Architectural Services

Architecture Services

Remedial Architecture Definition

Definition of “Remedial”: The act or process of correcting a fault or deficiency; to improve; make better; the action of remedying something, especially the reversal or stopping of damage to the immediate environment.

Experience

DTR has been actively involved in the design and design assistance of waterproofing of the entire building enclosure for more than a decade. We have always been different type of consultant and this is no exception. While many Building Envelope/Waterproofing Consultants are limited to design assist, site assessments and field observation, we bring you the complete package.

DTR enhances our technical services with full architectural and engineering services developing construction drawings and specifications for your architectural projects. Specifically, DTR is your Firm for remedial or reconstruction projects, correcting, improving and making better your current facilities reversing the damage. While there may be many reasons you find yourself in need of reconstructing one or more of your properties, DTR can be your trusted resource to make you whole.

Forensic Investigations

Our Forensic Staff goes above and beyond many Site Assessments performed by many of our competitors merely identify visible symptoms. Unless you have a complete Forensic Investigation, including destructive testing, the proposed remediation proposed may be money down the drain. DTR uses sophisticated field equipment and engineering software to properly identify and diagnose (through VERIFICATION) your building woes. We will then work with you to develop a proper approach to reconstruct the faulty and damaged work.

Our Process

Remedial Reconstruction Projects

DTR will produce bid documents with full construction drawings and specifications working with our Clients to help identify and prequalify contractors. We will work with you through the construction process working with the contractor verifying the remedial work is performed in the manner in which it was specified. Remedial work often requires an even more attention during construction. We will be there with you

Architect of Record

In addition to remedial architectural projects, DTR can be your Architect of Record for your project. Many Firms today are really Design Architects with very talented Designers. Many Clients want the pre-design & design services these firms provide, but also want a solid set of Construction Documents and an experienced team on the job site to oversee the work of the Contractor.

We bring extensive experience in the delivering project in the traditional construction document format for design, bid, build and negotiate bid, as well as working successfully in a Design/Build delivery method. Over the course of more than a quarter century of architectural practice, we have assembled an ever expanding knowledge base grounded in an appreciation for good design, innovation and a solid understanding in technical architecture.

The majority of our Staff is registered professional with more than 20 years of construction and architectural experience.

Refining the Designer Drawings

This step, called design development, is when we prepare more detailed drawings to illustrate other aspects of the proposed design. The floor plans will show all the rooms in the correct size and shape. Prelim specifications may be prepared listing the major materials and room finishes. When looking at these drawings, try to imagine yourself actually using the spaces. Ask yourself: Do the traffic patterns flow well? Does each space serve the intended purpose? Do I have a good sense of what it will look like? Do I like how it looks? Do I agree with the selection of wall and ceiling finishes, door types, windows, etc.?

Based on these drawings, we will prepare a more detained estimate, though final costs will actually depend on market conditions. Review every element with your architect to make sure you are getting the most out of your construction dollar

Preparing the Construction Documents

At this point, we prepare construction documents, the detailed drawings and specifications which the contractor will use to establish actual construction cost and to build the project.

These drawings and specifications become part of the contract you will have with the builder or general contractor. When construction documents are finished, you are ready to hire the general contractor or builder.

Qualifying Contractors

There are a number of ways to select a contractor. We can make recommendations, or if you already have someone you want to work with, you might send the construction documents to him or her and negotiate fees and costs. You may also wish to choose among several contractors you've asked to submit bids on the job.

We will help you prepare the bidding documents, which consist of drawings and specifications as well as invitations to bid and instruction to bidders. The bidding documents are then sent to several contractors, who within a given period of time, reply with bids which include the cost for building your project. The lowest bidder is often selected to do the work but we will help you select the best bidder for your project. While we can recommend contractors and assist in the selection process, the final choice is up to you.

Some Clients prefer to act as their own general contractor/construction manager or to do part or all of the construction themselves. These methods can save you money initially but can also add problems and costs later on. We will discuss the pros and cons of these methods with you to help you decide what will work best for you.

Construction & Testing

This final step is often the most anxiety-producing part of the whole process. Up until now, your project has been confined to intense discussion, planning, and two-dimensional renderings. When construction begins, your project moves from an abstraction to a physical reality.

Our involvement normally does not stop with the preparation of construction documents. We also provide construction administration services much the same way we do with many of our other services. These services may include assisting you in hiring the contractor, making site visits, reviewing and approving the contractor's applications for payment, and keeping you informed of the project's progress.

While we provide observation of the construction, the contractor is solely responsible for construction methods, techniques, schedules, and procedures. The contractor supervises and directs the construction work on the project. The path to a completed building project is paved with lots of challenges and uncertainty. There are literally hundreds of decisions to be made, decisions which have a strong impact on how the project looks and functions over time.

We can ease the way by helping you avoid wrong turns, but also can direct you to solutions you never considered. The result is a unique building project created to meet your needs, express your individuality, and provide enjoyment for everyone who uses it.

Let's get started...

If you are ready to start, or have questions, I would like the opportunity to discuss various issues relating to your current or future design needs. I look forward to the having the opportunity to help you complete your Design Architect's design, or Remediate your existing building by selecting quality contractors and providing them with clear, concise, correct and complete bid documents.

If you should have any questions or would like to discuss your project needs further, please contact DTR Architects for a project consultation, or Call (916) 772-3600.