As part of basic architectural services, MBA-Architects provides the following:

   1. Master Planning
   2. Programming & Design
   3. Construction Documents
   4. Construction Administration

To compliment our architectural services, MBA-Architects provides the expertise of a dedicated Construction Services Department to monitor project progress and performance. We also offer in-house MEP Engineering, Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Facility Consulting (roofing and exterior envelope) and Technology Consulting.

 

Master Planning
MBA's master planning services are comprehensive in nature. Our firm believes in a streamlined process that encourages proactive participation from all vested "stakeholders" and end-users.

MBA's master planning experience is extremely diverse. The firm has been involved with master planning efforts for commercial developments, municipalities, higher education institutions, and public school districts of all sizes. MBA specializes in long-range master planning processes that culminate in 10-15 year long-range capital improvement plans.

Programming and Design
Over the years, MBA has mastered a unique, client-centered approach to design that encourages heavy end-user involvement. MBA's design philosophy is simple: we put our own interests behind the goals and programmatical interests of the client. When we're finished, it is our intent to have delivered a solution that reflects the goals of the Owner, not MBA. MBA's Charrette Process solicits input from all interested parties, and makes it a priority to get everyone involved in order to establish an ongoing consensus throughout design.

 

Programming

• Work with Owner to clarify and define goals pertaining to programmatical issues, functionality, budget and schedule

• Before design, work with Owner to identify and establish a Design Committee

• Facilitate Design Committee interviews to understand needs and goals in terms of areas, square footage requirements, adjacencies, priorities, etc.

• Compile and distribute findings in published notes and spreadsheet format (Specifications)

• Work with Owner and Design Committee to adjust needs to be consistent with overall project goals

 

Field Trips

• To further educate the client on today's designs and issues that are becoming tomorrow's design solutions, MBA offers to host a tour of existing facilities. During the tour, information is gathered including site plans, floor plans, cost data, construction delivery methods, evidence-based planning techniques and technology network systems.

 

Charrette Process

• Charrette Process encourages participation from any and all parties interested in the design of the project.

• Schematic Design booklet is produced and distributed, capturing the overall "vision" established during the Charrette Process.

• Approved schematic design is further developed into a formal Design Development presentation to the Design Committee - in this phase, room layouts are finalized, exterior elevations are clearly described, casework and wall outlets are located, inter-discipline coordination is begun, typical details are developed and outline specifications are included.

 

Construction Documents
In order to assure error-free plans and specifications, MBA initiates a multilevel quality control program from the very beginning. Every set of drawings generated at MBA is submitted to our internal Quality Information Control Center (QuIC2). This Department is dedicated exclusively to quality control. The QuIC2 Department maintains a checklist of items to review, keeps up with the latest construction methodologies and products, and ensures MBA's drawings meet the highest standards of quality.

Construction Administration

From the very beginning of construction, MBA places an anticipatory focus on potential delays. During construction, an experienced on-site Field Representative is assigned to monitor daily progress of each project. In addition, MBA's Project Manager continues their administrative control and documentation of the project throughout the construction process. MBA's guidelines for construction phase services are summarized below:
 

• Frequent site visits by field personnel as appropriate to each phase of construction

• Continuous on-site observation during all concrete pours

• Inspections and subsequent written reports prior to any "cover up" (i.e. trench backfill, concealed plumbing connections, ceiling installations, etc.)

• Regularly scheduled job site meetings with Owner, contractor's Project Manager, and MBA field personnel during duration of construction

 

MBA gives particular emphasis to its on-site services to ensure that the construction work is proceeding in accordance with the documents, and that the client receives the benefit of optimal contractor performance.