Facility Architect
and Facility Design Services
Architectural firms tend to be either design firms or service firms. Both have their advantages. The latter is the firm that thinks of itself as primarily providing a service. Their service orientation means they do a good job at being responsive to the client and of being competitive but because design is not the priority, it may show in the projects. A design firm thinks its primary service is design and it shows in their work. Other services such as construction documents are merely tasks that must be done to deliver a well designed project.
As a design firm, Hayden Architecture realizes it's true strength is in project conception and schematic design. As a result it has a number of clients where it's role is facility architect. At right is an overview for the role of a facility architect.
This approach is not new. Most landmark buildings, for example museums, are done by two firms - one is always a design firm, the other is a local firm, often a service oriented firm but not necessarily so. The separation of design service from documentation service is also the predominate mode of architectural practice in much of Europe.
Limitations of hiring Project by Project
Even when working for the same client for a number of years, project based hiring keeps big picture thinking off the radar. However, in the broader role of facility architect, the architect is hired for the long haul usually on an annual basis. It allows broader thinking to establish design standards to guide multiple new projects. The facility architect’s focus is on consistent facility design, ease of management, and simplified facility maintenance. In addition the ongoing relationship allows the development of client specialized knowledge and the refinement of design standards. None of this is available to project based consultants.Why a Facility Architect
How it Works - Coordination between Architects
The role of facility architect must be self-limited and assume control of only those items necessary for the completion of the design goals and allow the documentation firm to function as the project architect. It is good to think of the facility architect as a design consultant to the project architect, not for parallel services but supplemental to their services. The project architect will be providing the record drawing set and incorporating the provided drawings from the facility architect.The project architect will review the provided details for compliance to local construction codes prior to inclusion in permit drawings. Liberty is given for modification of standard details that do not alter function or appearance (such as changing the underlying construction). Should the project architect feel a change is required that does impact the function or appearance, then the facility architect reviews the change prior to implementation in the final drawings. It is beneficial to hear suggestions for making any aspect of the design better. Otherwise unrestricted use of any provided materials is provided if used for the specified project. The project architect will typically have full control of the structural, mechanical, plumbing and electrical distribution design. In most cases they will also be providing all permitting and construction administration services. If the facility architect is active during construction, then it will only be through the project architect.
Services of the Facility Architect
Project Design
Design quality / design consistency is why we are asked to participate as facility architect. Typically we will design the project but the production of the construction drawings could be done by others. In some cases, the majority of the final documentation will be done by us and given to the project architect. Standard details are provided to maintain consistency of function and appearance. This is particularly efficient with clients having out of state projects.Develop Facility Standards
In the broader role of facility architect, it would be requisite to establish facility standards to guide new facility construction to the benefit of management, maintenance, and consistent facility design. This would include typical standards for doors, lighting (especially lamping type), finishes, trim, and signage. Depending on the project, this could also include site and building design guidelines.Beyond design, The facility architect has the opportunity to develop manufacturer relationships so same source ordering can occur for multiple projects on specialized components - increasing quality and decreasing the complexity of site construction.
RFP Project Description
The project layout and project standards described above would result in a document that could be the “project description” given to the local project architect. It could readily become the centerpiece of an RFP for other architects to bid the construction documents. This allows for competitive bidding of the drawings components, where most of the hours are. The winning architect for the construction document service would be provided CAD details to integrate into their drawings.Project Representation To Architectural Consultants
It is preferably that the facility architect be the owner’s representative to the project architects and direct their services. This insures the design concept is carried through to the details and for some clients it is a burden lifted. In that role the facility architect would review developing drawings and answer questions concerning design decisions.Architects having architects as clients works very well, they speak the same language, and from personal experience, I consider them to be the best of clients because of their full understanding of the profession. The facility architect should make every effort to create efficiency for the project architect since they exactly what is needed and when.