Why Choose Allen + Pepa Architects?
Allen + Pepa Architects provides a full range of architectural services includes master planning, facilities analysis, adpative reuse of existing buildings, new construction, interior, and construction management of our own projects.
1. Programming and Pre-Design Services
Our Architects define the client and end user's needs in written and graphic form, including definition of all spaces, adjacencies and utilitarian requirements. Zoning and site parameters are also solidified during this phase.
2. Schematic Design
Through multiple design cycles, we generate a detailed design of the proposed project which includes all of the space delineated, the exterior design and elevations worked out, and all engineering systems blocked out. An initial construction estimate can be done near the conclusion of this phase. If the project is not on budget, we are not out of Schematic Design.
3. Design Development
The Architects coordinate all site and construction systems with the assistance of civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) Engineers. A systems analysis report and/or updated drawings are done. Energy conservation parameters of the building and MEP system parameters are also summarized. With this specific systems information, a detailed cost estimate can be done to conclude this phase.
4. Construction Documents
Architects and Engineering consultants create the definitive "blueprints" for bidding, permit and construction. A contract is written with the contractor as defined by these drawings.
5. Bidding / Negotiation
The Architects can facilitate the competitive bidding process with some simple processes to assure the lowest responsible bid. An introductory contractor meeting, addenda and a definitive process help to assure a transparent bidding process and that the contractor's contract will be done correctly. Permits are often obtained during this same time. By the end of this phase, the final construction contract drawings will be completed.
6. Construction Administration
Our Architects support the Contractor's efforts by approving shop drawings and observing the construction in the field. Payment application review and final punch-lists follow to close out the project. These risk management services enhance communications and greatly help to facilitate the work.
How the project will be designed and constructed, or the project delivery method, is an important decision made by every owner embarking on a construction project. With a variety of delivery methods in use today, it is possible to tailor a delivery method that best meets the unique needs of each owner and each project. Some of the most common project delivery methods are the following options.
Design-Bid-Build
Design-Bid-Build is characterized by its three phases:
1. The owner engages the architect to design and prepare construction documents.
2. The documents are used for construction bidding.
3. The owner hires the contractor to build the project.
This is the conventional method, and it is common to all types of undertakings, particularly those initiated by public clients who are required to select the low-bidding contractor.
Construction Manager as Advisor
A construction manager who acts as an advisor to the owner is added to the team, with the architect and contractor generally maintaining their conventional roles. The CM is added either at the outset or once design is complete. When hired in the initial phase, the CM-advisor will oversee design in terms of its implications for cost, schedule, and constructability. Construction documents are used for construction bidding a contractor is selected with advice of the construction manager. the construction manager stays on as advisor through the completion of construction. Since this method adds a consultants and the associated fee, it is more appropriate to large, complex projects.
Construction Manager as Constructor
The Construction manager is hired to act as the project coordinator and the general contractor. This method is contractually similar to design-bid-build, has the advisory benefits of CM-advisor, and involves the early cost commitment characteristic of design/build. The CM-constructor may be hired to deliver the building for a guaranteed maximum price or to handle the process of multiple bid packages to manage costs. In either case, the construction manager assumes all the liability and responsibility of the general contractor which is why the method is also known as Construction Manager at Risk. Typically, scope of work documents are prepared when the architect has the design about 65% complete, and the project is bid in order to select the CM-Constructor. When Construction Documents are complete, the CM-constructor will generally rebid all of the construction to other contractors. This method is common among owners for whom cost, schedule, or construction is expected to be complicated to manage, as when a project will be fast-tracked.
You Work Directly with the Principal of the Firm
Architectural design and permit documentation require a detailed understanding of the clients' needs, clear solutions for resolving complex code issues, and definitive detailing of the project for contractors. A&P prides itself on our Client interface and high quality contract documents.
"Connections throughout Kane County"
Our individual firms started around 2000 and merged in 2007. Lane and Eric's architectural work grew out of our personal relationships with the Fox River Valley communities and within Kane County, IL. We have grown used to working with Clients and Code Officials in many other cities, counties, and out-of-state projects.
"Great Staff"
All of our staff have many years of experience and are well-trained to expedite all aspects of the work, from design, detailing, and through construction.
"BIM is Awesome"
Our implementation of 100% Building Information Modeling (BIM / Revit software) allows more comprehensive and detailed solutions to complex projects as well as quick project turn-around. Quality Control is enhanced because we are in Revit. In our Zoom meetings, we prefer to have the Client see the 3-D design and detailing of the project, which helps the client relate to the work effort.
"Architecture is a Team Sport"
By collecting consensus with the Client, Engineers, Zoning and Building Department Officials, and Contractors, we can make sure the client's vision is brought to life more successfully. Preparation for meeting with up-to-date drawings, agendas, meeting minutes, etc. are important ways to expedite this process.
"The Power of the Line"
Eric and Lane were trained in the early 80's and are exceptional at hand sketching. This allows for constructive client meetings and attractive drawings that are part of the "fun" of architecture.
"Great Architecture is Local"
All of our staff are exceptional at hand sketching. This allows for constructive client and contractor meetings. Sometimes, a quick 2D and 3D sketch can answer complex questions and can be understood better than hardlined drawings.
How Can the Architect Help to Define your Budget?
As Architects, we look forward to hearing the Client's essential vision and seek out the general to specific solutions to meet the Owner's needs. Typically, definitive site and building plans are assembled to obtain the applicable design requirements and square footage of the project. From that, an estimator can provide Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Document "Opinion of Probable Costs of Construction". 16-Divisions Scopes of Work and Specifications are also helpful in further defining the proposed construction solutions. Our Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Engineers' drawings and specifications are also critical in this effort. We routinely work with professional estimators, contractors, or Construction Managers to develop project estimates and can update them throughout design phases to ensure your project stays on budget.
How Can the Architect Help to Protect Your Budget?
We endeavor to bring to light as much comprehensive documentation as possible to the Contractors at each design cycle, as noted above. We strongly encourage that a Financial Contingency be a part of the estimating process to account for unforeseen design and construction issues. For instance, the following contingencies are appropriate:
-25% contingency added to Schematic Design Budget
-20% contingency at Design Development
-15% contingency at Construction Documentation
-10% minimum contingency at the end of Construction Bidding
-The contingency decreases accordingly as the project scope and details get finalized and as the Engineers' drawings catch up to the Architectural Documents.
LEED - Leaders in Energy & Environmental Design
Allen + Pepa Architects is proud to offer state-of-the-art building technologies that focus on conservation design strategies and address the 6 major LEED Categories:
- Sustainable Sites
- Water Efficiency
- Energy and Atmosphere
- Material Resources
- Indoor Environmental Quality
- Innovations in Design, Operations, and Upgrades
Enterprise Green Communities - Energy Star
The perimeters of Enterprise Green Certifications are similar to LEED, but not as laborious to meet. The Essence of the certification is that all aspects of the projects must meet Energy Star ratings- lighting, conservation design, HVAC, water conservation systems, etc. Criteria categories area:
- Integrative Design
- Location and Neighborhood Fabic
- Site Improvements
- Water Conservation
- Energy Efficiency
- Materials Beneficial to the Environment
- Healthy Living Environment
- Operations and Maintenance
Energy Management
Allen + Pepa Architects has a Commercial Energy Auditing division, Intelligent Energy Solutions (IES), which is an experienced provider of energy auditing and building performance assessments for multi-family and commercial buildings.
IES evaluates buildings to determine ways to increase their energy efficiency, long-term durability, indoor air quality and comfort level by analyzing all of the building's systems. A typical IES energy Audit includes the following:
- Thermal Imaging Analysis: A thermal-imaging camera is used to clearly identify areas of poor insulation, infiltration or construction systems that act as thermal bridges.
- Utility Bill Analysis: IES assessments of two year's worth of the building's current gas and electrical use will critically analyze % of use per month relative to the local degree-days and the local seasonal utility rates.
- HVAC & Electrical Evaluations: IES can evaluate a building's HVAC and electrical systems to determine if they are operating at their most efficient, and to determine improvements that will increase energy efficiency
- Energy Conservation Report: An IES assessment will contain a custom Energy Conservation Report that includes detailed information on your current energy use, an in-depth evaluation of building deficiencies, and expert-detailed recommendations of how to increase efficiency, improve building durability, and reduce energy costs
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BIM / Revit
Allen+Pepa Architects is pleased to offer our drawing services using BIM- Building Information Modeling. This is a new technology that is a substantial shift from traditional computer aided drafting (CAD).
CAD uses vector-based lines to represent objects. BIM uses 3-D model representations of the actual parts and pieces used to build a building.
With BIM the design team builds a virtual 3-D model of the building. Plans, elevations and details are created simultaneously and automatically updated as changes are made. In addition, material quantities and building componates are listed as the drawing progresses, providing automatically updated information for construction cost estimating.
BIM makes it possible to manage projects with greater certainty, improve the accuracy of estimates, and protect against cost overruns. It provides a platform where the designers, engineers and contractors can collaborate to improve the productivity and efficiency of the whole team.
Matterport
One of the first steps in any remodeling project is quickly and accurately measuring and redrawing the existing building. While a building owner may have drawings from original construction or from past projects, such drawings aren’t always perfectly accurate, and it can take days to perform a manual take-off of a building. A thorough building take-off should also include images of nearly every view of the building for the design and construction teams to reference throughout the project. Matterport is an all-in-one measuring and imaging tool that uses laser and lidar to generate a 3-dimensional scan of the building and an online-hosted walkthrough of all measured spaces. The laser scan automatically generates a type of digital model called a point cloud, which we can upload to our drafting software and use to create our Revit model.
Matterport greatly increases the efficiency and accuracy of our existing conditions take-off, leading to fewer field verifications during design and fewer revisions during construction. The virtual walk-through remains a long-term resource that can be sent to the owner, engineers, contractors, and sub-contractors allowing them to virtually tour the space and revisit it any time they wish.
Realistic Rendering
While views like floor plans, sections, and elevations are essential industry standards for construction documents, they are not always the most intuitive for understanding how a space will actually look and feel after it is finished. Therefore, renderings become a crucial drawing type, allowing clients to see into the future of their new building. Our rendering software Enscape integrates seamlessly with our drafting software allowing real-time rendering updating and quick visualization during the design process. Then, for presentations of the design to project stakeholders, photo-realistic renderings can be generated for an even clearer picture of how the space could look when built and occupied.
2022 Kendall County Historic Preservation Commission Award
Awarded by the Kendall County Board for Adaptive Reuse of a Building and in Appreciation of Efforts to Preserve the History of Kendall County, IL
2014 Mayor’s Award for Historic Preservation
Awarded by the City of Aurora for the Savings And Trust Bank Building, Aurora, IL
2009 Daniel Burnham Award
Awarded by AIA Illinois for the Donovan Bridge, Batavia, IL
2008 Project of the Year
Awarded by American Public Works Assoc. for the Donovan Bridge, Batavia, IL
2001, 2002 and 2008 Ole Award for Outstanding Batavia Architecture
Awarded by the City of Batavia for Thomle Building Restoration, American Cancer Society Building and the Donovan Bridge
2006 Illinois Main Street Excellence Award - Historic Renovation
Awarded by Elgin MainStreet for Elk's Lodge, Elgin, IL
2006 Illinois Main Street Excellence Award
Awarded by Elgin MainStreet for Block Walk Report, Elgin, IL
2003 Outstanding Professional Member
Awarded to Lane Allen by American Institute of Architects, NEI
1999 Outstanding Facility
Awarded by Illinois Parks and Recreation for Niles Health and Wellness Center- Niles, Illinois (Lane Allen-Construction Architect for Burnidge-Cassell lAssociates)
1998 Outstanding Facility
Awarded by Illinois Parks and Recreation for Eastside Community Center, Batavia, IL (Lane Allen-Design Architect under Burnidge-Cassell Associates)
1997 Honors Award
Awarded by American Institute of Architects for Shannon Residence, Sister Bay, WI
A+P has served many corporate clients over the years. Utilizing the latest 3D modeling software, our processes allow for fast and easy project prototyping, while facilitating excellent communication between owners, contractors, and building departments.
Here is a sampling of some of our clients.
1. Is There Any Difference Between the Construction Documents, the Bid Documents, the Permit Documents, or the Contract Documents?
These all are conceptually the same thing depending on where one is in the process. Once we complete the drawings and specifications, "Contract Documents", they go In-For-Permit and Out-to-Bid. Once they are vetted, we have a Permit and a designated Contractor. They are "Contract Documents", or a Legal/Contractual description of the work. The project Craftsmen as well as the Building Inspectors work off the same documents for getting the work completed and approved.