Building Design is the center of Gienapp Architects’ practice. We believe it’s about providing innovative solutions to renovation, building design and tenant fit-up problems. That’s why we will work closely with you to fully understand your project needs, constraints, goals and vision as a basis for our design. We provide design services ranging from building envelope and core plans to building design, all the way through interior design and fit-up as needed. We pride ourselves on always using the latest software in the field, such as Building Information Modeling software to provide virtual 3D prototypes.
As part of our traditional architectural services, Gienapp Architects provides project management services throughout each step of our process. Whether managing budgets, schedules, cost estimates, value evaluations, procurement or contracts, our team is thoughtful and provides superior communication. Gienapp Architects also offers Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) services for projects whose architectural and engineering services are provided by other firms. In these cases, services we provide may include any or all of the following: programming, developing and monitoring project budget and schedule and peer review of design and construction documents.
Gienapp Architects performs feasibility studies to determine the highest and best use of a site. Whether it’s looking at the cost-benefit analysis of reclaiming a basement as occupied space or determining the maximum development potential of a large parcel, we can help you determine the scope and direction of your projects. At times, this formal feasibility study can be a vital step to securing project funding and determining next steps.
Master planning is done to provide an overall guide for development and improvements anticipated to occur in multiple phases over time. While conventionally applicable to a large parcel with multiple buildings, it also applies to buildings that are larger than their apparent needs. As part of master planning, Gienapp Architects will work with you to determine the best allocation of various program components (including layout, circulation paths, optimum siting, etc.), while developing a program for future growth.
There are many factors that make a site appropriate for a specific use. Gienapp Architects may work with one or more consultants to obtain various levels of technical information that are then used to determine the suitability of a site for a specific use. Factors may include conditions such as slope, zoning regulations or already-existing buildings on a site.
Gienapp Architects offers independent code review and evaluations. These are typically performed to address a compliance concern or to provide a greater understanding of existing triggering thresholds that can expand a project’s scope of work. As part of this process we examine building code requirements, building permit requirements and accessibility standards in order to get a full picture of the work required to address all applicable issues.
Gienapp Architects can evaluate your existing building or site to determine whether renovations or further development is practical. This step is often a precursor to Building Design, a Feasibility Study or Site Selection Analysis and frequently done in association with the purchase of a property.
Whether your project is an office, light industrial building or educational facility, Gienapp Architects can work with you to understand your operational and space concerns. Based on that information, we can then define the design criteria for the spaces required to satisfy your operational needs.
Gienapp Architects has long-term relationships with many capable contractors. Together, we offer Design/Build or even turnkey services. For certain projects, this can offer the benefit of rapid completion times, single point responsibility and cost control.