Architects Associated, Inc. will use a two-step design process, which will include the schematic/design development and the construction document phases.  Schematic/design development is the process in which the design ideas are translated from the written form of the program to drawing format.  This process will allow the client to see in graphic form the design solution to accomplish the goals of the program.  The program will be confirmed again to ensure that all parties involved are working towards the same goal.  After the architectural design, the final step in the project process is the construction administration phase.

SCHEMATIC/DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PHASE
Effective schematic/design development will result in the design team working out clear, coordinated description of all aspects of the design, including integration of the new building with existing facilities and utilities.  The products of this phase include drawings and specifications that fix and describe the size and character of the project, as well as, any recommended adjustments to the preliminary estimate of construction cost.  With the input of the client, the best master plan alternative will be selected and further developed into the facility master plan for long-range development.  Finally, all information for each part of the study will be compiled into single written document summarizing the process, conclusions and recommendations.

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENT PHASE
The construction document phase is the most time-consuming and detailed phase in the design process.  During this phase, Architects Associated, Inc. will prepare the necessary bidding and contractual information for construction.  The two major results of this phase are drawings and specifications.  The construction drawings show in graphic and quantitative form the extent, design, location, relationships and dimensions of the work to be performed.  They generally consist of plans, elevations, building sections, details, schedules and diagrams.  The specifications present written requirements for materials, equipment, construction systems, standards and workmanship for the work, as well as, standards for the construction services required to produce the work.  The specifications are presented in the project manual, along with the bidding requirements, contract forms and conditions of the contract.  AAI, having provided contract documents for an abundance of project types, is very familiar with the presentation and information requirements for a public bid.  Architects Associated, Inc. will work to ensure the development of quality documents to allow for a smooth construction process.

CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION PHASE
The construction administration phase brings all the pre-design, design documentation, bidding and negotiation work to realization.  While one or more building contractors may assume responsibility for the construction work, it is important for AAI to remain involved during construction.  During this phase Architects Associated, Inc. will:

• Observe the construction work for conformance to the drawings and specifications

• Process the contractor's shop drawings, materials and product samples

• Review the results of construction tests and inspections

• Evaluate contractor requests for payment

• Handle requests for design changes during construction

• Administer the start-up, completion and closeout process for the owner/client

• Be available for on-site visits as needed

• Schedule periodic construction coordination meetings

• Work diligently to ensure the completion of the project is done in an efficient manner

Architects Associated, Inc. will develop small scale drawings to present the interior design plan and alternative plans to the client representatives for review and comment.  These drawings will indicate the new facility, existing building and modification to better utilize any existing space.  The interior design plan will also include a preliminary cost estimate for the initial phase of each alternative.  A comparative analysis of any master planning options is prepared identifying the responsiveness of each alternative to the following criteria: cost, the written program, site accessibility, flexibility, growth potential, internal efficiency, identity and the potential aesthetic impact on the users.  With the input of client representatives, the most functionally and cost efficient plan alternative will be selected and further developed.

The master planning performed by Architects Associated, Inc. consists of analysis of existing facilities, physical planning and functional programming and physical master plan.  Phase one defines what the client currently has, phase two defines what the client needs and phase three defines how AAI sets what the client needs based on what the client has.  Providing architectural services is a unique process for every client.  Although many tasks and procedures are similar in each project, AAI develops a distinctive approach for the individual needs of each client.

ANALYSIS OF EXISTING FACILITIES
The initial phase of master planning, know as programming, involves data collection.  The project team will meet with the client and client representatives to discuss planning objectives and further establish the scope of work.  AAI will obtain, from the owner/client or through field measurements, the existing site plans and building floor plans.  The internal environment features in the study will include adequacy of functional area sizes, traffic and work flow patterns and mechanical systems.  This analysis also includes a review of the applicable building codes and standards and requirements of the client, such as typical workstation configurations and furniture standards manual.

PHYSICAL PLANNING AND FUNCTIONAL PROGRAMMING
The second phase of the master planning involves the development of square footage requirements for the necessary functions in order to compare them to the available space in the existing facility.  The study will indicate the potential of the existing building for serving present and future program requirements and will provide the client with an objective tool for evaluating the relative adequacy of the existing building.  It will also propose the need, if any, for a new facility.  As part of the scope of the second phase, AAI's project team will indicate the current and future space needs of the client on an area-by-area basis.  Necessary information will come from a variety of sources, including comprehensive questionnaires, staff interviews and a review of all previous studies.  Architects Associated, Inc. will identify any new services and equipment that may be needed in the future.  AAI will discuss the current and anticipated technological advances and trends.  Using accepted methodologies and standards, AAI will project space needs for immediate and future usability.  Architects Associated, Inc. will also consider fluctuations in circulation, equipment, technology, staffing levels, hours of operation, etc.  Prior to developing physical planning options, AAI's team will review the preliminary functional program with client representatives and relevant personnel.  Square footage costs will be assigned to the functional program to create preliminary cost estimate.

PHYSICAL MASTER PLAN
The third phase of the master planning process is the development of several alternative physical master plans.  The project team will identify and report on viable immediate and long-range physical planning alternatives consistent with information generated in the first two phases of the study.  AAI will show the potential solutions to immediate space-related problems and also identify how future space needs may be met with minimum disruption of day-to-day activities.  Cost effectiveness is a major consideration of the master planning process.  It assures the maximization of every capital dollar invested in the project.  Comparative analysis of each of the options will involve capital cost evaluation and how well each fulfills the space program, earlier established policy criteria and timing of the project.  The advantages and disadvantages of each option will be presented in an objective manner so the Facility Director and other relevant personnel may make a decision relative to the option best serves the client's long-term needs.  In order to present the master plan alternatives to the client's representatives for review and comment, small scale drawings will be developed.  These drawings will indicate the existing building, proposed renovation and modification to better utilize existing space.  Conceptual floor plan drawings illustrating both new construction and the existing facility to be expanded or renovated will also be provided.  Floor plans will be furnished to the extent necessary to demonstrate the initial phases and future phases, as deemed appropriate.  The master plan will also include a preliminary cost estimate for the initial phase of each alternative.  A comparative analysis of the master planning options is prepared identifying the responsiveness of each alternative to the following criteria: cost, the written program, site accessibility, flexibility, growth potential, internal efficiency, identity and the potential aesthetic on the surrounding community.  With the input of the client, the best master plan alternative will be selected and further developed into the facility master plan for long-range development.  Finally, all information for each part of the study will be compiled into a single written document summarizing the process, conclusions and recommendations.