The Process

Schematic Design

The CHA process begins with extensive analysis of the project needs, including interview with the client, client representatives and end users. Through these interviews, we gain insight into functional, aesthetic, and budgetary expectations and requirements. Once the needs are determined, CHA will provide design solutions  that fulfill those needs through a schematic exploration of available options. This explorations will include analysis of applicable codes and ordinances, existing conditions, such as site characteristics, utility availability and location, and other items that might affect design decisions.   Conceptual drawings are then presented to the client and feedback is solicited.   

Design Development

Once the team has decided on the conceptual design solution, CHA goes to work effecting the design into working drawings that can be priced and constructed. This is the point that the consultants are released for design, full code review is performed, products are researched and materials are selected. 

Construction Documentation

This is the stage of the process where all the design work, product data, and individual elements are merged together into one cohesive package.  Typically developed into construction drawings and specifications, all the details of the design are consolidated, detailed and coordinated. This stage of the process involves the most effort on the part of CHA and involves extensive drafting, research, design and quality control. The result of this effort is a set of documents that can be bid and used for construction. This set of documents serves as the “rules” for the building’s construction and quality and clarity of the documents is essential to the success of the project, which explains why this stage of the project is the most lengthy phase with the exception of the actual construction. 

Bidding and Negotiating

Once the building’s parameters are established through the production of bid documents, CHA explains the various methods of contracting for construction. Together the CHA team will establish which method will most benefit the client and the solicitation of quality contractors will commence. CHA will serve as liaison between the owner and the contractors or subcontractors during this phase, answering questions, issuing addenda, and facilitating and announcements and communication pertaining to the project. While this phase is typically short, communications and documentation is critical in ensuring that equal bids are obtained for evaluation. Upon the receipt of the bids, in whatever form they might occur, CHA assists the client in the selection and contracting with the selected entity.  CHA has full and unlimited access to the wide range of AIA (American Institute of Architects) Contracts, a set of documents that was developed by attorneys representing owners, architects and contractors whose collaboration resulted in a set of contracts recognized as the industry standard. 

Construction

The buildings construction is the transitional phase from concept to reality. You will see your vision literally rise from the ground, and while the plans have been established and produced, the work of CHA does not end at ground breaking. We provide continued service through construction, again providing the knowledge of the “rules” and providing administrative services to you the client. Site observation, progress meetings, shop drawing reviews and other construction related services are vital to the successful implementation of the construction documents to ensure a quality result and a successful conclusion to the process. 

Post-Occupancy               

Even after the building is occupied, the CHA team will react quickly should any warranty covered deficiency be discovered or question regarding system operation or maintenance arise.  In addition, we will check in periodically to evaluate whether the design decision made were effect and have stood the test of time.