Historic Preservation and Adaptive Use
Licensing and Careers in Architecture
Sustainability and Green Building
Hill Elementary School
Austin, Texas
The end product of our design services varies greatly from client to client, but each project starts with one common element. Architecture begins with a great idea, philosphy, or unifying force from which the design will develop. We are trained to view design problems with a critical eye, filtered with experiences and influences from many sources. Drawings, models, and specifications are merely the instruments used to transfer our ideas into reality. We are hired to consider design issues from every angle, develop the best solution within the parameters of the project, and follow-through to completion of construction. Because the design and construction industries are constantly changing, we work at all stages of the construction process with clients, from the early planning and programming until the project is completed by the contractor. Since each project is unique, we tailor our services to the client's timeframes, budget, and desired level of completion. Architectural design phases define the progress of a project. The following phases are universally used by architects to describe the process of designing structures. On each of the MRGA project sheets, for example (as seen in the Portfolio), we have indicated the design phases completed. The phases are: Schematic Design (SD): Design Development (DD): Construction Documents (CD): Bidding and Contract Negotiation (BID): Construction Contract Administration (CA): For more information on architectural services, see: For guidelines in working with contractors, go to: For more information on what architects do, go to:
We typically begin work developing a program with the client which includes the functions, goals, budget, site requirements (including building code, zoning, and accessibility issues), and design expectations. Design sketches or feasibility studies are developed as a series of concepts for approval by the client. Preliminary estimates of construction cost may be included by request of the client.
At this stage, we finalize the design concept using accurate square footages in detailed floor plan and site plan drawings. Elevation sketches are developed to show the exterior appearance and composition of the project. The selection of building materials, structural and mechanical systems, and methods of construction are developed during the DD phase.
The bulk of our work is performed during this phase as we finalize the drawings and specifications. Specifications are detailed written requirements describing the standards for materials, equipment, and systems. The CD package is sealed by the architect and engineers at the completion of this phase.
Putting the project out for bid by contractors may be handled by the owner or the architect. Changes made to the contract documents at this phase are typically called addenda.
The CA Phase allows the architect to visit the construction site at regular intervals to observe the overall progress of the work. While this phase is sometimes omitted by the client to decrease the cost of design fees, the architect's involvement during construction is essential in order to ensure that design expectations are met. By being available to answer the contractor's questions throughout the construction, we can help avert and remediate costly mistakes and ommissions.
American Institute of Architects (AIA) website
AIA Austin website
Managing Contractors Guidelines
AIA Access website
Historic Preservation and Adaptive Use:
Members of our firm have been involved in historic buildings documentation through experiences with the Historic American Buildings Survey, the Winedale Institute in Historic Preservation and the Texas Historic Resources Foundation Fellowship. In Colorado, we worked on adaptive use projects in Boulder and Denver. We can offer a variety of services, such as measured drawings (HABS) and photographic documentation; historical research on buildings and structures; photographic surveys; adaptive use of historic structures; conservation standards, particularly for recent materials; advice on historic designations, historic districts, and historic zoning. Our specialty is buildings from the recent past (1950s - 1960s), which are gradually becoming designated as historic properties.
For general information on historic preservation issues, go to: For information on historic renovation guidelines, go to: To find out about the Historic American Buildings Survey (established in 1933) go to: The Library of Congress maintains the HABS / HAER Collection at:
Preservation Texas website
Heritage Society of Austin website
Texas Historical Commission website
The Recent Past Preservation Network website
The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation website
Technical Preservation Services website
HABS / HAER website
Library of Congress HABS / Haer Collection website
Licensing & Careers in Architecture:
To find out more about licensing of architects and interior designers in Texas, go to: To learn more about national certification through NCARB, go to: To find out about careers in architecture and design, go to:
Texas Board of Architectural Examiners' website.
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards' website
Bureau of Labor Statistics website
Accessibility: To find out about accessibility regulations required for most non-residential projects, go to:
Texas has some of the most stringent regulations on new construction projects and renovations in order to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) Architectural Barriers website.
Sustainability and Green Building: For more information on sustainability programs and the Green Building Directory, see: The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) administers the national sustainability standards, called the "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" (LEED) Rating System. Madison and Bess Graham are accredited by the USGBC as LEED 2.0 Professionals. Information on the USGBC and LEED may be found at: Another useful source of information on sustainability is:
While working on Hill Elementary School, we gained experience in working on Indoor Air Quality issues and coordination. Some of the best sources for information on mold contamination and other IAQ issues are: A technical handbook: Moisture Control Handbook: Principles and Practices for Residential and Small Commercial Buildings by Joseph Lstiburek and John Carmody. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1993. A series of books for various climates: Builder's Guide: A Systems Approach to Designing and Building Healthy, Comfortable, Durable, Energy Efficient and Environmentally Responsible Homes. Westford, MA: Building Science Corporation, 2000. These books are available through Building Science Corporation. An excellent action kit for schools dealing with indoor air quality issues is called Indoor Air Quality: Tools for Schools which may be ordered (Order #055-000-00563-0) from the U.S. Government Printing Office by calling: (202) 512-1800. The best website on mold issues is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website.
|
 |
|
Disclaimer:
|
| Home | About Us | Portfolio | Company |
© 2006 MRGA A R C H I T E C T U R E. All rights reserved.