IA Interior Architects - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

20 | IA INTERIOR ARCHITECTS PROJECT APPROACH & UNDERSTANDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION QUALITY CONTROL The quality of IA's design is evidenced not only in the finished product and client satisfaction, but during the documentation phases of a project. Through outstanding technical expertise and quality control mechanisms, IA has established a reputation with its clients and contractors in the marketplace for the issuance of excellent design docu- ments and construction documents. We believe that the development of detailed, accurate and "tight" design and construction documents directly impacts construction qual- ity and cost. Therefore, the development of quality con- struction documents is a priority on every IA project. To achieve a consistent level of quality, we have mecha- nisms in place to ensure that our documentation is tech- nically sound and accurately reflects the design concepts developed on a project. We employ professionals in the interior design, architectural, and workplace strategies fields. For each of these disciplines there is a senior staff member of IA who is assigned ultimate responsibility for review and approval of documentation produced on all projects awarded the firm. From the first time the team puts “pencil to paper,” as early as in the test-fit phase, we are looking for potential issues that can have a major impact on the development of the building if not caught early on. The technical teams will go through the IA master checklist to verify code compli- ance and perform any required research to support their findings. This process is repeated throughout each phase as more detail is added to the design. Building and fire codes will also be cross-checked between the state's and city's requirements to identify any potential conflicts which require attention. The integrated design and technical teams all take an active role in proofing and critiquing the documents. We look for level of detail, code compliance, clarity of design intent, accuracy, and completeness. This is an ongoing process at each major phase of design. The final check involves the entire team proofing each dimension, note, symbol, and specification. Tasks are highlighted as being completed before moving on. This is also done for a cross-check of engineering or design/ build documents. CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION During the course of a project, there are several critical points when the proper action by the architect can have substantial impact on the quality and success of construc- tion. The materials and methods of construction which IA utilizes in the construction of the interior and support sys- tems are selected based on the greatest value of perfor- mance and cost being provided. The materials and construction methods utilized are val- ued based on first costs and expected life cycle costs. Life cycle costs considered will include energy/resource con- servation, maintenance and repair, life safety and replace- ment costs. Construction costs are further controlled through the use of effective construction value engineering/manage- ment techniques. Operating costs are controlled through the selection and design of efficient support systems and through the use of materials appropriate for use in the specific type of facility. Perhaps the most important point at which the architect can control quality of construction is by the caliber of the construction documents. The level of detail, thoroughness, organization and clarity of the construction documents directly impacts the caliber of the construction project. Tight construction documents and specifications minimize questions, confusion and mistakes in the field.