirements and internal office patterns.  At the same time, our interior associate will conduct a full fixture and equipment survey, identifying items for the development of a thorough fixture and equipment program.

The analysis of existing facilities as they relate to the client's immediate needs and the development of a long range plan for facility expansion and future use, prioritizing site selection for new structures and establishment of preliminary budgets.

Schematic Design
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Once the client’s needs are documented and our interpretation of the program approved, Marusich Architecture LLC  will then begin the conceptual design process.  This is a process of blending the objective performance criteria of the program with the subjective expectations for the building’s design expression as tempered by 

budget, local codes, and good construction practices.  The ultimate goal is an optimal balance between these factors so that each enhances, rather than compromises, the other.  Several design concepts will be explored in a search for the most appropriate solution to meet the client’s needs.  The client’s participation at this stage of the process is crucial, because decisions made at this point affect everything that follows.

During this phase, Marusich Architecture LLC will develop diagrams and studies to propose initial building organization concepts for discussion.  We will then propose alternate schematic building solutions which will show full building layouts to be tested for their functional and aesthetic merits.  The alternatives will provide an excellent method for optimizing living and working areas, building security, and quality of renovation.

The early stages of design in particular are characterized by an increase in client participation.  This is when the first visible form of the project begins to emerge and take shape.  It is always a period of excitement and anticipation, and the client’s active involvement, especially at this critical stage, is something we strongly encourage.  It is at this point when fundamental choices are made regarding the direction and character of the project.

Throughout the various stages of the project, there are also periodic in-house reviews of the work involving not only the principals and staff members of the project team, but other members of the firm as well.  The purpose is to ensure the quality and completeness of our work, that the design meets with client’s goals, and to explore new possibilities for better ways to satisfy your needs.  These reviews tend to be very conceptual at the early stages, and become quite technical in the latter stages of a project.

At the completion of schematic design we will prepare an estimate of probable construction cost to monitor the relationship between design and budget.  We will also provide a comparison between the programmed areas and the actual existing areas of the building, and

an up-date of the project schedule.  This information will be summarized in a report and submitted to you with a complete schematic package of drawings with outline specifications.  This package will describe the project and major building systems recommendations.  Preliminary material selections will also be included to define the character and quality of the building renovation.

Design Development
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Upon client approval of the schematic design document, the project team will continue to develop the design under the direction of the principal, project designer, and the job captain.  A second code check will be done to determine compliance or problem areas.  Items which are not clear are referred to a code consultant with whom Marusich Architecture LLC maintains an ongoing relationship.  Also, plans are reviewed with local building authorities at appropriate intervals during design development, and again before documents are issued for bidding to ensure compliance with the requirements and ultimately, their approvals.

At the completion of design development, we will present a set of documents for your review and approval.  This will consist of drawings, rendered perspectives, outline specifications, reports, and samples as required, which collectively describe the size and character of the entire project regarding architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical systems, materials and other elements as appropriate.  We will also provide a comparison between programmed areas and actual designed areas, an up-dated estimate of probable construction cost and the project schedule.

Construction Documents
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Based on an approved set of design development documents, the construction documents will be prepared by the job captain who will coordinate all of the work under the supervision of the Principal in-Charge of the project.  He will continue to rely on the extensive use of drawings to describe the complete scope of the project in detail while working closely with the project designer to ensure that the design intent is maintained throughout this phase.  Meetings are held regularly to review this material with the client, our consultants, and principals of the firm to coordinate disciplines, and improve design and technical concepts.  These reviews also include a specification writer.

Marusich Architecture LLC and our consultants will prepare a complete set of construction documents consisting of drawings and specifications which describe in detail the requirements for construction of your project.  We will assist in preparing the necessary bidding information, bid forms, conditions of the contract and the forms of agreement between Owner and Contractor.  We will prepare a final up-date of the probable construction cost assist the Owner in filing documents for the approval of authorities with jurisdiction over the project.

Bid Administration
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Following the approval of construction documents, if requested, Marusich Architecture LLC will assist the client in obtaining bids and assist in pre-bid conferences, bid evaluation and award, and preparation of contracts for construction.

If the client chooses to engage a Construction Manager for their project, Marusich Architecture LLC would assist by providing the necessary information to prepare and up-date cost estimates, schedules, bid information and procure the necessary approvals from authorities having jurisdiction.  During the bid or negotiation phase, Marusich Architecture LLC will assist the Construction Manager as required in obtaining bids, or proposals, rendering interpretations and clarifications of the documents, and participate in pre-award conferences with the bidders.

Construction Administration
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Once under construction, a principal of the firm will be responsible for directing our experienced construction administrators in the field.  They will monitor all progress of the project under construction in accordance with the A.I.A. Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect.  This includes maintaining a log book, processing shop drawings and samples, reviewing requests for payment, and ensuring compliance and certification with the contract documents on behalf of the client.

Near the completion of construction, we will prepare a final punch list of remaining items to be addressed by the contractor.  Upon their completion, Marusich Architecture LLC will assist the client in taking occupancy of the building and review start-up, operating and maintenance procedures with your staff.

Post Occupancy Review
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After approximately one year of occupancy, will we conduct an evaluation of the completed project with the client.  Through this process both Marusich Architecture LLC and the client can obtain direct feed-back information regarding the performance consequences of design and construction decisions which can be of great benefit to both in the future.  Such input could identify ways to further enhance operational efficiency, environmental characteristics or other factors to make the buildings better satisfy the occupant’s needs.

Other Services Available
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In addition to our in-house staff, the services of consultants are available for mechanical, electrical, structural and civil engineering, as well as landscape architecture, interior design, acoustical and other specialty disciplines as needed for the design of systems specific to each project. Computer Graphic Imagery is an additional service available for presentation and promotion purposes.

Consultant profiles and references are available upon request. Maursich Architecture LLC welcomes client suggestions regarding consultant referrals.