Investigative work and condition assessments generally determine that there is a need for repairs, renewal work, and in some cases, comprehensive rehabilitation projects. While the need to rehabilitate may have been identified, there are usually many ways to address those needs. In the design development task, we consider alternative ways of addressing existing problems, and assist owners in making decisions with respect to specifics of the rehabilitation program. This is a key step and owners will need to be fully involved in considering the benefits, risks, and costs of various approaches and phasing alternatives. The design development task is the part of the rehabilitation process requiring the greatest owner input.
The following is the focus of work during this critical stage of a rehabilitation project:
- Establish precisely what areas of the building will be rehabilitated.
- Identify more precisely the extent and nature of repair work for all elements of the enclosure.
- Develop logical phasing options for consideration.
- Develop alternate cladding options, if appropriate.
- Prepare graphical presentation material to assist you in visualizing the proposed design alternatives.
- Receive input from our project and construction managers, as well as trade contractors regarding constructability and cost effectiveness of the proposed design.
- Prepare construction budgets for selected design strategies.
- Meet and discuss the proposed rehabilitation program with the Municipal Authority to ensure that permit issues can be resolved.
- Undertake exploratory work on site to confirm feasibility of proposed concept design.
- Prepare a presentation and design brief that summarizes the design alternatives and construction cost estimates.
- Assist you in making decision regarding the design alternatives.
