METHODOLOGY FOR PROVIDING
ARCHITECTURAL/ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES

In general, Canova Associates’ methodology for providing Design Services is to proceed with the tasks in accordance with the following process:

Step One - Refinement of Design Criteria

The first and one of the most important steps in the design methodology is to accurately define the specific design criteria of each included element and/or space.

To establish this criteria, a draft report or program defining in detail the Architect’s understanding of the requirements of each function, space and element, will be prepared. This report will be forwarded to the Client with a request that it be reviewed, in detail, by all appropriate parties.

This report will attempt to discuss each space (interior and exterior) in relation to all critical aspects of its use. Aspects to be addressed will include but not be limited to:

• Theological and liturgical requirements (where applicable)
• Specific functional uses (could be multiple)
• Capacity of spaces for each type function
• Relationships between spaces
• Visual and aesthetic aspects
• Interior and exterior traffic patterns
• Furnishings and equipment to be accommodated
• Requirements for maintainability
• Special finishes
• Energy and environmental control requirements

Once the report has been fully reviewed by the Client, we again meet to discuss all comments and establish a common understanding of what is expected of the design. The report is revised to reflect this understanding and becomes the basis for preparing the schematic design.

Step Two - Schematic Design

During this stage, conceptual or schematic drawings and documents will be prepared specifically addressing program requirements and will define:

• Site development concepts
• Two and three dimensional spatial relationships
• Visual and aesthetic characteristics
• Relationships between new and existing construction (where applicable)
• Budget estimates based on current square foot and unit costs

These schematic solutions will be reviewed with the Client. Adjustments and revisions will be made as required.

Special Note: In addition to the specific review sessions mentioned in steps two, three and four; you can anticipate requests from us for informal reviews throughout the process. Any key design decision not previously discussed will be brought to the congregation's attention at the time it arises.

During the schematic design phase, we also commence a continuing dialogue with Local officials to assure smooth coordination with all zoning and building regulations.

The approved documents from this phase become the basis for step three, the design development phase.

Step Three - Design Development

Design development phase is the refinement of the conceptual solution in terms of the requirements established in the design criteria. During this phase, standards of quality are established and defined through coordination of specific details of construction including:

• Design of key theological features (where applicable)
• Selection of basic materials and methods of construction
• Definition of environmental criteria
• Determination of specific structural systems
• Comparison and selection of the appropriate power, lighting, plumbing, drainage, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
• Selection of basic finishes

This data will be presented to the Client, along with updated budget estimates, in the form of drawings and outline specifications, supplemented by necessary catalog cuts, technical data and samples as required to present a clear and complete understanding of the project for review and approval.

Adjustments identified in the review process will be incorporated and the documents revised to reflect the approved approach.

Simultaneously with the development of the design development documents, we will work with the Client to establish a select list of general contractors to be considered for the construction contract.

The approved documents from this phase become the basis for step four, the contract documents phase.

Step Four - Contract Documents

The contract documents phase is the time when all specific details of construction are fully defined. This is accomplished through development of detailed drawings and written specifications.

The drawings specifically establish the physical details of assembly of the different components of the facilities in a clear, concise and organized framework to insure that the Contractor has a complete understanding of the task.

The specifications spell out, in detail, those aspects of the project which cannot be defined by the drawings. They establish (1) the procedures for bidding and administration of the construction project (2) control standards for specific products and methods of construction and (3) detailed requirements of specific components and systems to be incorporated in the project.

The Client will be continuously informed of progress during this phase and notified of any adjustments in estimated budget costs.

Upon completion of the documents and approval by the Client, application will be made for building permits and drawings put out for bidding to the selected General Contractors.

Step Five - Bidding

During this phase, the Architect will assist the Client in:

• Requesting bids from the General Contractors
• Distributing and maintaining control of bid documents
• Coordinating and communicating with General Contractors
• Preparing and issuing any addenda, as required
• Receiving and evaluation of proposals for construction
• Making recommendations with regard to the award of the contract for construction
• Conducting final negotiations with selected Contractor
• Preparation and execution of the agreement between the Client and the General Contractor

Step Six - Construction Administration

Upon selection of a General Contractor and award of the contract, an initial project meeting will be held with Architect, Client's representative, General Contractor and key sub-contractors to review procedures, establish lines of communication and identify any potential problems that could affect timely and efficient completion of the project as defined.

During construction, the Architect will represent the Client to the Contractor with regard to construction of the building and will keep the Client fully updated on the progress.

Coordination and control is accomplished through combination of activities to include:

• Review of samples, shop drawings and submittals
• Periodic review of construction
• Review and certification of payment requests
• Preparation of final color and finish schedules
• Preparation of change orders (if required)
• Weekly unannounced site visits (plus additional visits when required at critical phases)
• Formal monthly progress meeting to update schedules, coordinate upcoming work and identify potential problems affecting the work
• Weekly reports of construction progress

Step Seven - As-built Documents

A designated set of documents will be maintained on-site for identification of any adjustments made during construction. Upon completion, documents will be revised, based on this record, to reflect the work as completed. A copy of these "as-built" drawings will be provided to the Client for record and maintenance use.

Step Eight - Post Construction Services

Two additional site visits are made after completion of construction to review any deficiencies that may have arisen during the one year warranty period. We conduct the first of these visits at approximately 6 months from the date of substantial completion. The second takes place in the month prior to the expiration of the warranty.

All deficiencies noted during these visits are recorded and forwarded to the General Contractor for corrective action under the terms of the warranty.

Providence United Methodist Church