In our opinion, the development of the methodology at the project’s commencement is the most important single step in the project. The joint development in conjunction with the owner will establish the process for dealing with the complexities and parameters of a project.

COST CONTROL
Our project team is concerned and committed to project cost control. We strive to complete the project within the capital expenditure limits established by the owner. A strong concern is to optimize long-term life cycle benefits by examining alternatives that produce the best balance between capital expenditures and operating costs. In addition, the project team will provide information on the status of the project budget regularly and in sufficient detail to enable decisions to be made by the owner to forecast and monitor project construction costs.

PROJECT DETAILS
The individuals assembled for the project team are extremely sensitive to the many elements and requirements of a building project. The detail and incorporation of these items contributes to effective design, cost control and durability of the project. We believe that close scrutiny of all project details and requirements will provide the best opportunity for a successful project and the most reliable form of quality assurance so critical to a project.

COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN
The use of computer aided design and drafting will produce significant benefits in terms of accuracy, reduced costs, improved coordination and flexibility in arriving at a viable solution. The development of the contract documents and specifications is greatly enhanced by the use of CADD for an improved and optimum coordination of the architectural/ structural/ civil/ electrical/ mechanical details and elements developed for a project. The greater production rate and reduced turn around time will help us assist the owner in meeting the constraints and goals in an efficient manner.

CORRESPONDENCE
Smith/ Burgett Architects, as a member of the American Institute of Architects, utilizes the standard documents that have been developed and tested by the AIA over the years and widely accepted throughout the construction industry. We typically receive all communications, submittals, shop drawings, payment requests, etc. from the contractor. The owner is always advised of any questions, interpretations, or decisions that would have any effect on the project. Copies of all shop drawings, product submittals, performance data, etc. are always sent to the owner for their review and files for future reference. Transmittal letters are always included indicating a description and any action taken or required by the owner. All correspondence is expedited as quickly as possible in order to maintain the construction schedule.

PROGRESS MEETINGS
Throughout the construction process, we like to schedule monthly progress meetings. At those meetings, those participating in the project discuss the close monitoring of the construction progress by the project team. Typically questions, concerns, scheduling problems, etc. are addressed with appropriate action taken to assure that the project is on line, in both schedule and costs. In addition, pay requests, schedule of values and lien waivers are submitted by the contractors and reviewed by those participants for accuracy and compliance with the requirements as established by the owner. An additional construction progress meeting can be scheduled, if desired by the owner, every other two weeks to discuss only the progress of the construction process itself. We have found that during certain phases of the work, that it can be beneficial to those individuals involved in the project. For example, during the installation of finishes, there is a greater change in the visual appearance and it is to the owner’s benefit to be available to monitor and discuss any pertinent questions or concerns that need to be addressed with appropriate action taken.