Projects are fed by client interaction and participation in the development of a space that reflects the unique business flow of the individual client. MOA understands that every client conducts business in their own unique way and the space they construct to reflect their business needs will need to fit within a specific budget.
MOA’s success lies in its combination of listening skiils, design expertise and knowledge of construction budgeting. MOA has the experience of being involved with over 2 million square feet of interior build outs.
An example of how the Interior Architecture Process could look like would be as follows: (Phases may vary depending on the client and proposed usage of the space)
Lease & Due Diligence
Once we have the data of an architectural program in hand , we can assist our Client’s in “shopping out” spaces and performing preliminary test fit plans to confirm that a particular site will meet the Client’s needs. During the leasing process, we can also provide property condition assessments to ensure the shell space and infrastructure meet the client’s needs and have no hidden costs (such as replacing a mechanical system, reinforcing structure, installing a new roof, etc). Once we have assisted the client in compiling and presenting a due diligence report, the Client and their team can make very informed decisions in acquiring or leasing a new site.
*Hidden trapped water damage discovered during inspection*
*3D rendered model displaying rough layout of interior*
Schematic Design
General design ideas, concepts and draft layouts, are presented and developed with our clients during this phase, schematic design, which provides a rough sketch of how the building will be organized and what the building will generally look like. This process ensures that the building requirements set forth in the program are clearly understood by the entire team well before construction documents are produced. Zoning and permit requirements will also be confirmed as it affects the scope of the project. Eventually, a design layout materializes, is approved by the team and then the next phase of Design Development can begin.
Design Development
Once a design layout is chosen by the client, the design is developed into a working set of plans and elevations. Such drawings. models, and other material to give a general sense of what the final building will include and provide an updated budget when sent to the client’s contractor for an updated budget. This opportunity for design and budget review can make a big difference in assisting the client understand the size, quality, and cost of a project before the contract documents are completed so that any necessary changes can be made to the drawings prior to construction.
Should a project require, MOA can also assist the client in creating furniture, finish and branding standards.
Once the budget and overall design is reviewed and approved by the client, the Construction Document Phase can start.
*Various sets of plans and elevations shown through a multitude of media for clients to give a scope of how the project will look*
Construction Documents
Plans, elevations, and other drawings are refined from the approved Design Development plan, to produce a set of drawings and specifications that will be used to file permits, bid and ultimately erect the space.
The drawings and specifications represent a legal definition of what the contractor will build, along with other documents produced during bidding, known collectively as the contract documents. A complete, full set of construction documents helps minimize unforeseen problems and cost overruns during construction.
MOA understands that every project is “one of a kind” with no prototypes to precede it. We spend a great deal of effort to ensure that construction and design methods are feasible, instructions on the documents are clear & easy to read (to limit the risk of mistakes) and time is spent with the contractors to ensure they comprehend the build.
Part of this phase also involves leading and coordinating other team members on a project such as structural, mechanical, data wiring, furniture, audio visual, marketing and the landlord.
Bidding / Negotiation / Contract Award
At this point, we have requested preliminary bids and schedules along the way, in the earlier phases, to keep a pulse on the budget and timeline to ensure the project is going in the right direction. Now it is time for a detailed bid process from multiple contractors to create a competitive forum in bidding the final contract documents.
MOA shall prepare a bid form for the contractor that separates different line items of work so that the client can see the value of each distinct task being proposed. The bid form shall also establish unit prices for different tasks to be performed to minimize the risk of change order price fluctuations.
First, Magnum Opus will begin by reviewing the list of bidders, provided by the Client, and vet them to ensure that they are qualified for the project. Then we will distribute the bid packages to the vetted bidders.
MOA will schedule a pre-bid walk through with the Client’s selected bidders a couple of days after they have received the documents. During the meeting we shall review the scope of work outlined in the contract documents page by page and then walk the site with all the bidders and review the scope of work a second time in the field.
Any questions from prospective bidders shall be clarified in the form of addenda to all bidders.
Once the Client has received the bids, MOA can review the bids to ensure the proper scope of work has been priced and we shall then create a bid tabulation spreadsheet for side by side comparison. After the Client has reviewed the bid tabulation along with MOA’s comments, an interview of the most promising bidders can take place that will ultimately decide the contractor to be awarded the project.
An AIA contract between the Client and the selected Contractor shall be prepared by either the Client’s attorney or by MOA for the Client’s attorney to review and comment on.
Construction Contract Administration
The architect serves as the client’s advocate during construction to ensure the Client is getting what they are paying for and that the contractor is building faithfully to the drawings and specifications.
MOA performs several different tasks during this phase, ,all of which are, to ensure the project is constructed properly, quality standards are held, specified materials are installed, schedules are met, and budgets are followed.
On Site Project Meetings
MOA will visit the Project site regularly to become generally familiar with the progress and quality of the work and to determine if the work is proceeding in accordance with the Construction Documents. Based on such on-site observations, MOA shall keep the Client and entire project team informed of the progress, quality, defects and deficiencies in the Work in the form of Field Reports.
Shop Drawing & Submittal Review
Shop drawings may be requested as part of the contract documents for certain items that require a specific expertise from the contractor or their subcontractors. Those drawings are reviewed to confirm how the contractor proposes what it intends to construct or what it or its subcontractors have designed. The shop drawing review and approval process formalizes the method for a contractor to demonstrate how it will accomplish these design obligations. The submittal process also allows MOA to review the design and make sure they comply with the design intent on behalf of the client.
Submittals may be requested in the form of specification sheets, purchase order receipts or actual samples. These submittals are another layer of the process that MOA performs to minimize risk in the form of delays or costs associated with the wrong product being installed.
Punch List
MOA shall review the final placement of all construction and observe the Work to determine if the quality, assembly and function are in order. The Architect shall prepare a “Punch List” of incomplete or unacceptable work and forward that to the Client and Contractor. Upon receiving a written statement from the Contractor or Construction Manager that the “Punch List” work has been completed, MOA shall perform a final walkthrough to verify the completion of the items listed on the “Punch List”
Requests For Information
Since every project is a custom, one of a kind endeavor MOA will be required to provide a constant flow of information to the contractor during the course of construction. This information may be a clarification to the contract documents or a solution to an unforeseen site condition that impacts the work. The responses may be in a narrative form or may be in the form of supplemental drawings.
Reviewing Contractor’s Applications for Payment
MOA shall determine the amounts owed to the Contractor, based on observations of the progress of the Work, and shall issue recommendations for payment to the client determined to be appropriate.
As Built Documents/Project Close Out
Once a project is fully completed, MOA can produce a set of “as built” documents that reflect any changes that were made in the field for the client’s use. These documents may include drawings, specification sheets, warranties or manufacturer contacts. Items that the client will require to operate and maintain their project in the future.