SERVICES OFFERED
Gere Architecture & Design specializes in non-residential architecture; specifically, urban infill, renovations, alterations, additions, however, we also excel with commercial new builds and custom single family residential. We come to work every day with the intention of preserving the history of our communities and want to help maintain the fabric of our rich culture.
With a diverse portfolio from senior living to complex commercial remodels, our firm aims to solve complex design challenges in affordability, sustainability, and community place making. We believe the places where people go to work and play should be spaces that are elegant, beautiful and bring people together.
Licensed in CA & TX and insured.
SCHEMATIC DESIGN THROUGH CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
A set of architectural plans ready for permit submission to the authorities having jurisdiction. This includes:
-Schematic Design- the initial design phase that is used to get a general idea of the project via a basic layout of spaces, where the building is located on site, and what the initial requirements are in regards to life safety.
-Design Development- a more refined design based off the schematic design, where engineers will become involved if any or all of the following are required; Mechanical, plumbing, electrical, civil, structural etc.
-Construction Documents - the phase where the design has been finalized, and now the documentation for how the design becomes a built space is completed through detailed drawings communicating the design to bidders.
-Permitting- The drafting has concluded, and the CD set has been sent to the authorities having jurisdiction, which could be the city, county, state, health department, fire department etc
-Construction Administration: Once the permit has been obtained, and the project has been awarded to a general contractor for construction, this is where the architect monitors that the project is being built in accordance with what was permitted. This will ensure that a professional is working for you, and ensures that what is being installed is per the quality that is within the set, keeping you the owner informed of progress throughout the entire construction process and ensuring the project gets constructed in a timely manner.
STAND ALONE SERVICES
Property Architectural Assessment -Conducting an initial property assessment prior to purchase of an existing space and helping identify how the space can be renovated to meet the new programming needs. This can happen at any stage of the lease / purchase of the space. Existing conditions documentation for owner’s use in .dwg format (other formats available upon request)
Architectural Lease Agreement Exhibit Documents -Documents that graphically depict what is being agreed upon in the lease as it pertains to the floor plan of the existing space and what is proposed to be demolished, altered, and/or constructed and who is responsible for what work.
-Coordination with client, tenants (if any), and legal team(s) as to what the site issues are, if any, what site work is to be done and by whom, in regards to utilities and any additional permanent or temporary facilities.
Pre-Design-Site Feasibility Reports-Research to understand current zoning/ allowable use and conditional use permit requirements, as well as the requirements in order to get the parcel rezoned for the intended use
-general entitlement requirements
-clarify the authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ’s) requirements for third party inspections
-site review and initial site development layout
-AHJ and client requirements for parking, customer loading, site constraints for delivery requirements, short term and/or long term bicycle parking, and EV charging requirements
-timeline and review process information for the following (not an extensive list- site and client dependent) including the associated fees:
-Grading
-Building & Engineering
-Planning and Zoning
-Health Department
-Fire department
-Accessibility
-Identifying the existing utilities and confirming if existing will meet the requirements for the proposed work, if not, the process to meet the requirements of the proposed work and alternative solutions
-Project timeline clarification and fee review
Bidding-This is where the bid set (the CD set with all the comments from the city have been incorporated) is now sent out to have contractors bid on the project.
Programming -Where our team works with you to establish the requirements to make your new space work for your needs. This includes clarifying the specific rooms or spaces needed, size of each, and most important, the relationship between the spaces and how the interact, or how they do not interact with one another.
As Designed Record Drawings -Things can come up during construction and things can change. If you request a copy of the final set with the approved changes incorporated, we are happy to help get you that. These are very helpful if in 10 -15 years you need to renovate, you will not be starting the entire process over.
Third Party Review -Reviewing design sets from other professionals that you have hired, acting as the third party licensed professional at owner determined intervals
Owner representative-Just as it sounds, working directly for the owner, as a professional, in order to help the project team compile all materials needed for a complete permit
-package submittal to compile all necessary components for a complete submission, coordinating city review comments with project team to maintain a cohesive response to aid resubmittal
-Client representative during commission and council hearing meetings as necessary