Hord Architects is a full service architecture firm. We are responsible for providing architecture and basic engineering services for our clients. Below is a description of services by category.

Architecture

From initial site selection to project close-out, we serve all of our clients needs. The typical phases of architectural work are as follows:

Programming - This involves determining the scope of a project through a series of face to face meetings and dialogue. Programming is sometimes called visioning, and also includes establishing goals and objectives. We have a series of critical questions used to gather important information about a building’s requirements. This process results in a written architectural program which defines the components of the project as well as their sizes, adjacencies and other requirements. It could be considered the recipe for the building. The total square footage is also established, which can be used to get the first estimate of project cost. During this phase, a land survey should be acquired if not already available. Hord Architects can assist in ordering a land survey by providing our checklist for data to be included. Investing in a thorough survey is a critical success factor.

Schematic Design - This is the initial design phase and often begins with a site analysis to graphically depict the site conditions to be considered during design. We like to produce more than one initial solution at a conceptual level and often present multiple ides to our clients in our first design meeting. This allows the Owner to be part of the design process and convey their thoughts and desires. One scheme is chosen and we will complete the site plan, floor plan, and elevation of the building. These drawings are large format, in color, and are suitable for presentation and fund raising. These drawings, along with supplemental information, can be used for obtaining an estimate of probable cost from a General Contractor. They are also suitable for site plan approvals along with Civil Engineering drawings. A geotechnical engineering report is ordered by the Owner during schematic design in order to learn more about subsurface conditions of the site.

Design Development - This is the phase where preliminary structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing plans are created. The architecture drawings also are developed by drawing building sections, more detailed plan enlargements, all elevations and initial material schedules. The drawings are reviewed by the Owner during this phase as the plans develop to ensure the systems of the building will be suitable. The Owner will be informed about the HVAC system, power locations, building materials and general plan development. These drawings should be used for estimating by the General Contractor and subcontractors; however, this will not yet result in a final bid price.

Construction Documents - This phase of work is typically the most time consuming phase of architecture and engineering work. It entails all the construction details, drawings, and written specifications for the project. All materials and systems are fully described or detailed in these drawings and specifications. They are often called Contract Documents because they become equal parts of the contract for construction between the Owner and the General Contractor or Construction Manager. Our philosophy is to produce considerable detail in our documents because it results in better cost estimating and fewer change order requests during construction. This level of detail requires significant time and an appropriate fee to accomplish the work. It is an investment which pays for itself multiple times over during construction.

Permitting and Final Pricing - The Construction Documents are filed for plan review by the local code enforcement office and other agencies. While this process is taking place, the documents can be bid by contractors. The architects and engineers will address the code review comments in order to obtain the permits. Any adjustments required by the code officials should be factored into the cost before establishing a guaranteed maximum price and executing a contract.

Construction Administration - The architects and engineers stay involved during the construction phase. We assist the contractors with any clarifications and questions they may have. We also review the contractor’s shop drawings and submittals of the materials before ordered. Other typical responsibilities include making site visits, writing field reports, reviewing any change order requests, and reviewing the Contractor’s monthly pay applications. The site visits are not to be confused with supervision, which is provided by the Contractor’s Superintendent. The final tasks of the A & E team are to prepare a punch list and review close-out documents.

All of the above services are described in more detail in the Standard AIA Agreements.



Additional Services

Site Selection - Choosing the right site is critical to the success of any project. If you do not yet own land, we can advise you on evaluating properties. Factors to consider include size, topography, zoning, access, location, soils, and available utilities. Subsurface investigation (Geotechnical Engineering) may be required to determine site suitability. A Phase I Environmental survey is recommended to learn more about prior uses and possible challenges.

Public Approvals - We often represent our clients in the public approval process which includes Zoning Boards, Planning Commissions and Design Review Boards. We approach this with rigorous research, genuine respect for the approvals process, and responsible architecture and planning. We have worked successfully with approval boards from New York to Tennessee.

Building Assessments - This often occurs during a master planning process, however the service can be a separate task. The work involves study of an existing building for code compliance, maintenance, life cycle, and suitability for intended use. This may include structural, mechanical and electrical engineering evaluations where necessary. Renovation investment needs to be studied and compared to replacement cost to ensure the dollars are well spent.


Master Planning

Master Planning is a long range examination of an owner’s physical assets including buildings and land. Master Planning varies widely from firm to firm and from specific project to project. It can be as simple as a land use plan diagram for an undeveloped piece of property or as complex as a complete existing facilities evaluation, including architectural programming and design for a campus of buildings.

Many of our master plans are for churches. Having a master plan is good stewardship. It leads growth in a deliberate way and will prevent having to “back up” or modify a building because the future was not carefully considered. Examination of the life cycle of existing buildings should be part of a master plan. This information informs whether or not to continue maintaining a building.

A Master Plan does not always require any immediate building or renovation. It is simply a “roadmap” for future growth and will be a guide to informed decisions.

A Master Plan can take up to six months and may include a bound color book in addition to the drawings. There are typically three phases of work as follows:

• Research & Programming Phase
• Design & Production Phase
• Presentation & Owner Review Phase

Interior Design

We believe Interior Design can be considered interior architecture. The design decisions regarding interiors are critical to the success of any project. This is more than choosing colors. Interior design includes all interior finishes and design to provide an integrated solution with the overall architecture. Interior signage is also critical to the appearance and can be a real opportunity for supporting the overall aesthetic. We provide interior design services on most all of our projects so the end result is seamless and integrated.