Creative Approach to Design
Alfred M. Davis & Associates examine numerous aspects prior to the actual schematic design drawing phase. First and foremost is the complete analysis of the building site.
We will evaluate environmental elements such as wind direction, landscape, travel path of the Sun, light, shade, and shadow. Also, pedestrian and vehicular traffic, a complete photo analysis of the site, followed by a study of the abutting and surrounding residences, evaluating architectural styles and community cultures.
Our Consultants will also conduct a topographic survey and produce soils reports and grading plans (If necessary) These will determine footing depths, concrete strength, shoring recommendations, water egress, the need and height for retaining walls, location of any on site easements, site elevations and any other site limitations or restrictions.
We would then like to conduct an in-depth interview with the Client to determine preferences, habits, working environment and expectations to determine the functionality and practicality of our designs.
A thorough Code Search is also performed to uncover any restrictions or limitations placed by City building department agencies, for example, Zoning, Grading, Public Works and Disabled Access.
The schematic design drawing phase will now begin starting with the Site Plan. The Site Plan determines such elements as the suitable location of the building, parking problems and plans are resolved, the location of driveways, planters, retaining walls, sidewalks, curbs, gutters and any other on site elements.
The Floor Plan determines such elements as the location, arrangement and sizing of the rooms, the location and sizing of window and door openings, and the overall dimensions of the structure.
Elevations show such elements as the height of the structure, all exterior finish materials, roof pitch and roof overhang.
Finally, the Sections part of the schematic design phase deals with structural systems and materials.
Alfred M. Davis & Associates will provide a number of design options and ideas to choose from, allowing you to determine the best concept suited to your needs and budget.
Quality Control in Design
Our system of re-checks and constant review of the project is a standard procedure regardless of the size of the project. If outside consultants are required because of the size, they are brought in at the start and involved in every aspect of the work.
Weekly staff meetings, sometimes with consultants, are conducted to discuss the progress of the drawings and to head-off any problems that could develop if not foreseen in the stages of design.
At key phases of the project, Alfred Davis reviews all plans and oversees all final submissions to the various city agencies. Likewise, key staff members are consistently reviewing and double checking each other for accuracy and completeness. If necessary, outside consultants are brought in as part of our Peer Reviewing Service to help in these reviews.
As design modifications after completion of the contract documents are time consuming and expensive, these double checks and reviews help to curtail any surprises in the latter stages of design.
Energy Conservation
At Alfred M. Davis & Associates, we have always believed in energy conservation and look for ways to incorporate energy saving in our designs. Some of the design elements used to achieve this goal includes the use of:
- Energy efficient lighting
- Sun orientation
- Energy efficient mechanical equipment
- Passive designs for solar energy
- Insulators in Walls
- Thorough knowledge of Title 24
- Landscape designing
- Dual glazing
- Large roof overhangs
- Low consumption water closets
- Green Technology
Cost Containment Measures
Effective cost control, from the initial design phase to substantial completion of the construction project, is essential to delivering the project at or below the established budget parameters.
Alfred M. Davis & Associates conducts extensive, meticulous comparisons of materials to determine the best quality materials available at the best possible cost. These materials are then specified for the contractor’s use and included in all contract documents. As both the design and construction management entities, we are empowered to provide strict controls over design and construction costs. We maintain and update information regarding local materials pricing and quality, both wholesale and retail, while keeping up with current market trends; excellent business relationships with suppliers and manufacturers, over the years, have enabled us to keep costs at a minimum. We also limit costs by keeping in close contact with construction consultants, who keep us apprised of key buys and manufacturer sales and, where applicable, by using contractors and subcontractors with retail licenses. This results in a dramatic reduction of material costs.
In our design approach, we offer such cost-cutting innovations as:
- Simplified roof configurations
- Reduction of structural spans for reducing size and cost of framing members
- Use of repetitive window openings, available in standard sizes.
- Our design expertise also includes up-to-date eco-friendly (“green”) technologies, methods, and materials.
- Use of sufficient shear walls, eliminating the need for structural steel, welding, and grade beams.
- Aligning walls for shear transfer
- Keeping up to date with all advances in technology, materials, and methods.
Alfred M. Davis Construction Management is a professional practice which offers a vast spectrum of services as they are applied to construction projects, through the planning, design, construction, and project close-out phases for the purpose of achieving project management of quality, cost, time, and scope. AMDCM represents the interests of the Owner in its dealings with other construction professionals, and with other private and public entities to ensure:
- Optimum use of available funds
- Control of the scope of work
- Project scheduling
- Optimum use of design and construction firms’ skills and talents
- Avoidance of delays, changes and disputes
- Enhancing project design and construction quality
- Optimum flexibility in contracting and procurement
Using these methods, we were successful in containing costs for the Kernwood Housing Project in Los Angeles. The Owner's budget was significantly cut and major design modifications had to be made. By reselection and careful substitution of finish materials, less expensive hardware for doors, windows and cabinets for example, we kept intact the integrity of the initial design, while bringing the costs in line with the Owner's new budget.
Our Construction Management services avoided cost over-runs for the Owner of the Scheid Apartment Complex project. The client wanted an upscale look for their complex at project completion, but needed to do so within a limited project budget. As a result of our close relationship with product suppliers, we were able to provide the owner, and their contract trades, such requested items as ceramic tiling for the floor and counter tops, marble floors in the entry way, and wood windows frames at a fraction of their normal cost.
Familiarity with all available resources and comparable approved substitutions, when necessary, is one of the many ways we curtail budget overruns.